Dos & Don’ts of Homeowners Hail Damage Insurance Claims
For more than 45 years, we’ve helped homeowners deal with hail insurance claims. We’ve also seen what can go wrong after a storm. To help you avoid common mistakes, here are the do’s and don’ts of homeowners hail insurance claims.
Contact Your Insurance Company & Reputable Contractor
DO contact your insurance company and a reputable contractor as soon as possible after the damage occurs. After major storms, contractors book up fast. Insurance adjusters do too. In the Midwest, winter weather can delay roof work. Acting quickly can help you avoid waiting until spring for your roofing project.
DO set a time for you, your spouse, a reputable contractor, and the insurance adjuster to meet. After large storms, insurance companies often send adjusters from out of state. Meeting in person helps your contractor explain issues like the effects of hail on your home. This is harder to do later by phone after the adjuster has returned to their home office.
Understanding Your Home Insurance Policy
DO keep a copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy and carefully consider the coverage you need before purchasing. If you need to file a hail damage roof insurance claim, have the policy handy so you understand what you’re entitled to.
Get The Facts On Your Roof Warranty
DO know that manufacturer warranties on items such as gutters, roofing, and siding are typically voided if hail damage occurs and affected areas are not repaired or replaced.
Avoid Storm Chasing Contractors
DO NOT sign with the first company that knocks on your door after a storm. After widespread hail damage, storm-chasing contractors often move quickly through affected areas and promise fast fixes.
These companies may leave before work is complete or perform work that fails later. Homeowners often have no way to contact them once problems appear. Learn how to protect yourself from storm-related contractor scams and how to spot the warning signs of storm-chasing contractors before making a decision.
Review Adjuster & Contractor Estimates on Hail Damage Insurance Claims
DO NOT accept the insurance adjuster’s first estimate if it does not reflect the full scope of work your contractor recommends. Initial estimates may miss damage or fail to account for upgrades you’ve made to your home.
If the numbers do not align, you have the right to ask questions and request revisions. In some cases, homeowners choose to work with an independent adjuster or pursue additional review through their insurance provider or state insurance office.
Properly Vet Contractors
DO NOT feel forced to use a contractor referred to you by the insurance company. Oftentimes, their motivation is to complete the work as cheaply as possible, shortchanging the homeowner through subpar materials and shortcuts. Hiring your own contractor means their incentive is to satisfy you rather than the insurance company.
Use these tips to find a roofing contractor to help with your hail damage roof insurance claim.
Get a Behind the Scenes Look at Storm Damage Repair Completed by our Team:
Helping You Navigate Storm Damage Repairs:
At Lindus Construction, all of our estimators go through extensive training and possess the knowledge to identify storm damage to your home. This is one of the many reasons why we receive excellent reviews. We are able to help you work with your insurance company to get your home restored as soon as possible. Our full service construction company is ready to help you with your storm damage and hail insurance claim needs.
