Unpredictable weather events such as storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes can cause severe damage to a roof, for example in instances of violent hail or a fallen tree hitting a roof. Depending on the extent of damage, a roof may need extensive repairs or even replacement.
When assessing the damage caused to their roof by a storm, property owners will ask themselves whether homeowners’ insurance covers the necessary repairs.
The claim process may be daunting, but Insurance Public Adjusters of Georgia has the information you need to work with your insurance company.
Storm Damage Typically Covered by Homeowners’ Insurance
Usually, homeowners’ insurance covers the following kinds of storm damage:
- Water and ice damage
- Lightning strikes and power surges
- Wind, hail, and fallen trees
These, however, are broad definitions. A homeowner would need to study their insurance policy to learn what their insurance covers. For example, you might need to know whether your policy covers a frozen and burst pipe, has a water and ice damage clause or covers appliances damaged from a lightning strike.
Keep in mind, the amount of coverage will vary according to the policy.
Types of Storm Damage Usually Not Covered By Homeowners’ Insurance
Homeowners’ insurance doesn’t typically cover these kinds of storm damage:
- Earthquake damage – earthquake insurance is usually available as a separate policy
- Flood – this includes rainstorms and overflowing rivers
What to Do In Cases of Storm Damage
Once you notice that your roof has suffered storm damage, contact your insurance agent without delay to facilitate the claims process.
Assess the damage to determine whether or not your property is still habitable. If the damage to the roof is so severe that your home is unsafe or impossible to stay in, move yourself and your loved ones to a safe place.
Take Care of Your Finances
Keep track of all your damage-related expenses.
These include lodging expenses you incur if you must temporarily stay away from your home, cleaning supplies or equipment you must buy to take emergency care of storm damage, ruined appliances or furniture you need to replace immediately, and any urgent roof repairs you pay for to stop leaks, moisture, etc., while you try to determine whether more extensive repairs are necessary.
Working With Your Insurance Company
In many instances, homeowners will receive less than their claim amount from the insurance company. Reduced compensation usually results from discrepancies in the assessment of damages.
To maximize your chances of receiving the full amount of your claim, you should do the following:
- Inform your insurance provider of the storm damage to your roof as soon as you notice it
- Provide any documentation your insurance company requests
- Answer the questions from your insurance agent readily and accurately to the best of your knowledge
- Get an estimate of costs necessary to repair or replace your roof
If you fail to follow your insurance company’s guidelines after your roof suffers damage resulting from a storm, they may refute your claim. Unfortunately, some insurance companies take advantage of their clients, leaving them no option but to cover the damages out of pocket.
Contact a public insurance adjuster in Georgia if you need help with a refuted claim.
Insurance Public Adjustors Atlanta
What If Your Insurance Provider Is Attempting to Deny Your Claim?
If you believe that your insurance provider is attempting to underpay or deny your claim, your best option may be hiring a public insurance adjuster. Public insurance adjusters represent clients negotiating with their insurance company. There is no reason you should settle for anything less than your full insurance payout.
Based in Atlanta, GA, our experts at the Insurance Public Adjusters of Georgia will be happy to offer you a free assessment. We only get paid once we settle with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that you receive your due according to your insurance policy.
Because of this, you can be sure we will employ all our resources in helping you negotiate your claim. Our representation gives you peace of mind in a stressful situation and ensures your rights are protected.
Call us today (404) 220-9366 for a no-obligation consultation. As public insurance adjusters in Georgia, we are fully committed to representing our clients and have a 100% customer satisfaction policy.
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Insurance Public Adjusters of Georgia
1100 Peachtree St NE, Ste 200a
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 220-9366
