Hail Claims - Do's & Don'ts 2

Clint C. Blackman III

Do’s & Don’ts

Remember, at least half of what you see as your home...is your roof. Take some time to see that you get what is right for your home.

Don’t get bullied by “door to door storm chasers” who will tell you that you had better sign up for repairs now before all of the roofing materials are gone. It is usually best to employ a local roofer after you have verified their references and selected your replacement roofing materials in writing.

Do employ a water removal/ restoration company if necessary, but be sure to use a well known company and get a written contract containing an explanation of the costs of services. Get business cards from everyone representing the company and the names of employees who are working on your job.

Do contact your home owner insurance carrier as soon as reasonably possible for assistance. Report the storm as a claim and request an adjuster evaluate the loss.

Do not let anyone talk you out of filing a claim. Weather related claims are not “charged” against you. Be prepared to identify your name, your address, and your policy number. When asked about the extent of damage, tell the adjuster that you do not know for sure the extent of damage to your roof. You will be asked for the age of your roof.

Do not guess about the age of your roof…if you don’t know…say you don’t know. Tell the telephone adjuster if you have significant damage like a hole in your roof or you need emergency housing assistance. Be sure to write down everything about the call; who you talked to, what office they are located in and the date and time you reported the claim. Use “internet claim reporting” if it is available. Print a copy of your on-line reporting.

Do not tell a “long story” to an adjuster. Just give them the facts you know and let them conduct their evaluation. Keep all written correspondence you receive from your insurance company and do not write on these papers. Write your notes on separate pieces of paper.