Hail Damage

Minooka Hail Damage from April 3rd

Storms hit the Minooka & Channahon areas hard the first weekend in April, and we know a lot of homeowners are struggling  to sort through all of the options they have available for repairing hail damage to their homes. Below is some basic information to help homeowners affected by this storm including how the insurance process works and how to avoid the storm chasing companies that have flooded our area. If you’d like to receive an estimate for roof or siding replacement due to hail damage, please call us at 630-375-9110 or fill out our online estimate form.

A Few Words About Storm Chasers

Storm chasers are companies that follow severe weather from area to area completing home repairs (generally roofs and siding) that are damaged by hail and wind. They collect homeowners’ insurance claim checks in payment for their services and complete the work (often shoddily) before moving on to the next storm ravaged area.

The first step of a storm chaser is to ask a homeowner to sign a contract allowing their company to negotiate with the homeowner’s insurance company.  By signing these documents, homeowners may be waiving their right to make decisions making regarding their repairs or replacement. They also lose control over the insurance settlement- the entire check of the payment may legally need to be signed over to the storm chaser, regardless of the quality or quantity of work completed. The homeowner also may lose some control over materials used, leaving the storm chaser free to cut corners in order to increase their profit. Most importantly, warranty repairs can be very difficult to obtain because most storm chasers leave the area as soon as the storm “plays out.”

How do you protect yourself from storm chasers? Hire a local business and do your research to make sure that any contractor you consider carries the proper credentials. You can read a great deal more about storm chasers, how to spot them, how to avoid them, and what to do if you suspect you or your neighbors are being exploited by them at bewarestormchasers.com.

Proper Steps for Roof Repairs Following Hail Damage

1. If the homeowner thinks they have damage, they should first call their insurance company or agent and ask to file a claim.
2. The insurance company sends an adjuster to access the damage.
3. If the adjuster determines damage has occurred, he will issue a report listing the damage and the expected cost of recovery.
4. The adjuster will then cut a check for the damage minus the depreciation of the home.
5. The homeowner can choose 2 different ways to hire a contractor. He may bid the work to one or more contractors and accept a bid. If that bid is less than the insurance company estimate, the insurance company will pay only that amount, less deductible. If the bid is more than the insurance estimate, the homeowner can submit the higher bid to the insurance company and attempt to work out the difference.  The homeowner can also opt to hire a trusted contractor of their choice. The contractor can then work out their rates with the insurance company.
6. Under NO circumstances can a homeowner avoid paying their deductible. Any contractor that suggests otherwise to a homeowner is committing insurance fraud.
7. After the project has been completed, the contractor or homeowner sends an invoice and certificate of completion to the insurance company. Insurance then cuts a check to the homeowner for the depreciated portion of the loss (providing the homeowner has replacement cost insurance, which most do).  In some instances, a mortgage company and/or contractor may be listed on the check as co-payees.

Key Points Regarding the Insurance Claim Process

• The homeowner does not need a contractor to submit damage information to the insurance company. It is not necessary to hire a company “specializing”  in getting insurance claims settled.
• Never let a contractor you do not know or trust climb on your roof to “inspect for hail damage.” To make it appear as if caused by hail, some storm chasers intentionally damage the roof when they think no one is looking.
• You cannot hide or avoid paying the deductible. This is insurance fraud.
• You can choose to work with any contractor you like.

Ready to get a free estimate to replace your hail damaged roof? Give us a call at 630-375-9110 or fill out our estimate form.