Hail damage has been a real nuisance for many Pennsylvania residents this season. If you’re a home owner, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you think your roof may have been damaged by wind or hail.
1. Is Hail Damage Covered By Homeowners Insurance?
Hail damage is covered by standard home insurance in most states but coverage is applied in a variety of ways, depending on where you live, your insurer and how your policy is set up.
2. When To File A Hail Damage Claim
The Insurance Information Institute (III) and insurance companies say policyholders need to file promptly. Most standard policies require filing a claim within one year of determining that a hail storm damaged your roof or other parts of the house. Don’t risk losing the coverage you paid for by procrastinating.
3. Get A Professional Inspection
Be sure to hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof for damages. If your insurance adjuster’s initial offer does not meet scope of work that a contractor informed you needs to be performed or properly compensates for premium improvements you have made to your home. If the insurance adjuster’s amounts do not correlate with the improvements that need to be made, you have the right to hire an independent adjuster and submit their findings to your insurance company and ask for a new payout amount.
4. Know Your Warranty
Many manufacturers of gutters, roofing, and siding have terms and conditions where manufacturers warranties can be voided if hail damaged materials are not repaired or replaced.
5. Hire a Contractor You Trust
Under no circumstances should you be limited to a contractor referred by an insurance company. Frequently, they are motivated to finish the job as cheap as possible, leaving homeowners vulnerable to shortcuts and low quality materials. Hiring your own contractor means that their incentive is to satisfy you over your insurance company.
Chris Miller Roofing has been serving the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas for years and would be proud to be YOUR roofing service provider. To speak to a roofing expert or to schedule a free roofing inspection, contact Chris Miller Roofing today at 724-256-8845.