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.