Things You Need to Know About Roof Hail Damage & Insurance Claims

 

 

Hailstorms in Arlington Heights IL are known to cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to cars, homes, and other personal property each year!

 

Homeowners are often misinformed when it comes to insurance claims and hail damage on their roof. This is especially true if they live in an area where hail is less frequent. 

 

Either way, it only takes one severe hail storm to cause significant damage to a roof. Therefore, no matter where you live, it is a good idea to get better informed.

 

Here is what you need to know if you are dealing with an insurance claim for hail damage on your roof in Arlington Heights, IL. 

 

Hail Damage Is Not Always Noticeable

 

It is not always easy to spot hail damage on the roof. Even if you do not see actual holes or indentation on your roof, hail can drastically shorten the life of your roof. 

 

The chances are good that your roof has undergone some hail damage if other things around your property are damaged due to the hail. If you see that the neighbors are getting their roof repaired after a storm, then it is a good sign that you should take a closer look. 

 

Understanding Hail Damage

 

Since hail damage is easily overlooked or does not show up right away, it is better not to take any chances. If the integrity of the shingles is damaged, it can cause severe deterioration in a short period. 

 

For example, the loss of protective granules will reduce the life of the roof. This is because the shingles will be exposed to the sun’s UV rays. 

 

It is best to have a trained roofer Arlington Heights IL evaluate your roof after hail to outline how it should be repaired or replaced. Make sure you hire a roofer who is professional and knows how to work an insurance claim. 

 

Filing an Insurance Claim for Hail Damage

 

According to the insurance companies and the Insurance Information Institute, it is best to file a hail damage claim as soon as possible.

 

Most policies will allow you to file a claim within one year of determining that a hail storm damaged your roof. However, this rule does not apply to all insurance companies. Therefore, it is best to contact your agent or insurer right after a hail storm to make sure you know your time limit. 

 

If you live in a state where hail is less frequent, your standard homeowner policy will most likely include hail damage. Once you file a claim, you will have to pay the policy deductible and the insurer will pay to fix the damage.

 

Keep in mind that insurance companies sometimes raise the rates after a claim has been filed. Therefore you should make sure that the amount of insurance payout will exceed your deductible. 

 

During the Insurance Inspection

 

The insurance company will have an adjuster take a look at your property to calculate the cost of the damages. 

 

If you aren't going to be home during the inspection as it takes place during working hours, make sure you have someone present to speak on your behalf. The best would be to have a professional Arlington Heights hail damage specialist take care of the matter for you.

 

Insurance Claim Payouts

 

You will receive your first check about a week after the adjuster has estimated your roof. Once the work is completed, the insurance company should issue you a second check if the total expenses are equal to or higher than the settlement total. 

 

If you or the contractor do not understand the process, then the chances are that you will never receive the second check. Therefore, it is best to work with a roofing contractor in Arlington Heights IL that knows the ins and outs of insurance claims. 

 

Paying the Deductible Is Important

 

Beware of roofing companies that advertise “no deductible,” as they are committing fraud. 

 

It is against the law if you profit from your loss! If you do not pay your deductible or you and the roofing company are pocketing insurance money, you can get in big trouble with the law. 

 

Conclusion

 

Claiming insurance on hail damage can be a complicated process. However, it does not have to be if you have a reputable roofer by your side who can handle the insurance settlement. 

 

Besides getting what you are entitled to, hiring a professional roofer for the job can bring you added value. Since the insurance company is going to cover the hail damage, it does not make sense to choose a roofer based on price. 

 

A roofing company that you feel comfortable with, who has experience in roofing and insurance claims and who can give you top-notch quality, should be your first choice in such a situation. 

 

If you have suffered hail damage to your roof in Arlington Heights, make sure to get an estimate from a reliable roofer like Revived Exteriors, who has years of experience in the field. 

Revived Exteriors 925 E Rand Rd, Ste 207, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, United States (847) 305-2866 https://g.page/revivedexteriorsarlington?we