Storm damage at your home?
Here are our DO’S and DON’TS (from your trusted insurance advisors)
If a storm severely impacts your community and causes damage to your home, there are some important things we’d like you to know.
First thing’s first: call your agent or insurance company directly if you think that you may want to file a claim. Just be aware that it may take a little more time than normal for them to complete the claims process due to the sheer number of claims that these events generate.
Most insurance companies will do their best to get to you quickly. However, large storms strain their resources. Most companies have “catastrophe teams” that they will mobilize to help with the glut of new claims, but it takes a little time for them to get up and running.
Watch out for storm chasers!
Storm chasers are roofing contractors who go to neighborhoods recently impacted by bad weather like storms or wind. In many instances, these contractors travel from out of state to an area affected by storms and begin to canvas neighborhoods and solicit work door to door. They then use what they know about homeowners insurance to estimate the cost of a new roof. In most cases, they will start by offering a free roof inspection.
It’s best to avoid these storm chasers because the work is typically quick, cheap, and poorly done.
Here are the Do’s and Don’ts of dealing with Storm Chasers:
DO:
- File your own claim
- Check their references
- Verify their licensing
- Discuss warranty information
- Think before signing documents!
- Get multiple quotes
- Check quality of materials
- Ask how they will clean up
- Request a written contract
DON’T:
- Let the contractor file your claim
- Let a contractor insist on receiving a large deposit to “get in line”
- Work with a contractor who offers to “absorb the policy deductible”
- Be fooled by the upsell on warranties, rebating, discounting, etc.
- Forget to discuss protecting gutters and landscaping
RED FLAGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
- Contractor is from out of state
- They “just happened” to notice your damage
- Randomly knock on your door
- Free upgrades
- Providing an inaccurate estimate