Tips on Handling a Storm Damage Insurance Claim

Filing a storm damage insurance claim isn’t easy for homeowners, but a little know-how can help save a lot of time and effort that can minimize delays. In this blog, roof repair company Carolina Home Specialists share tips that can help you handle storm insurance claims.

Don’t Assume There’s No Damage

Many homeowners make the mistake of not calling their roofer or insurance provider, just because their roofs don’t appear to be damaged. But what most people think of as storm damage—torn-off shingles and holes in the roof, for instance—are extreme examples. Cracked shingles, impact damage, and moisture infiltration are not as recognizable, yet they are still considered storm damage, and therefore will need repair.

Make Two Phone Calls

Once the storm has passed, you need to make two phone calls: one to your insurance provider, the other to your roof repair contractor. Your insurance provider will send an adjuster, who will perform an inspection of the storm damage and prepare a report to initiate your insurance claim. Your roof repair contractor will likewise perform an inspection of the extent of the damage. They will also write up a roof estimate, along with other documentation that can help keep your insurance claim on track.

Document the Damage as Much as You Can

Thanks to the ubiquity of smartphones, documenting the extent of storm damage has never been easier. Ideally, you should not move anything until your insurance adjuster or roof repair contractor arrives. But sometimes it can’t be helped, especially when large pieces of debris could be blocking access to your home, or even posing danger to its occupants. Make sure to take lots of high resolution photos before you move or clean anything.

Don’t Wait for a Storm to Find a Good Roofing Company

Most people would only think of looking for a roofing company after the fact. You probably wouldn’t have the time to properly vet roofing contractors after a storm hits, so it generally is a good idea to find a local roofing contractor, check their credentials, and inquire about their storm repair and insurance claim assistance services well ahead of a storm.

Carolina Home Specialists is your leading provider of emergency roof services. Give us a call at (336) 740-9915 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.