How to File an Insurance Claim for Roof Hail Damage

Claims for hail damage to roofs is on the increase due to a recent eruption of thunderstorms that have hit DFW and surrounding ares. If you live in an area where you can get hail large enough to possibly cause damage to your roof, you will want to know how and when to file an insurance claim for damages. If you are not sure whether your home has been damaged by hail , start by calling us a Bella Roofing and we will help you inspect any damages you might have. All of our sales personnel have been trained in a similar manner as your insurance adjuster and can also walk you through the steps of settling your claim.

Suggested steps to take when filing an insurance claim:

1. Note the date. If you know for sure that you've recently had a hail storm, note the date. You'll need this date to file a claim.

2. Get a qualified opinion. If you suspect you have damage to your roof from a hail storm, get an opinion from qualified roofing companies, such as us here at Bella Roofing.

3. Meeting the roofing companies. When the roofing companies come, spend some time getting to know them and ask about the service they provide. At Bella we will provide you with the highest quality workmanship, materials and service you deserve when replacing, repairing or installing your roof. Ask them all if they'd be willing to be there when the insurance adjuster comes to access the damage. Our experts here at Bella are more than willing to work with you and your claims adjuster in settling your claim.

4. Filing the claim. If the roofing companies recommended you call in a claim, just call your insurance company and tell them you want to file a claim for hail damage. They will then requests all the important dates and data from you and will probably also ask if you have any interior damage. In most states you have up to one year to file a claim for any damages.

5. Meeting the insurance adjuster. The adjuster will take about a half hour to access and take picture of any damage and then explain the next steps to you. Some companies may give you a settlement quote right then, but many can take up to a couple weeks. When the adjuster is done, you contractor, or contractors, will probably compare notes with the adjuster mainly to see if the total roof measurements are about the same. In a case where the adjuster states they didn't think there was any significant damage, ask your contractor to debate it with them. Even if you didn't have one there at the time, and you later tell your roofing company what the adjuster said, most insurance companies will send their adjuster back to discuss with your contractor.

6. Getting the work done. If your insurance company approves your claim, you will most likely get enough, less your deductible, to complete the work. If it's not enough, your contractor should help you dispute the amount based on the work needed. They are just holding back some of the money until the work is complete. So, if they hold back $600 for depreciation and the actual cost of work is a little more then they sent you, all you have to do is send them a letter of completion from your contractor with the exact amount when the work is done and they'll send you the difference.