If you are a homeowner in Chicago or Illinois, you know that Mother Nature surprises us at every turn and that it is inevitable that your roof gets damaged by storms, strong wind, hail, etc. It’s simply a matter of time before something like this happens, so you should always be prepared.

The important question here is:

What can I do to properly prepare for this kind of event?

Some of the possible consequences of your home being hit by a storm, for example,  are:

• Fallen trees
• Power outage
• Water leaks
• Roof damage
• Broken windows
• Loose parts of the drainage system, such as gutters or downspouts
• Waste and pieces of loose branches that cause damage.

When filing an insurance claim due to natural events, it’s key to properly evaluate the type of damages to your property and know how to identify them, as this can make a big difference in the final settlement you receive from your insurance company.

So it will be necessary to identify the type of damage (wind, rain, snow or hail, etc.) since each one can cause different issues for your property.

Aspects that you must take into account when evaluating the damage to your property:

Water damage

After extreme and heavy rain it is important to look for the following roof damage signs:

State of the shingles

Are shingles missing or noticeably out of place?

Are there dents from hail or branches?

Do your roof shingles show a loss of granules? An important element of your shingles’ useful life is the granules, which protect them from UV rays that cause roofs to deteriorate faster. So don’t forget to carefully check this area for damage and take note of how significant it is.

Flashing

Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and exterior flashing around the roof-mounted items to make sure they’re still securely attached and well-placed, or if they have become loose, moved out of place, or fallen off.

Sealant

Don’t forget to take a look at the sealant around the edges of the roof, as this is an area where wind, water, and snow particularly cause serious damage. Pay attention to vents and chimneys and make sure the caulking remains intact.

In the attic, it is important to check your insulation for moisture, as well as around your roof to see if there’s water infiltration. 

Keep in mind that even if your insulation is dry and there are no visible signs of water damage on your roof, it does not necessarily mean that your roof membrane has not been damaged or has not absorbed moisture somehow. Even little humidity could lead to mold or, worse, foundation rot and other major problems caused by water.

After assessing storm damage to your roof, there are several steps that follow in the insurance claim process.

What do I need to know before filing a storm damage insurance claim?

Step 1: Assess Storm Damage

Our priority is your life and safety always. Are you and your loved ones safe? Allow us to make sure what matters most is protected.

Start by writing down the date of the storm and any signs of damage you can see from the ground around your property. Take photos of any damage as they may be helpful in the claim process. And of course evaluate the storm damage on your roof, through a detailed and full inspection done by an experienced professional.

Step 2: Choose a contractor

Take the time to interview a couple of local contractors who show respect and genuine care for your particular situation, and who are attentive and transparent.

Request that they inspect, keep a record of the damage to your property, and show you photos of the inspection. Talk to them one-on-one and ask them questions about the materials they use, or any concerns you may have. Keep in mind that the quality of the materials used to replace or rebuild will determine the result. 

Doing this will help you determine which contractor you can trust and know that they’ll be suitable to deal with repairs and insurance claims.

Step 3: Make contact with your insurance company

It’s vital to know and understand your insurance policy before contacting them to file a claim and also to be aware of your rights before you talk to someone at the company.

Our team of experts will help you understand the terms and conditions of your policy, including coverage limitations, action timelines, and other important obligations and responsibilities.

Step 4: Negotiation & Settlement

Request and make sure that your Public Adjuster is present during the inspection and Adjustment Meeting by the insurance company. Your Public Adjuster’s job is to make sure the insurance company adjuster is fair and provides you with an accurate assessment.

Remember, the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company and may be leaning to deny your claim if he thinks he can.

Step 5: Don’t worry if your claim is denied

You have the right to a second opinion. Remember that even a small damage should result in an approved claim. Any type of damage can hurt your property value, so the damage should be repaired immediately to avoid bigger issues in the future.

At this point, your Public Adjuster’s role will be essential, they will work with your best interest in mind to obtain good benefits for your property.

Step 6: Restoration of your Property

Now it’s time to relax and enjoy…

After reaching an agreement with the insurance company, you can move forward with the permanent work and repairs. Get ready for a new beginning!

Finally, make sure that the work is done to your satisfaction and that your contractor fully complied with everything agreed upon. 

If you are looking for a professional Public Adjuster , contact us!