Before you file an insurance claim…
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Make sure your roof is damaged
Call your local roofer to inspect and note damage, as they will be able to provide you with valuable insights and recommendations on how to address any issues with your roof.
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Understand your coverage
Your insurance agent will be able to explain the details of your policy and clarify any confusion you may have. Knowing your deductible is important as it is the amount you will be responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
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You have one year
It's crucial to be aware that you have a limited window of one year from the time of the event to submit a claim. This timeframe is set in place to ensure that all necessary information and evidence can be gathered in a timely manner.
Filing An Insurance Claim
We love to empower homeowner's by educating them on their responsibilities in the claims process. The first task for homeowners is to contact the insurance company to kick off the claims process.
After the storm
In general, after any event that affects your home, the homeowner should take photos immediately.
If possible, try to find some photos of the property recently before the storm, this will be a huge aid in the process later.
The contractor will perform an initial inspection to see if the damage qualifies for a claim
Review your policy
Every policy can vary. Gather all your home insurance documents. Verify the coverage. The declarations page of the policy should have this information.
The policy will have the deductible clearly outlined; it is the homeowners only financial responsibility when the claim is approved.
Insurance call
In the initial call, the homeowner will have to verify information and report the incident. Notate the claim number given.
Notify the insurance company that you will be working with your contractor of choice on the restoration. Urgent emergency repairs can be addressed at this time.
Claim paperwork
The insurance company will have you fill out additional paperwork regarding the claim.
Remember, the contractor will help you provide a detailed report to submit to the insurance company. Don't submit any documents to the insurance company without reviewing it with your contractor first.
If you have suffered additional loss due to the same storm as person belongings etc, you should document and report that as well.
Temporary Repairs
Your contractor will recommend temporary repairs or tarping to decrease the likelihood of further damage while the roof is vulnerable.
These initial repairs may need to be paid out of pocket while the claim is being reviewed, but they are very important to complete as soon as possible. Your contractor will add these services to the claim.