Every homeowner understands that they need insurance, but many people do not actually know when to file a claim for damages and what information they need to know before they do file a claim.
Often, when nature strikes a house, the homeowner may automatically assume that their home endured some significant damage and they need to contact their insurance agent as soon as possible to check it out. However, this is often not the case, and this approach can ultimately set you back a lot of money.
1. Do I Have Hail Damage?
Just because there has been a hail storm in your area does not mean you should automatically file a claim thinking you have damage. No matter the intensity of the storm, it’s never a guarantee that you sustained damage that would require repairs or an insurance claim.
How Do You Know if You Have Hail Damage?
Most people wrongly assume they first need to call an insurance company and ask them to send out an inspector after a hail storm. You do not.
If an insurance company sends out an adjuster to inspect your house for damage, you actually have unknowingly filed a claim. So, whether you have hail damage or not, if an adjuster comes out, you will have a claim on your record.
Instead, call your local roofer to come and take a look and identify any potential damage.
2. What is Your Policy Coverage?
Second, you need to find out what your policy coverage is. Is it actual cash value, or is it replacement cash value?
This is incredibly important to know because depending on which policy coverage you have will dictate how much you will have to pay out-of-pocket for the repairs and the replacements.
3. What Is Your Deductible?
During these repairs, people are continually surprised that their deductibles are a lot higher than they thought. And, unfortunately, many of these homeowners are discovering this news after filing a claim and finding out that their deductible is significantly higher than what they expected it to be.
That why it is super essential that before you file a claim, call your insurance agent, and ask them what your insurance deductible is for wind and hail damage.
The next time you are thinking about filing a claim for hail damage, make sure to ask yourself these three questions. They will not only save you time and money but can also help:
- Avoid filing a claim and getting valuable information after the fact.
- Help you figure out you do not have any actual hail damage, and
- Prevent you from finding out that your policy will make you pay a lot more money out-of-pocket than you expected.
If you have any more questions about hail damage, roof repairs, of the roofing process, give us a call today.
