Dos & Don’ts of Homeowners Hail Damage Insurance Claims
Thankfully, most of us don’t often have to deal with filing a homeowner’s insurance claim due to storm damage. However, the consequence of this is that when the need arises, the learning curve can be steep. Having been in business over 45 years, we’ve helped countless homeowners with such claims and we’ve seen firsthand the consequences of failing to act appropriately after a hailstorm. Because life’s too short to make all of the mistakes yourself, allow us to share the do’s and don’ts of homeowners hail insurance claims.
Contact Your Insurance Company & Reputable Contractor
DO contact both your insurance company and a reputable contractor as soon as possible after the damage occurs. This holds true especially if a large geographical area was affected as most contractors and insurance companies operate on a first come, first serve basis. In the Midwest, where winter affects the ability to safely install a roof, this can mean the difference between getting your roof installed in the fall or the following spring.
DO arrange a time for you, your spouse, a reputable contractor and the insurance adjuster to meet to discuss the claim. In cases where large geographical areas are affected, some insurance companies bring in adjusters from out of state. It’s a lot easier for a contractor to voice any concerns, like the effect of hail on your home, with the adjuster’s findings face to face than it is to do so via phone after they’ve returned to their home office in another part of the country.
Understanding Your Home Insurance Policy
DO keep a copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy and carefully consider the coverage you need before purchasing. Should you need to file a hail damage roof insurance claim, have the policy handy so that you understand what you are entitled to in terms of compensation.
Get The Facts On Your Roof Warranty
DO know that the manufacturer’s warranty on items such as gutters, roofing, and siding are typically voided if you experience hail damage and do not have the affected portions of your home repaired or replaced.
Avoid Storm Chasing Contractors
DO NOT sign with the first company that comes knocking at your door offering to assist you. Once massive damage occurs, storm chasing contractors from all over the country set their GPS systems for the affected area and start going door to door trying to sign as much business as quickly as they can by promising potential customers the world. Oftentimes, they disappear before work has been finalized or perform subpar work that may not be evident until a couple years down the road when you have no way of contacting them again…if they are even still in business. Learn how to identify the signs a contractor may be a storm chaser.
Review Adjuster & Contractor Estimates on Hail Damage Insurance Claims
DO NOT accept the insurance adjuster’s initial offer if it does not fully encompass the scope of work that a contractor informed you needs to be performed or properly compensates for premium improvements you have made to your home. If the insurance adjuster’s amounts do not correlate with the improvements that need to be made, you have the right to hire an independent adjuster and submit their findings to your insurance company and ask for a new payout amount. If these efforts do not produce results, you have the option to hire an attorney or contact your state’s insurance commissioner’s office to file a dispute with them.
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, slightly the homeowner through subpar materials and shortcuts. Hiring your own contractor means that their incentive is to satisfy you over your insurance company. Use these tips to find a roofing contractor to help with your hail damage roof insurance claim.
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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.
