It’s quite surprising that most wind or hail storms only last for about half an hour in duration. Yet, they cause irreparable damage with strength that seems unreal in that amount of time.
Between thunderstorms, windstorms, and hail storms as well as longer and more severe tornadoes and hurricanes, there’s a good chance your property will suffer some form of destruction during a storm.
Roof damages might look so negligible but when the bill comes in, it can leave you wondering how it costs thousands of dollars in repairs. Moreso, managing a damaged roof is unsafe and unadvisable.
If your property was damaged after a recent storm, then you’ll need your Insurance claim.
When it comes to roof insurance claims in San Antonio, the process can oftentimes be stressful and lengthy, that’s why we will be explaining how roof insurance claims work in San Antonio and the best way to go about it.
Before we dive in, let’s talk about the types of storm damage to your roof.
Types of storm damage to your roof
The significant and popular damages include the following:
Roof damage
Storm damage can be so devastating. It can rip off the entire roof and leave the properties in the house to be damaged by wind and water. If you know lightning has struck your home, call the fire department.
Hail damage
Hail can accompany strong storms most times. They usually measure between 0.2 and 1.75 inches in diameter. Moreso, they can be larger than that in size.
They also drop from the atmosphere with a considerable force which often causes dents on several surfaces like vehicles. Windows and home structures are not left out of the havoc. These dents may not be visible at first glance.
Things you might want to look out for include cracks or dents, holes in the siding, and bent roof openings. You can reach out to professionals to carry out assessments.
Wind damage
Imagine being caught in the middle of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and other serious storms. The thoughts of it can be alarming. Even in the safety of the house, winds moving from 50mph to 60 mph can be scary. They are no doubt hazardous to you and your property.
Water damage
Texas is known for its susceptibility to flash floods and rapid torrential downpours. Water when moving with strong velocity is as dangerous as a strong moving wind.
How Do Roof Insurance Claims Work in San Antonio?
If an accident affects your property and you initiate a claim, the insurance company will usually send an adjuster to visit you and define the damages. The adjuster will inspect the extent of the damage and make settlement recommendations.
The first check is just part of the full payment you will receive. This is usually not the final amount of the settlement agreement.
If you’re offered a check during the adjuster’s visit, it’s a good idea to accept it right away. If you subsequently discover additional damage that was not visible on the initial inspection, you can request that the file be reopened and seek additional compensation. Most insurers require that all claims be made within one year from the date the loss occurred.
When both the building and its contents are damaged, it is customary for two separate checks to be issued, one for each portion.
If your home is mortgaged, the check corresponding to the building repairs will be issued in the name of the owner together with the name of the mortgage company. If you have also incurred additional living expenses, you may receive a third separate check for this item.
What to do if your home was damaged in a storm
In the initial shock after a disaster, you may not know what to do. Naturally, your health and that of your loved ones are the priorities. Therefore, you must first obtain medical attention and shelter, if necessary.
Once it’s safe, the following tips can help you get the compensation you deserve:
- Notify your insurer
Even though you’re probably upset, do your best to stay calm and stick to the facts. Don’t try to exaggerate your condition when stating your claim.
- Take pictures
Photos, videos, and notes about the damage can be valuable evidence. Take lots of photos, from a position to capture the damages. It will assist in clearing out any arguments that might arise later on.
- Keep copies of letters, emails, or other documentation
The effect of a storm can leave a victim shaky. When emotion is out, you won’t want to be caught in arguments about your claims. There is a need to document every interaction you have with your insurance company.
- Keep records of emergency work or repairs
Sometimes emergency repairs can’t wait, but you should keep detailed records of any repairs, as well as any estimates you collect. These records are items that will help your claim.
- Avoid talking about harm on social media
It’s tempting to talk and post photos on social media about damage to your property. However, articles posted on social media can be considered public knowledge. In the excitement, you may have made statements that were inaccurate, incomplete, or subject to misrepresentation, and these statements are available to adjusters and others who can use them against you.
- Contact a roofing contractor
Storm damage can be overwhelming. Everyone you meet will want to offer advice on how to proceed. A reliable roofing contractor will evaluate your roof and provide you with a complete and accurate estimate of any damages. This will ensure the adjuster is fair and covers all the damage to the property caused by the storm which will help you get fair compensation.
Do you need a roof insurance claim lawyer?
Trusting your insurance company to protect your interests and adequately compensate you for your losses can be difficult. Storm damage claims are alarming to insurance organizations. Most companies may try to limit or deny your coverage because of their interest.
An attorney can provide an intensive investigation of your claims, help you build a strong claim, make sure your voice is heard, and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Dealing with the aftermath of a storm can be frustrating and daunting, especially if your insurance company is uncooperative. If your home or property has sustained storm damage and you need help with your roof insurance claims. You need to work with a dedicated roof claims lawyer and an experienced roofing contractor in San Antonio, to save you time, stress, and money, and also guide you in the best way to file your insurance claim and ensure everything is covered.
Conclusion
Filing for roof insurance claims in San Antonio can be a lengthy process as it involves a lot of follow-up and documentation, you need to ensure you’re working with the best hands as insurance companies don’t always play fair.
Lastly, if you want to know if a roof insurance policy covers your specific issue, give us a quick call at 210-610-8113 and our experienced roofing contractors in San Antonio will help you to determine if the roof insurance policy covers your specific case and also provide you with reliable assistance and advice for the best solution for your situation.
