If you own a home long enough, damage is probably going to occur. Whether it is damage from a fire, from hail or snow or wind, or even water damage from plumbing issues, something will happen, and you will have to pay for it in some way.
What if you have insurance, though? What is the process for getting the costs of repair covered by your insurance company? The process may be different depending on what, exactly, the damage is, but for the sake of this post, let us assume it is a roof issue that is plaguing your home. For this scenario, let’s say that a hail storm came through, accompanied by extreme winds, and now you have leaking from your roof, maybe a few missing shingles and assorted other damage.
Step One: Identify The Issue
Before you call your insurance’s claims department to file a claim, it’s important to know if there is actual damage needing repair. In some cases, you will know that there’s damage; a lot of missing shingles, a noticeable hole in the roof, a lot of water coming through the ceiling, things like that. In other instances, you may need to hire a roofer to get up on the roof and take a closer look. You might want to call a roofer if:
- Your roof is nearing the end of its useful life cycle. If your roof is between fifteen and twenty years old, and you’ve just begun to notice leaks, you may need a roof inspection.
- Your roof is leaking and you’ve just had a wind storm that tore off shingles. Not just missing one or two shingles, either, but missing quite a few shingles.
- Your roof has a leak and you’ve recently had large hail. Large hail is quarter-sized or bigger. If you’ve had minor hail, even if it was an extended hail storm, you need not worry.
- The rest of the neighborhood is getting roof replacements and repairs performed due to a recent storm. If your neighborhood has recently been through a rough storm, and there are adverts on every door and in every mailbox for roof repairs, it may be wise to get a roofer to inspect your roof.
If you are uncertain that you have a problem, you should first contact a roofer or contractor, not your claims company. Do not file a claim if you are not certain that you have a proper basis for the claim. Many insurance companies keep permanent records of every claim you file, and if you file too many, even if they don’t pay out on the claim, they may simply cancel your policy. If you’re unsure, confirm that you have damage first, then file your claim.
When getting an inspection, especially if the damage is not obvious, it is important that you use someone you can trust. Be sure to use a contractor or roofer with experience, to avoid filling a claim only to have it rejected. You can always check for online reviews, or use Angie’s List or similar services, to ensure you have a contractor you can place your full trust in.
Step Two: Choosing Your Contractor
You can seek multiple estimates from multiple contractors for the work needed, but eventually, you must choose someone to do the work. When you are ready to choose a contractor, be sure to have them sign as a representative for the insurance claim, so that they can also work with the insurance adjuster.
Step Three: Filing The Insurance Claim!
To actually file the claim, you can either use the insurance company’s website or call their claims department. In some cases, you may even be able to file a claim with the use of an app on your mobile device. This will include talking to an insurance adjuster about the damages and may even include them coming to the house to view the damage themselves.
They will give you a claims number. That claim number will be important throughout the process as if it were the title of your claim. Be sure to keep track of the claims number, and to provide it to your representative, if you elect to have one.
Step Four: Settling The Insurance Claim
Your contractor will have provided the insurance adjuster with an estimate for the cost of the work they will do (in this case, replacing the roof). They will debate the cost, and in the end, come to an agreement about the compensation for the work. The insurance company will cover everything except for the deductible on your premium.
Step Five: Repairing Your Home
Now the contractor will set about performing the repairs, and the insurer will make payments as arranged, leaving you, the homeowner, to pay the deductible. Your home will undergo repairs making it fit for residence once again.
Throughout the whole process, one of the best things that you can do to reduce stress and hassle to yourself is to find a contractor who has a long history of dealing with insurance companies as a representative. Such a contractor will be able to help you to streamline the process and make it simpler for you.
Reach Out for Help
If you’re filing an insurance claim, you’re already having a difficult day. There’s no reason to make it harder for yourself. Follow these steps to make the process easier. Additionally, we can help you out. Contact us today to discuss your repairs and claim.
