Roofing Storm Damage: Insurance Claims Do's and Don'ts

Your roof takes a beating all year round. From hot summer days, getting hit by hail, to freezing temperatures. The biggest uncertainty is knowing whether or not to get your insurance company involved in the repairs. Having a professional on your side that specializes in storm damage and insurance claims, like North American Contractors, can make the world of difference. Let's talk some do's and don'ts if you do need to file an insurance claim.

1. Don't dismiss minor damage.

Damage from hail can be hard to detect, especially if you are trying to assess the damage from the ground. Minor damage can still be costly if it goes undetected. Always schedule a professional roof inspection after a hail storm. A reputible company, like NAC, always offers free inspections - so you should never have to pay for this. There are a few indicators that you may have sustained damage. One, check your downspouts. Are you seeing granules running down from your roof? And second, are you noticing repairs and/or roof replacements in your neighborhood? If your neighbors are getting a new roof or having repairs done, there is a good chance your roof was impacted as well. Remember, some hail damage is hard to detect even with a trained eye, so having a professional roofer perform the inspection is the best and safest option. 

2. Have a roofing contractor that specializes in storm damage perform the inspection.

Not all roofing contractors are created equal. Some will tell you to file a claim with your insurance company even when you don't have enough damage. No one benefits from unecessary insurance claims on your policy. So, at NAC, we provide you with honest feedback. We are trained to identify damage properly and diagnose issues that are in line with the insurance company guidelines. This means you have a better chance of having a successful claim. 

3. Have the roofing contractor present during the adjuster's inspection.

This is crucial! An experienced roofer will work with the adjuster to make sure your roof is properly assessed. For example, during major storm events, insurance companies sometimes bring in out-of-state adjusters to help handle the additional work load. These adjusters may not be familiar with local building codes. If it very rare for us at NAC to NOT have to file a supplement with the insurance company. Meaning, there were items missed on the adjusters initial report that we have to point out to make sure they are covered. This way your roof is repaired or replaced according to the newest code guidelines. 

4. Don't get lost in the paperwork of the claim.

Keep careful track of all claim-related information, including dates and claim number. Also ask lots of questions to make sure you understand the payout process. Some insurance adjusters will write a check immediately after the assessment. Others may put the claim to review and then issue a check later.

An experienced roofing storm damage contractor will have the expertise to work with the insurance company. At North American, our office can handle much of the paperwork for you, eliminating the stress and time involved in handling everything yourself.

At NAC, we offer free, no-obligation inspections and can work with your insurance company to ensure your roof is repaired or replaced properly. If you are interested in a free inspection, please fill out our online form or call us at 1-317-787-5211.