How Roofers & Insurance Specialists Work Together To Get You A New Roof
By now, every Kansas City resident knows that the sound of dozens of golf balls hitting the roof is not a good omen. After a big storm rolls through, calls about leaks flood the homeowner’s insurance companies. It may be your gut instinct to call the insurance company right away to file a claim, but did you know that calling a roofer first can help get your claim approved? Keep in mind that insurance specialists work for a company, while roofers work for YOU.
Step 1: Take Notes.
Be sure to log the dates of hail or wind storms. Take photos of the storm or do an internet image search to find Kansas City hail storm damage. Finding photos of people showing the size of the hail is most helpful, say insurance agents.
Step 2: Get A Qualified Opinion.
Getting a second opinion from a roofer will help build your case. It isn’t always easy to get homeowners’ insurance storm-damage claims approved. Roofers are more than happy to provide you with a free estimate on storm damage. They know how to tell the difference between wear-and-tear damage and immediate storm damage. A good KC roofer will come back when the insurance adjuster comes to assess the damage, acting as a mediator to ensure your claim gets approved.
Step 3: File The Claim.
When you call the insurance specialists, be sure to mention you’ve had storm damage professionals inspect your roof and verify that you need the work done. In most states, you have up to a full year to file a claim for storm damage, but it’s recommended that you call right away.
Step 4: Meet With The Adjuster.
The insurance adjuster will spend about a half hour taking photos and examining the roof damage. Having roofers and insurance specialists work together can often result in a settlement quote being issued right then and there. Other times, you may have to wait a couple weeks. The roofer and insurance company will compare notes and measurements to come up with a fair price. The roofer should leave you with a written quote as well.
Step 5: Get The Work Done.
If all goes as expected, your claim will be approved and the roofing contractor can start work. Ideally, you will only be out the deductible money and the insurance company will cover the rest of the cost for your roof repairs or new roofing system. Understanding how roofers and insurance specialists work together can help you navigate this complex process and get your claim processed with greater ease. Don’t try to go it alone!
