Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against harsh outdoor elements. While modern roofing materials are made to withstand the forces of nature, they can only take so much. After an extreme weather event, you may need to file an insurance claim for storm damage roof repair.
Continue reading for tips on how to communicate with an insurance adjuster for your claim.
What’s an Insurance Adjuster?
Once you file a claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to your home to check and assess the damage. It’s their role to inspect the damage and determine how much your insurer needs to pay for the repairs or replacement. An adjuster can either be hired by your insurance provider or an independent contractor.
Keep in mind that insurance companies usually want to pay the lowest price they are legally obliged to pay. An adjuster is typically a paid employee of your insurer, meaning they have the same goal. They want to perform the evaluation and close the claim as soon as possible at the lowest amount possible. Fortunately, you don’t have to immediately accept the initial offer of your adjuster. You shouldn’t hesitate for a more reasonable settlement if the original amount is too low for your roof replacement or repair.
How Do You Communicate With Them?
Don’t Feel Intimated
You shouldn’t feel intimidated by your insurance adjuster. Many insurance providers give low initial offers because they are expecting you to negotiate or work with a public adjuster. Most times, they assume that you are going to reject their low initial offer. It also means that they have another offer lined up for you.
Know What Your Policy Covers
In case your insurance company refuses to pay for certain damages included in your policy or fails to assess your claim properly, they may be acting in bad faith. When your insurer acts in bad faith, they will become liable for lawsuits. Lawsuits can be a great expense for insurance providers, and they will usually do their best to avoid them.
Focus on Your Claim
Remember that adjusters usually deal with several claims, and you only have one to handle. You can take advantage of this situation. Do your research and be sure you know everything about your claim. The more you know, the better you can negotiate with your adjuster.
Make sure to hire a reliable residential roofing contractor for your storm damage repair needs. At 4U Roofing, we’re always here to help with your home’s roofing needs. Give us a call at (251) 235-2222 or fill out our contact form to request a quote.
