Hailstorms and other adverse weather events are never pleasant, and one of the most serious problems they pose is the risk of damage to your home. Sometimes, this is as obvious as broken windows and lost shingles, but other times, it can be more subtle. In either case, you’ll be relying on your homeowner’s insurance to cover hail damage to your roof. Make sure you know the best practices for filing hail and wind damage insurance claims.

Filing a hail and wind damage insurance claim correctly is the difference between fairly priced home repairs and spending thousands out of pocket. You need to act fast, understand the problem at hand, and advocate for yourself when dealing with the insurance company to get the best results.

Contact Your Insurer and a Roofing Company ASAP

If you suspect that your home has suffered wind and hail damage, immediately contact your insurer and hire a roofing contractor for an inspection. Ask any necessary questions about your insurance policy, such as the extent to which it covers roof damage and other problems. While you’re waiting to get a quote from the contractor, perform an inspection on your own.

Inspect Your Home as Closely as Possible

The average person shouldn’t be climbing onto their roof to inspect their home, but it will help you and your contractor if you find obvious signs of damage as soon as possible. Walk around the property to get a look at the roof and see if shingles are missing or discolored. Check the inside of the attic and other upper areas of your home’s interior to see if there are any leaks.

Get Multiple Estimates from Different Contractors

You don’t have to accept the first quote you receive. Always ask around and see what different contractors offer, and make sure they explain the costs that go into the quote as well. Besides helping you get quality service and a fair price, having multiple estimates will also help you when it comes to filing hail and wind damage claims with your insurance company.

Choose a Contractor You Trust

After shopping around, commit to the contractor you prefer. Weigh customer testimonials, prices, and your own impression of the contractor when making your choice. Next, schedule a meeting between yourself, your chosen contractor, and the insurance adjuster.

Meet the Insurance Adjuster and Your Contractor

It’s important that your contractor is present when speaking to the insurance adjuster. Both you and the contractor will have the opportunity to voice your concerns and identify any points where the insurance company’s offer doesn’t live up to the benefits its policy promises.

Negotiate as Needed

Don’t deposit a check or accept an offer from your insurance company right away, as this can close the insurance claim process. If you aren’t convinced that you’re getting the coverage you’re entitled to, then it’s important to negotiate and press the insurance company to treat you fairly. Roof replacement and repair can be expensive, so make sure you receive all of the benefits your insurance policy covers.

If you need further guidance on handling hail and wind damage insurance claims, we’re here to help. We have worked with countless clients to make sure their homes received the proper repairs for everything their insurance policy covers. For more information about all of our offerings, including window repair, reach out to our team today!