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Remodeling and Construction

2011-06-01 12:22:00

Roof insurance claims

: I am convinced there are few things in life that are more trying than dealing with roofing companies. We had hail damage last September. We have been through a nightmare since then. Can you provide us with some information on what to do and how to go about it, as well as things to watch for from roofing contractors? This time I will put it in my “things to keep” file. Answer: Thank you for your question. Not long ago we put out a piece depicting exactly what you requested. I will include much of the same information we included in that piece for you here. Unfortunately for some, the roofing industry has become a bit analogous to some used car salesmen. There are many good used car salespeople, but the fact that there some that use unscrupulous means to do what they do, can do a “number” on all of those in the profession. This month, we will talk about how to go about filing a roof insurance claim. Later, we will talk about what hail damage scams and what to watch for, as well as other information that should assist you. How to File a Roof Insurance Claim: • Contact a reputable roofing company that is familiar with insurance claims. Most credible companies will agree to repair or replace your roof for what the insurance company agrees to pay for the job plus your deductible. If they are willing to do it for less, especially when damage repair work is plentiful right now, it might mean they are forced to sell on price alone, and could be an indication of quality or cash-flow problems. • Assess the damage and notify your insurance company immediately if you suspect damage. If you have a list of your home inventory be sure to provide that to your agent. • If necessary, make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage, such as placing waterproof tarps over damaged sections of your roof, and cover broken windows. Keep receipts for all materials purchased. • Don’t dispose of damaged items until an adjuster has looked at them. • If you have a camera or camcorder, take photos or record a video to document damaged property. • Have your policy number handy when you’re ready to make your claim. • Provide your roofing contractor with the insurance agent’s name, telephone number and your policy number. Most insurance companies send an adjuster to look at your roof within five to seven days after you file a claim. The most serious losses will be given priority, but your insurance agent will see that your needs are taken care of. • Set the appointment, and if your contractor wants to be present when the adjuster arrives, give him the time and date and adjuster’s name and telephone number. • If your claim is approved, most insurance companies send an initial check for approximately fifty percent of the claim. • If you have a mortgage on your home, the first check will be made out jointly to you and the mortgage company. Contact your mortgage company and ask for the department that handles insurance claims for information on their process to get the check endorsed. Don’t sign the check until it comes back from the mortgage company in case the check gets lost in the mail. Once you receive the check back from the mortgage company, endorse it and deposit into your bank account. • Call your contractor when the first check comes in from the mortgage company. A down payment is usually due when the crew arrives at the jobsite to begin the work. Keep in mind that roofing companies have to purchase your repair materials upfront and pay their employees or subcontractors weekly. • Upon completion, your roofing company representative may do a final inspection and go over the checklist with you. Note any items that need attention and sign the final inspection checklist. If your mortgage company has requested a final inspection, call them now. • The final bill will be faxed or mailed directly to the insurance company. • Upon receipt of the final insurance check, the invoice is due. At this point contact your roofing company to pick up the final check for the balance due. Next month we will talk about hail damage scams a

Answer: With a little help from the publisher, I was able to arrange it. Thank you for your question. Question: I am convinced there are few things in life that are more trying than dealing with roofing companies. We had hail damage last September. We have been through a nightmare since then. Can you provide us with some information on what to do and how to go about it, as well as things to watch for from roofing contractors? This time I will put it in my “things to keep” file. Answer: Thank you for your question. Not long ago we put out a piece depicting exactly what you requested. I will include much of the same information we included in that piece for you here. Unfortunately for some, the roofing industry has become a bit analogous to some used car salesmen. There are many good used car salespeople, but the fact that there some that use unscrupulous means to do what they do, can do a “number” on all of those in the profession. This month, we will talk about how to go about filing a roof insurance claim. Later, we will talk about what hail damage scams and what to watch for, as well as other information that should assist you. How to File a Roof Insurance Claim: • Contact a reputable roofing company that is familiar with insurance claims. Most credible companies will agree to repair or replace your roof for what the insurance company agrees to pay for the job plus your deductible. If they are willing to do it for less, especially when damage repair work is plentiful right now, it might mean they are forced to sell on price alone, and could be an indication of quality or cash-flow problems. • Assess the damage and notify your insurance company immediately if you suspect damage. If you have a list of your home inventory be sure to provide that to your agent. • If necessary, make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage, such as placing waterproof tarps over damaged sections of your roof, and cover broken windows. Keep receipts for all materials purchased. • Don’t dispose of damaged items until an adjuster has looked at them. • If you have a camera or camcorder, take photos or record a video to document damaged property. • Have your policy number handy when you’re ready to make your claim. • Provide your roofing contractor with the insurance agent’s name, telephone number and your policy number. Most insurance companies send an adjuster to look at your roof within five to seven days after you file a claim. The most serious losses will be given priority, but your insurance agent will see that your needs are taken care of. • Set the appointment, and if your contractor wants to be present when the adjuster arrives, give him the time and date and adjuster’s name and telephone number. • If your claim is approved, most insurance companies send an initial check for approximately fifty percent of the claim. • If you have a mortgage on your home, the first check will be made out jointly to you and the mortgage company. Contact your mortgage company and ask for the department that handles insurance claims for information on their process to get the check endorsed. Don’t sign the check until it comes back from the mortgage company in case the check gets lost in the mail. Once you receive the check back from the mortgage company, endorse it and deposit into your bank account. • Call your contractor when the first check comes in from the mortgage company. A down payment is usually due when the crew arrives at the jobsite to begin the work. Keep in mind that roofing companies have to purchase your repair materials upfront and pay their employees or subcontractors weekly. • Upon completion, your roofing company representative may do a final inspection and go over the checklist with you. Note any items that need attention and sign the final inspection checklist. If your mortgage company has requested a final inspection, call them now. • The final bill will be faxed or mailed directly to the insurance company. • Upon receipt of the final insurance check, the invoice is due. At this point contact your roofing company to pick up the final check for the balance due. Next month we will talk about hail damage scams and what to watch for.