After A Storm

[Feathers and Fins]

Its storm season and I just wanted to take a few minutes of your time to try and give you some advise in case you are hit by one as to how to protect yourself and speed the insurance process along.

This is more for wind and hail.

If you do get hit by wind or hail, beware of storm chaser contractors they will be out in force and promising you the world. The first thing to know is Hail will not wear out a roof to the point its leaking the next week or month even. You have time to get it fixed and fixed right.

So knowing you have time what you should do is simple. Call in a claim to your agent and get the process started. An adjuster will be sent out to your house. If you do not agree with his evaluation you have the right to call for a re-inspection.

Let’s assume he totals out the roof and now you need a contractor, most insurance’s have a list of contractors they have verified to be licensed, insured and bonded. You can contact your agent or even ask the adjuster who those companies are. ( not all adjusters will know as during a large storm event they bring in adjusters from around the country )

The adjuster should be able to leave you a pricing breakdown of the work needed to be done, A.K.A. Scope. A contractor should do the job for the price of the work scope plus code upgrades. All you should have to pay the contractor is the amount of the claim plus you’re deductable. While I’m on the deductable subject YOU ARE RESPONCIBLE FOR THAT AMOUNT! Any contractor telling you they will save you the deductable is committing Fraud and so are you! Don’t fall for the sign in the front yard for a fee game insurance companies are using their fraud units and prosecuting.

The only amount you should be out of pocket is that deductible UNLESS you upgrade to a different product or there are damages not storm created, a reputable contractor will be able to talk to the insurance company for you to get payment for code upgrades and unforeseen damages from the storm.

That’s the basics and will get most people the damages repaired. If you have questions post them here and I will try to answer them.

Just an FYI if you live in NW Arkansas there are still storm chasers out from last years storms canvassing the area. Don’t let them scare you into filing a claim. If one of these guys comes through make them get on your roof and take pictures of what they are calling hail and then make them show you in a HAAG ENGENEERING BOOK that it is hail. I will be blunt I’m getting tired of getting on roofs behind these salesmen and having to explain to home owners they do not have damage. I hate frauds and scare tactic salesmen and I am seeing it daily from these canvassing salesmen.