Insurance 101: After the Storm - Wind & Hail Damage Tips

Insurance companies are put to the test of client expectations after large scale weather events. Most insurance companies are well equipped to have claims adjusters and servicing staff rallied for large client response and need for ‘feet on the ground’ to adjust damages. Client advocacy and empathy is just as important as swift and efficient action to ensure that damage is evaluated and future property loss is avoided through repairs. There are also recommendations on where to start, and what actions to take first:

Is your home secure and structurally sound after a heavy storm?

o??If wind has blown out windows, toppled trees, dropped branches, power lines or other debris onto or into the house, only leave the structure if it is safe to do so.

o??If the power is out in your area, call your power provider to establish a work order.

Did your roof or perimeter windows sustain damage where rain and debris can enter the home?

o??After the storm, you should call an emergency restoration or water mitigation company to board up your home, tarp the roof, or clean the interior to avoid additional damages to the home’s interior. Keep all receipts as your insurance company will evaluate paying the costs for temporary materials purchased to prevent additional damage to your home, including emergency repairs or mitigation services.

Do you suspect hail damage –but show no signs of physical damage to the roof, fence or gutters?

o??A strong suggestion is to seek an independent roofer or contractor that you have worked with, trust, or has done superior work in your neighborhood – offer a complimentary damage evaluation of your roof and property.

o??After a large wind or hail event, roofing companies are scheduled and working repair/replacement jobs for months – so finding a reliable contractor is important.

*** Some things to look out for with regard to large-scale events where Roofers and Contractors may proactively solicit homeowners:

1. Do not give any unsolicited party access to your roof. Some roofing companies hire individuals to cold-call and sell roof replacements, on site. The common goal is to tell you that your roof should be replaced. The roofer may not have any insurance, making for an increased liability risk if someone falls off of your roof and sustains injuries. Always ask for a current insurance policy declarations page to show evidence of general liability insurance or workers compensation coverage.

2. Do not sign anything from someone who gives you a roof estimate. Many times this is a trap. If your roof has to be replaced, you may have contractually signed an agreement to only use that inspection company for the repair or replacement. Don't limit yourself to the first company you talk with regarding repairs or roof replacement.

3. Don't file a claim until you know that your roof is truly damaged. Simply opening a claim can count against your claims history if you try to use the insurance adjuster as an inspector; even if nothing is paid out. ?The goal is to stay invisible with an insurance company until a loss is confirmed and a claim is warranted.

4. Do not make the assumption that in every weather event impacting your neighborhood, that your roof is damaged. Don't assume that if two other neighbors say they are having their roofs replaced, that your roof will need to be replaced as well. They may have let that ethically challenged, roof salesman get on their roof.

5. Call a local, reputable roofer who has been in business for a few years, and check their rating on the Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org/central-texas/foundation. There are many companies that travel out of state, just to solicit roof jobs. And if they are not local, it is hard to hold them accountable to good workmanship and warranties. Many roofing companies do not stay in business very long. You want to work with someone who will be there next year if something needs further attention. Do your homework on a roofing company, and have 2-3 companies studied and ready to call prior to a storm in your area.

6. If your roof does need to be replaced but you have no leaks in the roof, wait! There is no prize for being the first in the neighborhood with a new roof. Hail is heaviest in April through August, but high winds and damaging hail can occur at any time with the right storm conditions.

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Jason M. Pond, CAPI, CPRIA - Personal Risk Management & Shareholder

972-715-8703 – Direct??/???972-342-8645 – 24 Hour Mobile

[email protected]

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