Hail damage insurance claims are not as straightforward as storm damage claims. Yet the fact remains that hail damage can seriously compromise roof and siding performance. In this blog, residential roofing contractor Universal Roofing & Exteriors shares the do’s and don’ts of the hail damage insurance claim process.
DO: Keep Good Documentation
Note the time and date of the damage, and take as many photos of the damage as you can. Your smartphone should be able to take good quality, high-resolution photos, which can be helpful in supporting your claim. If possible, take photos of hailstones next to a ruler for scale. Additional supporting documentation includes storm reports from the National Weather Service.
DON’T: Hire the First Contractor Who Offers Repairs
There are a few good reasons why you shouldn’t sign up with the first contractor who offers roof repair services. Some of these “contractors” may just be running scams by offering well-disguised subpar roof repair work, which can potentially void your roofing warranty. It may also make you ineligible for insurance claims.
The process may be slightly different depending on the insurance provider, but, typically, a roofing contractor should first provide a written estimate of the repair costs. This estimate will then be used as the basis for the subsequent claim payout.
DO: Let Your Contractor Know About the Hail Damage as Soon as Possible
If you already have a trusted roofing contractor, let them know about your situation as soon as possible. They are the ones who are most familiar with your roof and what it will take to repair it. This is especially important if your roof is still within warranty. Letting other roofers work on your roof risks voiding your roofing warranty. As we discussed above, a written estimate is needed to file an insurance claim.
At Universal Roofing & Exteriors, we offer insurance claim assistance in addition to our roofing installation, repair and maintenance services. Give us a call at (317) 257-0779 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Carmel and Zionsville, IN.
