Filing an insurance claim is never going to be fun. By definition it means something has gone wrong and you need it putting right. Hail damage is often overlooked because most people underestimate the seriousness of it. In 2017 hail damage across the USA amounted to $1.8 billion in damages. That’s more than tornadoes and thunderstorms combined.
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Make Immediate Contact with Insurers
Immediate notification allows your insurer to begin processing your claim, which means you are now underway to getting everything put right. Hailstorms can be incredibly dangerous so there’s a chance you will need immediate action to be taken. This is where the insurer can help you. They can also advise you on the terms of your policy and what is or isn’t covered, as well as recommending contractors or adjusters. It’s best not to go with an adjuster from the company in most cases though, as the adjuster and insurer usually have conflicting interests.
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Use a Reputable Adjuster
As mentioned, an adjuster is important. This is somebody who specializes in estimating the damage, and a good independent one can be extremely helpful when trying to understand what costs would be covered and what the actual value of those costs should be. The adjuster may also point out costs that you have overlooked. Adjusters are often very open to your questions and can fill you in on the exact benefits they provide. The use of an adjuster results in a significantly higher pay-out in the majority of cases. If you’re interested in further information, visit www.millerpublicadjusters.com
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Use a Dependable Contractor
The contractor is the person who is going to put the damage right. You want a dependable one for many reasons. One of these is so that you know and trust the quality of materials and work. The repair should be up to your standard, so again don’t feel pressured to accept a contractor that your insurance company suggests. It’s likely your policy allows you to pick a contractor of your own choosing, so exercise your right if you need to.
Make sure you meet with your contractor before work starts and get a good, clear understanding of what work will be done and how long it will take. Also keep in mind that the performance of this work may void warranties on some of your home products, so again be sure to have a good understanding of the process before going ahead with it.
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Always Save Proof of all Expenses
Finally, always save proof of all expenses. This can be repair labor costs, materials or even hotel rooms while the work is taking place. There’s a huge area that can be covered by the insurance claim depending on your level of coverage, and it’s better safe than sorry when it comes to expenses, so save everything. If it isn’t needed, that’s fine and you haven’t lost anything. On the flipside, if you don’t have proof you could be losing out on recouping some cash.