Posted on January 24, 2022
ICHQ | Site Author
Storm damage comes in many forms, from hail and wind to hurricanes and fallen trees. If your home sustains significant damage from any of these occurrences, you likely have many questions about roofing insurance claims for storm damage.
Our team at Insurance Claim HQ proudly supports homeowners in and around New Orleans when they are facing the aftermath of devastating storm damage. Our storm damage lawyers can guide you through the process of making a roofing insurance claim and help you secure the full amount of compensation owed to you.
When To File a Roofing Insurance Claim for Storm Damage
The first step to take before filing a claim is to assess the damage and determine if the situation is significant enough to pursue compensation.
Safely and carefully check for dented, cracked, or missing shingles on the roof. If you suspect storm damage, take the opportunity to inspect other areas of your home as well. This can include gutters, windows, and other external elements.
When considering roofing insurance claims for storm damage, it is also wise to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Confirm whether or not the terms of your policy will cover the types of damage you observed during your assessment.
Start Filing Sooner Rather Than Later
If you feel after assessing the condition of your property that filing a storm damage roof insurance claim is necessary, it is best to start sooner rather than later. Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider in a timely manner to report the damage to your property. Your policy documents should include details on how to file a claim, and your attorney can help you every step of the way or even handle the process for you.
Keep in mind that every homeowner’s insurance policy has its own time limit for filing a claim. This can range from 30 days up to multiple years after the date of the storm damage occurring. It is important to understand the time limit you are dealing with and to begin the claims process as soon as possible. If you do not file within the time limit, you may lose the chance to receive compensation even if you have overwhelming evidence on your side.
Get an Estimate From an Independent Roofing Contractor
Whether you have yet to file or are already undergoing the claims process, getting in touch with an independent roofing contractor can be greatly beneficial when pursuing roofing insurance claims for storm damage.
Insurance adjusters will likely conduct their own investigation of your roof damage and generate an evaluation of the damage. However, there is a possibility that they will downplay the damage in an attempt to avoid paying you the full amount you deserve.
Getting an estimate from an unbiased third party can help you protect your roof storm damage insurance claim. You and your legal team can use this estimate as powerful evidence that may counter any lowball settlement offers that your insurance company tries to make.
Be careful about getting multiple third-party estimates, however. This can put the insurance company in a position where they can pick and choose to abide by the one most favorable to them.
Avoid Making Repairs Until the Claims Process Is Complete
One of your first inclinations after experiencing storm damage on your property may be to repair the damage as soon as possible. When you are in the midst of filing roofing insurance claims for storm damage, though, starting the repairs too early can actually be to your detriment.
It is often best to avoid committing to any repairs until you have the insurance company’s settlement in your hand.
There is also the likelihood that initiating repairs will impede or hinder the claims process and associated investigations.
Instead, there are crucial steps you can take to protect the damaged property while the claims process is ongoing. For example, putting a tarp over damaged areas of your roof can prevent water damage while the investigation is ongoing. You can also ask your roofing contractor about “temporary repairs” that are acceptable to make during the claims process. Be sure to keep any receipts and other records related to temporary repairs.
Know Your Options if the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
It is, unfortunately, the case that some insurance companies may try to deny your claim or employ other unscrupulous tactics even if your policy clearly covers the damage to your home. Insurance providers are ultimately in the business of protecting their own profits, and some will maliciously twist the situation in their favor if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Some unscrupulous tactics used by homeowner’s insurance companies include:
- Claiming the homeowner is guilty of poor maintenance
- Claiming the damage existed previously
- Claiming the damage is “minor” or not “significant”
- Extending a lowball settlement offer
- Rushing the homeowner to accept the initial settlement offer
If you encounter these tactics when working through roofing insurance claims for storm damage, you have the option to contest the insurer’s decision with the help of an attorney.
The team at Insurance Claim HQ can level the playing field with insurance expertise that rivals the insurance providers themselves. We can advocate for a more favorable outcome through negotiations or take your case to trial if necessary.
Learn More About How an Insurance Claim Attorney Can Help
In the hours and days after a storm causes significant damage to your home, you have enough on your plate without worrying about the burden of filing an insurance claim for storm-related roof damage. Your focus should be on protecting your home from further damage and ensuring your family stays comfortable.
A storm damage claim lawyer from Insurance Claim HQ can carry your legal burden by:
- Investigating the severity of your roof damage
- Collecting evidence to prove that your coverage applies to the damage
- Submitting your roofing insurance claim and completing other paperwork
- Negotiating with the homeowner’s insurance company on your behalf
Contact Our Storm Damage Claim Lawyers Today
Filing roofing insurance claims for storm damage is a complex task, and the terms of your policy might not make it any easier or more clear. Our storm damage claim lawyers at Insurance Claim HQ make the process easy to understand and support you every step of the way. Contact us today online at call our offices at 844-964-0778 for a free consultation.
