26 Sep How To File A Claim With Your Insurance Company
We have complied a list of what to do, and what not to do, when filing a claim with your insurance carrier in regards to storm damage on your property.
Think you have storm damage?
First thing is first. Contact a local and reputable roofing contractor, to come out and give you a free roof evaluation to see whether or not you have enough or any damage. A thorough inspection of your roof is needed, and if damage is found, a complete list of roofing materials will be needed in order to establish a complete estimate. No sense in filing a claim if you do not have damage. When you call the roofer, make sure they do not charge you for this evaluation! Do your research on any roofing company you call. Make sure they are licensed, insured, and that you and your contractor are a good fit.
If your roofer evaluates your home and finds that there is extensive damage, it is time to call your insurance company and proceed with filing a claim. They will process the claim and pass it to their claims department at which point your claim will be assigned to an adjuster who will inspect your home himself. We always recommend having the roofing contractor there with the adjuster to discuss the findings instead of having to play phone tag.
Know how much your deductible is and try to have the contractor work it out so that is the max out of pocket expense you incur.
Interesting Information:
Did you 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? This is why it is very important to have your home evaluated after a storm.
You have hail damage, now what?
Beware of storm chasers who come to town after a big storm and start going door-to-door. You want a local, licensed roofer to handle your claim. Someone who can be there to honor the warranty or handle any issues that may occur.
Do not accept the insurance adjuster’s initial scope of loss if it does not fully outline the scope of work that your contractor has indicated needs to be addressed. Should the insurance adjuster’s figures not align with the repair costs needed, work with your contractor to ensure all is accounted for before inception of work.
Call us today at 866-592-3632 to schedule a free evaluation of your roof and property.