Being a homeowner warrants many responsibilities that can sometimes be stressful. For instance, filing an insurance claim can be complicated, especially when you’re dealing with a roof that has been damaged by a recent storm. There’s also the matter of working with your insurance adjuster, who will visit your home to assess the damage.
Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when working with an insurance adjuster.
Record Your Roof Damage
As soon as it’s safe to do so, take pictures and videos of your roof damage, and present them to your adjuster before they arrive. This should also be done before temporary fixes are applied so that they’ll see the extent of damage more clearly. You’ll be interacting with the adjuster as they inspect your roof, so keep notes of the discussion whenever possible. This can also help with your negotiations after this is done.
Explain in Detail
As the adjuster checks and assesses the roof, you’ll need to carefully articulate what caused the damage. If you don’t tell the whole story, the adjuster will know that you’re withholding information that can jeopardize your roof replacement insurance claim. It may even invalidate your claim and lead to several legal ramifications. Also, avoid explaining it in a way that makes it sound as if you’re admitting something you’re guilty of because the adjuster may use that to their advantage. For instance, if a tree fell on your roof during a fierce storm, don’t make it sound as if you expected it to happen. It’s more than enough to just explain it as it is.
Negotiate Wisely
Once the adjusters inspect your roof, they’ll provide an initial estimate of how much they can cover. If this is lower than expected, you can still reject and negotiate. Since this is only the first offer, they’ll likely acknowledge the rejection and come back with a second one. If the request is still insufficient, consider the terms of your policy and how much it can cover your roof damage. You may also want to hire a public adjuster to help you negotiate.
When filing a storm damage claim, it is not enough that you do everything on your own. To improve your chances of getting it approved, be sure to work with a reputable contractor like Done-Right Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. Our team of experienced installers also specialize in vinyl siding and skylight installation services. To learn more about what we can do for you, call us today at (905) 875-2888, or fill out our contact form to request a free quote.