Most storm damage will result in an insurance claim, as storms are a covered peril under almost every homeowners insurance policy in almost every state. Sometimes a higher deductible will apply to different kinds of storms - for example, wind and hail claims - and some insurance policies will pay for certain types of damage only. It can be very difficult for an inexperienced homeowner to navigate this process effectively. A qualified roofer or restoration contractor will have the experience and the skills necessary to ensure that the proper repairs are executed and, more importantly, paid for by the insurance company. Most of these contractors will work on a contingency contract basis, so if you’re a homeowner who has suffered damage you often need not worry about being scammed by storm chasers and other bad actors. A contingency contract usually comes at no risk to the insured homeowner: it will essentially say that the contractor will perform the work prescribed by the insurance company and the homeowner will pay his or her deductible and not a penny more. In situations like this, homeowners have peace of mind knowing that their interests and the interests of their contractor are aligned: the contractor wants as much work as possible, and that means more repairs and new construction for the homeowner’s property.

 

 

Insurance companies are used to working with restoration contractors after catastrophic weather events - it is a massive industry, and it is normal for contractors to work with insurance companies on the insured homeowner’s behalf. However, there are certain legal restrictions on how far this representation can go. Most states have laws that prohibit contractors from discussing matters of policy and coverage with their customer’s insurance company. That means that if there is a disagreement on the scope of work and what work ought to be covered under the claim, the contractor is very limited in what he can do for the homeowner. There is a more specialized professional - the public adjuster - who has the training and licensing and skillset to negotiate matters of coverage and policy on behalf of homeowners. Public adjusters are licensed by the state Department of Insurance and are specialists in property insurance, policy language, coverage and even construction and restoration work. A public adjuster works for the policyholder (the homeowner) the way an insurance adjuster works for the carrier (the insurance company). These two adversaries are used to working with each other and they will resolve claim disputes by considering the policy and coverage in question.

Most public adjusters also work closely with contractors to help their clients get the work done once the claim has been settled. An insurance company can refuse to work with a contractor if there is a dispute, but they cannot refuse to work with a public adjuster who is a legal representative of the insured homeowner. So if your claim is being disputed by your insurance company, or if you just want to get out ahead of any potential dispute to ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your property damage, consult with a public adjuster or a roofing restoration contractor who works closely with one. A homeowner partnered with a qualified contractor and an experienced public adjuster can rest assured that their property damage will be repaired and their home will be restored perfectly and without issue.

 

 

We are all busy with our daily lives and it can be hard to know the condition of your roof and siding, so if a storm hits your neighborhood make sure you contact a professional for an inspection. This is the best way to know whether or not you have damage before your house starts leaking or your exterior starts falling apart. Even if you think you can “patch things up” yourself, talk to a professional to see whether or not that is the best idea. In many cases, the best idea is to fully replace damaged roofing and siding so that you know your home is protected for the long-term. A short term fix can often cause much larger problems down the road, and at that point it could be too late for a claim, which means you may be stuck paying for the full scope of work out of your own pocket. If you may have storm damage, find out for sure today: contact your trusted, local contractor.