When a storm hits, the aftermath can be a stressful time. The damage to your property can be extensive, and the process of filing an insurance claim can seem overwhelming. As Professional Roofing Consultants with years of experience in the insurance industry, we’ve seen the many mistakes people make when filing claims, and we’ve seen customers dropped by their insurance company for filing claims when it was inappropriate. In this article, As your guide we will provide you with valuable tips to make the process of filing an insurance claim after a storm as smooth as possible, and help you get the compensation you deserve from your insurance policy.
Tip #1: Have a Contractor Do an Inspection for Damages Prior to Filing a Claim
The first tip is to have a roofing contractor inspect your property for damages prior to filing a claim. An experienced roofing contractor will be able to identify all the damages, including hidden damages, that could impact your claim. Many people make the mistake of filing a claim before they have an accurate assessment of the damages, which can lead to underpayment or a denied claim. Therefore, having a roofer inspect your property is critical to ensure that you get the right compensation for the damages sustained.
Tip #2: Document All Damages with Photos and Videos
The second tip is to document all damages with photos and videos. This evidence is crucial when filing a claim because it provides proof of the extent of the damage. Make sure to take clear photos and videos of all the damaged areas, including the roof, windows, doors, and any other damaged structures. Ensure that you take enough photos and videos to cover all the damage thoroughly. Also, if you can take photos during the storm, or find and save images from social media that show the impact of the storm in your area, this can help to provide evidence of the severity of the storm.
Tip #3: Contact Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible
The third tip is to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurance companies have a time limit for filing claims, so it’s important to act quickly. Be prepared to provide your insurance company with all the information they need, including the date of the storm, the extent of the damage, and any documentation you have collected. Make sure to keep a record of all conversations you have with the insurance company and note down the names of the representatives you speak with. When homeowners wait to file a claim after a storm, they also end up discovering that roofing contractors are starting to get backed up and it could take longer to get repairs scheduled.
Tip #4: Have Your Contractor Onsite When the Adjuster Comes Out
The fourth tip is to have your roofing contractor onsite when the insurance adjuster comes out to assess the damage. Your contractor can help point out any damages that the adjuster may miss and provide an estimate of the cost of repairs. Remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company, and – though they may be trying to serve their customers – their primary objective is to minimize the insurance payout. Having an experienced roofing contractor onsite can help ensure that you get the full compensation for all the damages sustained.
Tip #5: Keep Track of All Expenses Related to the Storm
The fifth and final tip is to keep track of all expenses related to the storm. This includes the cost of repairs, temporary housing, and any other expenses you may incur as a result of the storm. Keeping detailed records of these expenses will help ensure that you get the full compensation you are entitled to under your insurance policy. Keep receipts and invoices related to the expenses and make sure to keep copies of all the documentation.
In conclusion, filing an insurance claim after a storm can be a stressful and overwhelming process. However, by following these tips, you can make the process smoother and increase the chances of getting the right compensation for the damages sustained. Remember to have a roofing contractor inspect your property, document all damages with photos and videos, contact your insurance company as soon as possible, have your contractor onsite when the adjuster comes out, and keep track of all expenses related to the storm. With these tips, you can ensure that you get the compensation you deserve to repair or replace your property.
Not all storms merit an insurance claim
It can be easy to get caught up in the hype of seeing your neighbors filing claims and getting paid by their insurance company to make repairs to their home, but damage doesn’t happen equally to all the properties in an affected area. It is important to consult with reputable roofing contractor who can give you advice prior to filing a claim with your insurance company. Things to consider prior to filing a claim are the extent of the damages, how much is your deductible and how many claims have you filed in the past. If the damages to your property were minor – it might score negatively with insurance companies, if you file a claim. Also, if the cost of damages turns out to be close to or less than the amount of your deductible, you may find that you went through the trouble of filing an insurance claim, while still having to pay most of the cost of repair out of pocket anyway. Lastly, it is wise to keep in mind that insurance companies have ratings on their consumers and they pay attention to the frequency and type of claims their customers file. So, you want to ensure that when you do file a claim you do it wisely and you come prepared to state your evidence about the reason you decided to file a claim.
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American Modern Roofing
7330 Tulagi Trail
Rockford, IL 61108
(630) 580-8661
Proud to be the experienced roofer in these communities:
Belvidere, Byron, Candlewick Lake, Cherry Valley, Davis Junction, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Rockford, Roscoe, and Northern Illinois
