Your Claims Adjuster & Contractor
If you live in the Apex-Cary area of Wake county you know there are a lot of insurance companies in the area, however, do you know what to do after you file a claim for damage to your home.
Immediately after you contact your insurance company, start interviewing for your contractor. In order to insure a fair settlement, it is smart to have an honest contractor in your corner. A good place to begin you search for a good contractor is the internet. You can google “roof replacement” Apex, Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and get a start on your search.
While there are many good insurance companies in Apex, Cary, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill it is important to realize that you may need help in the claims process. You may or may not enjoy knowing this, but the insurance company is not always your best friend. They run a business, and all in all they run a good business. But, understand they make money on your premiums and save it by doing their best to keep claims as low as legally possible.
After you’ve reported the claim, an adjuster will usually contact you. If you are located in Apex, Cary, Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill the adjustor will usually contact you within 2 days. If you have interior damage, be sure to notify them when they call. A thorough contractor will also help you inspect other exterior damage that may have occurred; aesthetic damage to paint, gutters, fences, window screens and seals, A/C unit coils, outside lighting, mail boxes, hot tub covers, etc.
During a storm, adjusters are often very busy and prefer not to meet with you personally. However, since most hail claims are not black and white situations, it is important that you strive to have the adjuster see your home’s damage with you and/or your roofer there. If the claim is questionable, the adjuster will tend to lean in favor of the insurance company. Understandably, it is quicker and easier to decline a claim in writing than it is to see the damage and turn the claim down face to face. When an adjuster meets with you they will first do a physical inspection of the damage and take pictures. Then an adjustment sheet indicating what was found and an estimate for the repairs or re-roof will be completed. Any discrepancies can be worked out between you, your contractor & the adjuster.
It is important to note that most of the time you will not receive the entire amount you are entitled to up front from the insurance company. The insurance company will depreciate a percentage of the claim that is payable only upon completion of the roof. So, be sure you understand your adjuster’s report and the full amount you are entitled to for your new roof.
Denied Claim or Low Settlement
If you live in Apex, Cary, Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill and your claim is denied or you feel you received a low settlement, call us. We know what your adjustment sheet should include and what the insurance company should pay for. Many customers believe it’s a conflict for the roofer to see what the insurance has paid, when in reality any good contractor knows exactly what the insurance should have paid. We can help evaluate the insurance adjustments and negotiate the best program for you. If there are discrepancies, we can resolve them prior to starting any work. If the estimates are close, you are ready to proceed with your claim.
Storm Chasers and Marketing Ploys
Be careful, storm chasers are experts at manipulating their clients. Storm chasers love to work the Apex, Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill areas. Many out-of-state roofing companies are well-designed storm chasers that will arrive in a matter of days to capitalize on the situation. Storm chasers are proficient at disguising themselves as local companies, so it is important to check them out carefully. They will likely have a local Apex, Cary, Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill phone number. There are so many dangers in choosing a contractor in a storm situation, mainly because business ethics and solid installation procedures go out the window. Sales tactics including door knocking, yard sign rebates, and special discounts for show homes are just some of the tricks and tools these operations use. Some roofing companies do have bad reputations, but they won’t be in business if consumers do their homework.
The Claim & Payment Process
Typically, you will receive approximately 50% of your claim monies within 10-15 days after the adjuster has visited your home. The checks you receive will often be made out to both you and your mortgage company. Therefore, you may need to contact your mortgage company when you receive your first check in order to get their endorsement. Find out the name of the person whose attention you should send your check to, and then it is strongly advised that you send your check by certified mail or you can have us handle the check process for you. It is another service we offer which is absolutely free
1st Payment & Billing
Upon completion of your roof, we will invoice your insurance carrier for the balance due and process all other insurance and mortgage company requirements. We will collect your first check when the materials are delivered, or if you have deposited it, you can write a personal check.
2nd Check Processing
When your insurance carrier receives our invoice, they may send their inspector out for verification purposes. You will then be issued a check for the final payment of your claim based on our invoice amount for the work performed, less the amount of your first check. We can then make arrangements to finalize your contract and issue your manufacturers’ and workmanship warranties.
Lost Checks
If you do not receive your checks within a reasonable amount of time, if your insurance or mortgage company arranges different procedures, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding the processing of your claim, please feel free to contact us for help. We work with mortgage companies and insurance carriers every day and would be happy to help.