Homeowners in West Palm Beach, Florida, know the importance of a solid roof—especially during hurricane season. But what happens when the cost of roof repair exceeds your home insurance estimate? Whether you’re dealing with a shingle roof damaged by a tropical storm or aging tile that’s cracked and leaking, the scenario is more common than you’d think. With Star Roofing, we’ll walk you through the steps to take when roofing costs outpace your insurer’s payout, while helping you avoid costly missteps.
Understanding Insurance Estimates for Roof Repairs
An insurance estimate for roof repair is calculated after an insurance adjuster inspects the damage and applies cost data based on labor, materials, and scope of work. However, these estimates often underrepresent real-world roofing costs, especially in high-demand areas like Palm Beach County.
Why the Gap Happens
Several factors can cause discrepancies between roofing contractor quotes and insurance payouts:
- Inflation in materials like asphalt shingles, underlayment, flashing, and decking.
- Local labor shortages, especially after a storm surge or hurricane.
- The insurer uses generalized cost software like Xactimate that may not reflect current market rates in West Palm Beach.
- The adjuster may miss hidden damage such as decking rot, underlayment failure, or flashing corrosion.
What to Do If Your Roof Repair Cost Is Higher Than the Estimate
If your roof repair quote exceeds your insurance estimate, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to bridge the gap—and possibly get more from your insurer.
1. Get a Second Roofing Quote
Start by getting multiple quotes from licensed roofing contractors in West Palm Beach. Local companies like Tiger Team Roofing, ABC Roofing, or Roofing by Curry know regional building codes and pricing. If your contractor finds more damage than the adjuster did, they may document and justify the higher cost.
Tip: Choose a roofer familiar with insurance claims. They often have experience negotiating supplements.
2. Request a Supplement From Your Insurer
If new damage is uncovered during repairs, your roofer can help you file a supplemental claim. This is common in insurance processes and often covers things like:
- Hidden water damage
- Roof decking replacement
- Code upgrades required by Florida Building Code (FBC)
Your roofer will submit documentation and photos to the insurance company for reevaluation.
3. Review Your Policy for RCV vs. ACV
Check if your homeowners insurance policy covers Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV):
- RCV pays the full cost to repair or replace the roof with similar materials, minus your deductible.
- ACV subtracts depreciation based on the roof’s age and condition, often leaving you with less coverage.
If your roof is older, say 15–20 years, you may only qualify for ACV, which could explain the low estimate.
4. File an Appeal or Hire a Public Adjuster
If you disagree with the insurer’s estimate, you have the right to dispute the claim. Start by submitting:
- A written appeal with contractor documentation.
- A comparison estimate.
- A detailed explanation of why the estimate is insufficient.
If you’re still denied, consider hiring a public insurance adjuster in West Palm Beach. These professionals work on your behalf (not the insurer’s) and usually charge a percentage of the recovered amount.
Important: Florida law caps public adjuster fees at 10% for declared disasters.
Florida Roofing Laws and Protections for Homeowners
Florida laws provide several protections for policyholders facing underpaid roof claims.
Assignment of Benefits (AOB)
Under Florida Statute §627.7152, you can assign benefits of your policy to a contractor, allowing them to deal directly with the insurer. This can help streamline the process—but beware of unscrupulous contractors who may inflate costs.
Right to Mediation
Through the Florida Department of Financial Services, you have the right to free mediation for disputed property insurance claims. This gives you a chance to resolve the issue without litigation.
The Cost of Roof Repairs in West Palm Beach, FL
West Palm Beach roofing costs vary by material, pitch, and damage extent. On average:
- Shingle roof repair: $450–$1,200
- Tile roof repair: $600–$2,500
- Flat roof patches: $300–$900
- Full roof replacements (if repair isn’t possible) can run $7,000–$25,000+
If your insurance estimate is, say, $4,000, but your contractor quotes $7,500, you’re not alone. West Palm Beach residents face rising labor and material costs—especially after events like Hurricane Ian or Tropical Storm Nicole.
Tips to Prevent Future Underpayment on Roof Claims
To protect yourself in the future, consider the following:
- Keep maintenance records and roof inspection reports.
- Take before-and-after photos after any storm event.
- Request annual inspections, especially before hurricane season.
- Ensure your policy includes code upgrade coverage.
- Consider inflation protection riders.
West Palm Beach Roofing Companies That Work With Insurance
Some local roofing contractors specialize in insurance-related work:
- Star Roofing
- Kelly Roofing
- Perkins Roofing
Look for companies that are licensed, bonded, and BBB accredited, and ask if they offer insurance negotiation assistance.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve
When asking, “What if roof repair costs more than insurance estimate?”, remember: you have options. From supplements and disputes to public adjusters and legal rights, West Palm Beach homeowners aren’t at the mercy of lowball estimates. Take control by gathering detailed documentation, working with reputable local contractors, and standing up for your rightful coverage.
The roof over your head is too important to underfund. With the right approach, even when insurers underestimate, you can bridge the financial gap and secure a durable, storm-ready roof.