| Storm Damage Insurance Claims5 Most Important Things
5 Most important things to know if you have storm/hail damage: As seen in the "Industry Tips" section of the 2008 Better Pages directory from the Better Business Bureau.
1. Before filing a claim with your insurance company, call a storm restoration contractor to come out to your home to do a free inspection. This way if you do not have any damage there is no sense in filing a frivoulous claim.
2. If you do have enough damage that justifies filing a claim, make sure you have the contractor you intend to make repairs meet with your insurance adjuster when they come out to inspect your home. In spite of the fact most insurance adjusters try to be thorough and accurate, legitimate damage gets overlooked more frequently than it should. If you do not have your contractor present when your adjuster comes you are doing yourself a disservice. If your contractor is not willing to meet your adjuster or does not seem like they can communicate professionally to your adjuster you may want to keep shopping for the one that will.
3. There is no need for you to get a bunch of "bids", your insurance company dictates the price. Experienced storm restoration contractors will agree to work out any pricing differences with your adjuster. You should also receive in writing that all you will be required to pay is your deductible.
4. Be leery of any contractor who promises you will not have to pay your deductible or is too willing to give away "free upgrades". Why would a reputable contractor need to bribe you to use them? We get calls all the time from homeowners who received "too good of a deal" from a roofer and now their roof leaks and the contractor will not respond or went out of business.
5. Most insurance companies pay claims using a 2 check system. You will usually receive 50 - 70 % up front. When all repairs are complete your contractor should fax a final invoice to your insurance adjuster to release the remaining funds. Your insurance company will only pay the amount it cost you for the work that was complete. If your contractor is charging you less than the insurance allotment for the work completed your insurance company keeps the difference, not you.
You can rely on Signature Home Services, LLC to guide you through every step of the construction phase. We provide the services you need to get your project off the ground.
Call us today at 651.731.1147 for a FREE inspection!
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