Debunking 7 Myths About Storm Damage Insurance Claim
Natural calamities, such as storm, snow, and hail, can cause serious damages to properties, calling for immediate repairs. In such scenarios, assessing the damages becomes critical to ensure a seamless settlement of insurance claim. Though some damages are visible, some may require an in-depth inspection. It is, therefore, advisable to hire a reliable roofing expert such as Jancon Exteriors, to inspect your property and do not fall for any of the myths associated with storm damage insurance coverage – seven of which we’ll debunk in this brief post. Take a look.
1. “If There Is No Visible Damage After The Storm, Everything Must Be Fine.”
If there is no visible damage after a storm, it doesn’t imply that the roof has not suffered any damage. There may be instances when the roof may have suffered damages in areas that may not be visible. Visually inspecting your roof or banking on your roofer’s visual sense will not help identify hail or storm damage. You need to get the roof physically inspected by a trained professional who can spot the damages caused to the roof after a storm.
2. “Property Owners Get A 1-Year Timeline To File A Storm Damage Insurance Claim.”
The timeline for an insurance claim for every company is different. The nature of the storm and geographical location of the property are some of the factors considered by the insurance company, to decide the timeline for claim settlements. Some insurance companies even extend the filing date, if there was a widespread damage caused by the storm.
3. “There’s No Need Of Storm Damage Insurance For Under-Warranty Roofs.”
The new roof should be a matter of concern, as it is more susceptible to weather damages. New roofs take more time to recover from the damage, compared to old roofs. Many of the builders and roofing contractors don’t cover the cost of the damages caused by hail and storm from the warranty. Make sure you check with the contractor for the storm damage insurance coverage.
4. “There’s No Need To File A Claim If The Damage To The Property Is Negligible.”
Even if there’s a minimum damage to the roof, it is advisable to report it, as you never know when a small incident takes the shape of a leak that may require costly repairs. An unreported damage may cause greater problems for the roof in the future. In such a scenario, the insurance company may not entertain your claim, citing the reason as your “negligence”.
5. “Filing A Claim May Prompt The Insurer To Raise The Rates Or Cancel The Policy.”
There’s a provision in many states that prohibits insurance companies from canceling the policies for weather-related claims. The policy rates are geographically centered, and as a result, may increase after a storm, regardless of whether you file a hail damage claim.
6. “Storm Damage Insurance Is Essential Only For Properties In Coastal Areas.”
This is another common notion among people; but, once again, it is far from being true. Even if you do not stay in a coastal region, there’s no way to predict the future. This is the reason why it is advisable for people staying in non-coastal regions to avail storm damage insurance.
7. “There Is Nothing A Claimant Can Do If Their Insurer Denies Their Claim.”
Denial of claim generally occurs because of miscalculation of the damages by the adjuster. You, however, are entitled to a second inspection by another adjuster within the same insurance firm. Therefore, if you are not satisfied with the figures calculated by the first adjuster, you can request another inspection.
Last Few Words…
Those were some of the common myths associated with storm damage insurance claims. Believing in any of the myths surrounding storm damage claims can delay the assistance and expose you to additional loss. It is, therefore, advisable to get your roof inspected by a professional and file a storm damage insurance claim to get just compensation for your loss. Jancon Exteriors assists you in filing the claim, taking the trouble out of the insurance claim process. If you require expert assistance, feel free to call us at (508) 520-3935.