Hail Storms and door knockers. What you should know.

Hail Storms and door knockers. What you should know.

 

 

First, we want to express our sincere gratitude to the Batavia Chamber for their ongoing partnership and support over the years. Main Street Batavia is truly a remarkable organization, and we're proud to witness the continued growth and success of our community.

 

Following Sunday's recent hail storm, we've noticed a significant increase in door-to-door contractors offering inspections, and the city's solicitor license line is understandably busy. This surge indicates that the storm has indeed caused real damage, and it's likely that a large portion, if not all, of these damages will be covered by insurance claims.

 

This situation presents an opportunity for reputable contractors to assist homeowners in restoring their properties and navigating the insurance claims process. Our goal is to ensure you receive the full coverage you're entitled to from your insurance carrier, preventing any unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

 

With 20 years of experience in the roofing industry, we've worked extensively with various insurance carriers. Just like in any industry, there can be less scrupulous operators, including adjusters who may prioritize keeping claim payouts low to benefit their company.

 

Here are some important things to consider when choosing a contractor:

 

* **Go Local:** Opt for companies with a strong presence in your community.

* **Check Reviews:** Resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Facebook reviews can provide valuable insights into a company's reputation.

* **Longevity:** Verify how long the contractor has been in business.

 

While the door-to-door contractors you're seeing are likely legitimate businesspeople seeking work after the storm, it's important to distinguish between local contractors like us and out-of-state "storm chasers." These transient companies often move from storm to storm, sometimes setting up temporary local appearances. As a local business, we are committed to serving our community long-term, regardless of recent weather events.

 

Regarding your insurance claim, we strongly advise against navigating the process alone. Having a knowledgeable contractor represent you from the start can prevent potential complications and delays in getting your claim properly addressed. A good contractor will guide you through every step, making the process as smooth as possible for you – often leaving you with little more to do than select your preferred finishes.

 

You might be wondering about getting multiple bids. In the insurance restoration industry, pricing is generally predetermined to streamline the repair process and ensure consistent cost estimates based on the damage. For insurance claims, the price is set by the insurance carrier, adjusted according to the documented damage. Reputable restoration contractors utilize this standard pricing model, allowing us to focus on accurately assessing the damage rather than negotiating prices.

 

Regarding your insurance agent, while they are helpful in selling you a policy, claim processing is typically handled directly by the insurance carrier's claims department. Contacting the claims department directly, rather than your agent, is usually the most efficient way to proceed with a claim.

 

Finally, a common concern is whether filing a claim will increase your insurance rates. While it does count as a claim and may affect your zero-claims discount and insurability score, consider this: if your roof or siding replacement costs $30,000 and your rate increases by $100 per year, that's essentially a 300-year, zero-interest loan – often the most cost-effective way to handle a significant repair. Additionally, if a large number of claims are filed in the area, there might be a general rate increase, even if you didn't file a claim yourself.

 

For complex or large loss claims, Public Adjusters (PAs) can represent your interests, similar to a contractor. They can expedite the claim process but typically charge a fee. At our company, we have public adjusters on staff and waive their fees when we handle the restoration work, which is a common practice among many contractors. Public Adjusters can be particularly valuable in navigating complicated claims.

 

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with your hail damage assessment and insurance claim.

 

Sincerely,

 

Erik Spychalski

Expert Roofing Inc.
6302673318 
ErikS@expertroofinginc.com