After the Storm: What to Know When Filing a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim

The unthinkable has happened: you need to replace your roof because of storm damage. As anyone who has had to deal with filing a homeowners insurance claim can tell you, insurance companies require quite a bit of footwork to get claims processed and approved before you can sit back and relax to the sounds of roofers repairing your home. Making a mistake in the claims process can lead to delays in payment or even denial of claims. So lets talk about what you need to know when filing a claim with your insurance company.

First, make sure your insurance will cover the damage
Before you go all the way through the claims process, figure out if your damage is covered and how much your insurance company will pay. Some policies take the age of your roof into account, and pay out accordingly. If your roof is 10 years old, they can claim that it had already depreciated a certain amount, and only partially pay for a new one.

Have your documentation ready to go
In the claims process, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure which is why you should have before pictures of your house before the storm hits. After a claim is filed, most insurance companies may send out an inspector to survey the damage for themselves, and any damage they deem to not be storm related wont be covered. Be sure to document and record the damage as well as repair estimates from roofing companies, bills, or invoices. There is no such thing as too much information.

Make sure your contractor has worked with insurance companies
All insurance companies will want an estimate from a professional roofing contractor, and choosing one with insurance experience can help guide you through the claims process. Some contractors even going as far as having Certified Public Adjusters on staff specifically to help with insurance claims which can prove a powerful ally in the claims process.

At Claim Consultants, we work with you from start to finish to ensure your home or commercial property gets the repair necessary. Book an appointment today to get your quote. 

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