Although the city is known for over 300 days of sunshine each year, Denver weather can be brutal at times. Extreme wind and hail storms cause severe property damage in the Denver area to cars and homes. The roof on a home is the first line of defense, subsequently it is damaged often by extreme weather. In the event of weather damage, it is necessary to file an insurance claim to fund roof repairs and/or replacements. Here is a step-by-step guide to filing a claim.
1. Assess the Damage
If you need to file a claim, the first, and arguably most important, step is to assess your damage. A local contractor will be your best resource for collecting information. Make sure your contractor takes an abundance of photos from multiple angles to capture the full extent of the damage. Once a thorough inspection is completed, be sure to review damage reports with your contractor to identify whether or not to move forward with a claim.
2. Read Your Policy
Before you file your claim, it’s important to know what is and what is not covered in your policy. Reading your policy and gaining a thorough understanding of coverage will help you make better decisions and could help get your roof fixed more quickly. Look for coverage amounts, deductibles, and approved repair shops and procedures.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider
While procedures for filing an insurance claim are similar regardless of your insurance provider, there may be subtle differences between companies. Call your insurance agent and talk through procedures for filing a claim. Ask any questions that you might have about your policy upfront. At this point, your insurance provider might connect you to an adjuster, but you can always call back if you need more time to assess your hail damage and your policy.
4. File a Claim
Most insurance providers will send you forms that need to be completed. Review these carefully to make sure that you are filling them out correctly. When you submit the forms, be sure to include receipts for any work that you have already completed as well as the photos you took while you were determining the extent of your roof damage.
5. Visit With the Insurance Adjuster
As part of the claim process, you will be visited by an insurance adjuster who will come assess the damage to the interior and exterior of your home. Their purpose is to evaluate the damages to your home and to write an estimate that contractors can use to make repairs. It is crucial that you have a contractor onsite during the adjuster’s inspection. This will ensure that you receive a proper settlement amount.
6. Fix the Roof
Once you know the extent of your damage and how much it will cost to fix, it is time to repair the damage. It is important to know that your insurance provider can not make you use one of their preferred contractors. Always be sure to do your own research when making a selection. Read reviews or go through a third party site to determine the best company to handle your repairs.
The stress caused by weather damage can take a toll, but it doesn’t have. Following some of these basic steps will allow you to navigate through the insurance claims process with ease.
