Living in the Midwest means living with unpredictable weather where we can go through three seasons in the same day. When spring arrives, we know that some of the worst storms of the year are on the way. As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” but in the insurance world, it’s more like, “April showers are the official start of storm claim season.”
As the owner of an independent insurance agency, I feel fortunate to work with some of the best insurance carriers in the country. This allows me to offer a variety of insurance options, including homeowners, auto, life, supplemental Medicare, and commercial insurance. Homeowners insurance is a common policy my office writes, and with it comes the risk of wind and hail damage.
I feel like I must throw this in so we’re all on the same page – if a client has a claim, I want them to get paid on it. That’s the best-case scenario for me. That’s why they have insurance in the first place and a paid claim is a win for both of us. What I want to avoid are made-up/frivolous claims that only hurt our clients in the long run and make them upset.
Today, I want to provide you with some insight and advice on what to do if you suspect you have damages after a storm. Unfortunately, there are opportunistic individuals out there who try to take advantage of these situations at your expense. Here are a few things to keep in mind to protect yourself.
First, if you suspect wind or hail damage to your home, reach out to a reputable contractor to inspect it. Seek recommendations from friends, neighbors, and your local building department. We’re fortunate to have many trustworthy contractors in our community. (As a side note – it’s also a good idea to have your roof inspected periodically, not just after a storm. I personally have a local roofer annually inspect my roof and make repairs as needed. Preventative maintenance can save you money and headaches down the road.)
Beware of anyone who knocks on your door or advertises “free roofs” without assessing the damage. No one can guarantee a new roof without evaluating the damage and thoroughly reviewing your insurance policy. Also, be cautious of contractors who urge you to file a claim without first providing you with a written estimate. Would you blindly agree to any other major repair without getting an estimate first? Or would you take your car to the shop to get repaired without an estimate of costs? Of course not! So don’t do it in this situation either. Demand a written estimate for the damage. If they claim to “work off what the insurance pays”, ask them to put that in writing. Who knows, maybe they’ll agree to replace your roof and gutters even if the claim only pays out $1,500. That probably won’t be the answer you’ll receive, but ridiculous statements deserve ridiculous replies.
Another important point is to avoid signing a contract with anyone before consulting your preferred contractor, insurance agent, or attorney. Know what you’re getting into before signing your name. Some companies operate based on the law of large numbers – if they get 100 people to sign a contract and file a claim, maybe only 10 will have a legitimate claim that gets paid out. The rest will end up with an unnecessary claim on their record. Some contractors will even insist that an unpaid claim won’t impact your rates. Run! Whether it’s a $0 claim or a $20,000 claim, it can affect your rates. These individuals don’t know the specifics of your insurance policy, and making blanket statements like that is irresponsible and inaccurate.
When you think you have damage, remember not to rush, or panic. You have time to file a claim. Most insurance policies allow 6-12 months to report a claim after an event . Take the time to assess the situation and proceed accordingly. If there is obvious storm damage, such as trees on your house or water leaking through the roof, call your agent or carrier to get the ball rolling. Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage and keep all receipts. Document everything with pictures and videos. Once your claim is underway, an adjuster will inspect the damage and will get everything moving along.
As your trusted insurance advisor, our job doesn’t stop once we write your policy. When you have a situation that might require a claim, we will work with you to help document the information and detail the part or endorsement of your policy that covers the claim. When in doubt, reach out to your agent to talk through the concern and be diligent in safeguarding your home.
The aftermath of a storm can be a challenging time, but with the right precautions, you can navigate the claims process smoothly. Protect yourself from opportunists and follow these guidelines to ensure you receive the proper assistance and coverage you deserve.
James Hazzard is the owner of Samuelson Insurance Agency in Portage, Indiana. With years of experience in the insurance industry and entrepreneurship, he aims to educate readers and clients on various insurance and entrepreneurial related topics to help them make informed decisions. Please note that the views expressed in James’ articles are his opinions and should not be considered professional advice.
