Legal insights and tips from the veteran Attorney of 40 years.
STORM DAMAGE AND NSURANCE
Due to the increase in storm damage to residential and commercial buildings, many of you are having to deal with insurance company adjusters. Hopefully, you will have an adjuster to promptly appear and inspect your home or business.
Let’s talk about roofs, but some recommendations will apply to other damage:
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Report your claim promptly.
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Take photos.
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Obtain a reputable contractor to give you an estimate on your roof damage repair after measuring and inspecting.
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Have your roofing contractor meet with the adjuster. He knows roofing and what the insurance company is looking for.
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If shingles have been blown off, collect them and have them for the adjuster to see.
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Some adjusters will measure out one or more ten-foot squares on your roof and record the damage to each square - wind damage to shingles, missing shingles, hail hits, etc. This analysis determines whether and what percentage the insurance company will pay for you roof damage, if any.
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Your contractor should make certain he surveys the areas of your worst damage and points out that damage to the adjuster and makes certain their ten-foot squares are in these areas. Hail hits on metal soffit ridges cannot be overlooked.
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The adjuster may discuss thermal cracking (heat), incorrect nailing, or age of the shingles. Try to know when and who installed your roof.
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It is important for your contractor to know the condition of your roof before the damage, so he can be knowledgeable with the adjuster.
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Be aware that some companies only cover your roofs for the first 5 to 10 years after installation. Review your policy. You may be paying a premium with no coverage for roofs.
YOU HAVE PAID YOUR PREMIUMS, AND YOU ARE ENTITLED TO BE FAIRLY COMPENSATED FOR YOUR ROOF DAMAGE.
Contact Us
For a meeting with one of our lawyers, call our office in Corbin at 606.528.5001. Personal injury and bankruptcy clients are entitled to a free initial consultation. We maintain flexible office hours to accommodate your needs.
Please Note: David Smith, Marcia Smith are independent attorneys with individual areas of practice.