The Do’s and Don’ts of a Hail Damage Insurance Claim
It’s vital to make sure your roof gets fixed soon after a storm to avoid bigger problems and more expensive repairs. In this article, Coleman Roofing, the area’s trusted roofing contractor, shares some tips on what you should do and shouldn’t do when filing a hail damage insurance claim.
What You Should Do
1. Document
Take pictures of your home and make sure you have close-up shots of the areas with hail damage. Note the time and date of the damage and request for a storm report from the National Weather Service. This way, you’ll have verified information like the size of hail during the storm. If immediate repairs had to be done, make sure to keep the estimates, invoices and receipts.
2. Contact a Trusted Contractor
Hire a professional roofer to conduct an inspection. Make sure they are qualified and experienced in hail and storm damage repair. Also, check if they are licensed or certified in the state. You can also look them up on Better Business Bureau to see if there are any outstanding complaints against them.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once your contractor is done assessing the damage to your home, call your insurance company and start the claim process. Prepare your documentation and your homeowner’s insurance policy. Make sure to note your claim information and claim number as well as the dates, times, and the names of the representatives who have spoken with you. Lastly, set an appointment for the adjuster and the contractor to meet and review the damage.
What You Should NOT Do
1. Do Not Hire Storm Chasers
Ensure you’re not dealing with storm-chasing companies, which visit areas recently hit by a storm looking for business. Typically, these contractors perform shoddy work or skip town after getting paid. To avoid falling victim to this kind of scam, verify the contractor’s business address and other information about them.
2. You Don’t Have to Hire a Contractor Referred by Your Insurance Company
You don’t have to hire any contractor recommended by your insurance company. Keep in mind that you are free to choose any qualified company to handle your repair work.
3. Do Not Accept Your Insurance Agent’s Offer if It Doesn’t Cover the Work Needed to Repair Hail Damage
Submit your documentation and the estimates provided by contractors to support your claim. If you have concerns regarding your insurance company’s manner of handling your claim, you can hire a licensed public adjuster to help you out. Licensed public adjusters negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf so that you can get a fair payout.
Coleman Roofing delivers top-notch work and superior customer service. Our expertise includes various roofing systems, awnings, gutters and patio covers. Call us at (225) 379-7663 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We offer our services to homeowners in Baton Rouge, LA, and nearby areas.