An intense hailstorm or wind will destroy your roof shingles and gutters within a matter of minutes. Your ability to know precisely how to proceed will make all the difference between being paid out appropriately and having your claim turned down. A storm damage insurance claim in Wisconsin begins with assessing the damage, contacting your insurance company as soon as possible, and arranging for an inspection prior to making any repairs.
Stein Home Solutions has been advising Wisconsin residents on how to go about this process since 1995. We provide free storm damage assessments, and our crews understand Wisconsin insurers’ requirements.
What Should You Do Immediately After Your House Has Been Struck by a Storm?
The first hour following a storm is even more important than you might think. First, go through your house with care and look out for damage to trees and power lines that could potentially fall over.
After you are sure that your family members have been evacuated safely, go on a walk around your home and make a list of all the dents and damages that you can see, as well as any wet spots in the ceiling. It is best to write down the exact date and time when the storm occurred.
What Is the Process of Documenting Storm Damage?
Insurance companies are dependent on proof, and thus making a thorough documentation of storm damage is a very vital thing for a homeowner to do. The picture and video evidence right after the storm is more credible compared to writing about it days later.
There are a few things that will make it easier to document storm damage:
- Taking a separate picture of shingles, gutters, siding, and window screens
- Showing a newspaper with the date in one of the pictures
- Keeping the receipts for the temporary repair measures like tarps, plywood, etc.
- Keeping the weather reports or news about the intensity of the storm
- Storing a copy of each and every picture online
What is the Procedure for Roof Insurance Claims in Wisconsin?
Knowledge about the roof insurance claims process can prevent delays. For the most part, it starts when you contact your insurance company and receive a claim number, and then an adjuster gets assigned to handle the situation.
Next, most insurance companies in Wisconsin require the scheduling of a site visit within a week or two, depending on the volume of claims that follow a regional storm. If you already have pictures, an estimate of the damage, and a timeline of when the damage occurred, the process will likely go much smoother than if you wait for the adjuster.
What Should Be Expected from an Insurance Adjuster Roof Inspection?
The insurance adjuster roof inspection stage is when the insurance company determines the extent of the damage and the price required for its restoration. An insurance adjuster visits the site and climbs the roof to see whether there is any damage to the shingles and cracks in flashing, vents, and gutters.
It is important to have a professional roofer along on this visit. There may be a difference in what damage the adjuster sees versus what a roofing professional sees. This is especially true for older roofs where wear and storm damage may appear to look alike. Homeowners have the right to ask questions and get a copy of the insurance adjuster notes.
How Does a Claim for Wind Damage Differ from That of Hail Damage?
In most cases, a wind damage claim is based on lost or raised shingles, ripped flashing, and moved gutters since wind damage causes materials to tear off. This is because the damage caused by wind involves pulling the materials apart as opposed to cracking them.
In a hail damage claim, the concern is usually about impact marks, and not tearing the material off. Hail damages the granule layer of the shingles without tearing the shingle itself.
Tips for Hail Damage Claims in Wisconsin
Hail damage claims tips can be very useful when it comes to getting approval. Proper preparation is key with this type of claim.
- Look for granules on the ground after every hailstorm
- Ask your contractor to indicate hail strikes with chalk before the adjuster comes
- Compare the sizes of hail stones indicated by the weather services with the roof damage
- Always ask for a scope of repairs in writing and not verbally
- Never sign a full repair contract until you know the amount of the claim
Why Is There So Much Variation in Homeowners Insurance Storm Damage Coverage?
Since all policies do not necessarily treat storms in the same manner, it is understandable why there is such wide variation when it comes to storm damage coverage under a homeowners insurance policy. One of the things that may cause such coverage to vary is the fact that there may be a separate wind or hail deductible which will be greater than the regular deductible.
Checking the declarations page prior to a storm is better than doing so after one happens. There are some other factors, such as depreciation schedules and limit of coverage, which will make a difference in the ultimate resolution of the claim.
How Long Will It Take to Get The Settlement Check?
The timing will depend on the severity of the storm and the number of claims received from the surrounding area at the same time. The process may be relatively quick if the claim is only localized and there aren’t other competing claims; a localized claim could take two to three weeks, while a storm that has hit the region may take six weeks or more.
One way for homeowners to expedite their claim is to promptly respond to the insurance company in relation to any requests for additional photos, a signed repair estimate, or a phone call back.
Common Mistakes That Will Hinder Your Claim Process
A typical mistake that people commit while making a claim for storm damage is taking a lot of time before reporting damage, usually with the hope that a small leak will clear up by itself. Insurance companies may cast doubts over your claim if you have taken more time to report than what should have been.
Another mistake that people make is taking an estimate orally instead of in written form, which gives them very little scope to argue in case there is a dispute later. Failing to make temporary repairs, such as covering an area of the roof with a tarp, may result in denial of the claim if additional water damage happens.
Fixing the Damages Before the Insurance Adjuster
A complete fixing of damages would typically need to be done after the insurance adjuster has assessed the extent of the damage since covering up the damages would make their assessment much harder. However, there are some temporary fixes that need to be made to prevent additional damage that would normally be acceptable or even required by the insurance companies.
It will help if you took photographs before and after the temporary fix to show that the original damage was not covered up. It will also help if you saved receipts from any tarps, plywood, or emergency repairs.
How Do Previous Storms in Wisconsin Impact Future Insurance Coverage?
Given the prevalence of storms in Wisconsin that bring lightning and hail in the summer months, as well as heavy ice in the winter, Wisconsin roofs are quite susceptible to damage throughout the year. As a result, insurance companies will tend to use this type of storm damage when determining how to price deductibles for those living in counties which have recently experienced major hail storms.
The homeowner is likely to see changes in language with respect to wind or hail deductibles if he files a claim for any major storm, and the change will show up when his insurance is renewed the following year.
Restoring Your Wisconsin Roof to Normalcy
Filing for a storm damage insurance claim in Wisconsin does not have to be a daunting task for homeowners who have knowledge of the right order of things and also guidance from experts. Proper documentation and understanding of the entire procedure can guarantee protection of your property and your finances.
Stein Home Solutions is an experienced company that, for many years now, has helped restore roofs in Southeastern Wisconsin due to storm damage. We provide free storm damage assessment services; we also directly handle the insurance procedures. For homeowners who have incurred storm damages on their roofs recently, it would be advisable to contact Stein Home Solutions.
Call us today and get your free storm damage roof assessment today!
FAQs:
1. What is the deadline for filing storm damage claims in Wisconsin?
Most insurance providers require timely notification, usually within one year from when the storm occurred. Delaying the claims process could make it difficult to prove that the damage was caused by a storm, which is why it’s wise to submit the claims as soon as you discover them.
2. Is there any premium increase when filing a single storm damage claim?
A weather-related claim should not significantly affect premiums compared to an at-fault claim, because most insurance companies see these events as beyond the control of the homeowner. Nonetheless, filing several claims within a short while may influence your renewal rates.
3. Can I hire my own roofing contractor as opposed to using the list of vendors that the insurance company offers?
Wisconsin residents have the freedom to hire their own contractor as long as he/she is licensed. The insurers may recommend some vendors, but it is still up to you to decide which one you will hire.
4. What do homeowners do when the adjuster’s figure appears to be lower than the actual cost of repairs?
Homeowners can ask for a re-inspection or get a second opinion on costs by a qualified contractor in such situations. Having photos and a scope of work will increase the effectiveness of this appeal immensely.
5. Is there a need to replace the entire roof if only part of the roof is damaged by storms?
No, but it may become an issue for matching if there are different shingle colors and styles and if the old ones are discontinued. Some insurance companies offer matching coverage for such cases.
