Storms can wreak havoc on roofs, causing significant damage that may not be immediately visible. When it comes time to file an insurance claim, the need to prove roof storm damage can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to effectively demonstrate the damage to your insurance company, ensuring your claim is handled smoothly and efficiently.
Step 1: Call a Professional for Inspection
Thorough Inspection by Trained Experts
Your first step should be to call a professional roofing company. They will conduct a thorough inspection of your roof. At our company, all sales representatives, estimators, and repair technicians are trained to identify storm damage. We monitor weather patterns closely to understand the severity and type of storms that have affected your area. This knowledge is crucial as it helps us know exactly what to look for when inspecting your roof.
Residential and Commercial Inspections
Whether you have a commercial or residential property, our inspection process is meticulous. For commercial roofs, we check for loose fasteners, membrane issues, and perform peel tests to assess adhesion. For residential roofs, we look for lifted shingles and missing ridge caps, common signs of wind damage. We also mark any hail impact points, ensuring a comprehensive report.
Step 2: Document the Damage
Damage Reporting
After the inspection, the next step is to document the damage. We compile a detailed report, highlighting all the issues we discovered. This report is essential when meeting with your insurance adjuster, as it provides clear evidence of the damage.
Meeting with the Adjuster
Our team will meet the insurance adjuster on-site to review the damage together. This step is critical in ensuring that the adjuster understands the extent of the damage. For commercial properties, we may perform additional peel tests and other assessments as needed.
Step 3: Use Professional Estimation Software
Accurate Estimates with Xactimate
Insurance companies often use specific software to determine repair costs. We use Xactimate, a widely accepted program for pricing roof repairs and replacements. By using the same software as the adjuster, we can ensure our estimates align with theirs, reducing the likelihood of disputes.
Aligning Estimates
If there are discrepancies between our estimate and the insurance company’s, we have the expertise to explain the differences. For example, if the insurance estimate does not include certain necessary repairs, we can justify why these repairs are essential and ensure they are covered.
Step 4: Substantiate the Claim with Evidence
Photographic Evidence
Photographs are a powerful tool in substantiating your claim. We take detailed photos of all the damage areas, including close-ups of specific issues like hail impacts or wind damage. These images provide clear, visual proof that can be very persuasive.
Historical Weather Data
Using historical weather data can also support your claim. We keep records of storm activity, including hail size, wind speeds, and storm paths. Presenting this information alongside your damage report can reinforce your claim, showing that the damage is consistent with recent weather events.
Step 5: Communicate Clearly with Your Insurance Company
Clear Communication
Effective communication with your insurance company is crucial. Provide them with all the documentation and evidence collected during the inspection. Be clear and concise in your communication, and keep records of all interactions.
Follow Up
Regular follow-up is important to ensure your claim is processed promptly. Check in with your insurance company periodically to track the progress of your claim and address any additional information they may need.
In Summary
Proving roof storm damage to your insurance company requires a systematic approach and thorough documentation. By following these steps—calling a professional for inspection, documenting the damage, using professional estimation software, substantiating your claim with evidence, and communicating clearly with your insurance company—you can significantly increase the chances of a successful claim.
If you’re unsure about any part of this process or need professional assistance to prove roof storm damage, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert help. We are here to ensure your roof is restored to its original condition and your insurance claim is handled smoothly.
