As a homeowner in Oklahoma City, you’re no stranger to the severe weather conditions that come with living in this region. Hailstorms, in particular, can wreak havoc on your residential roofing, often requiring costly repairs. Thankfully, insurance coverage can help ease the financial burden.
However, when it comes to filing a claim, one common question that arises is, “Should your roofer meet with your insurance adjuster?”
The short answer is yes. Most homeowners are not roofing experts and are unfamiliar with what hail and wind damage looks like. Having a professional roofer available during the damage inspection can ensure you have an advocate in the process and make sure all damage is found.
But wouldn’t an insurance adjuster be able to spot hail damage? While you would think that to be true, it’s not always the case. Read on to learn more and get expert tips on making hail damage repairs to your roof and home after a storm!
The Roles Of Your Roofer And Insurance Adjuster
Before diving into the question, “Should your roofer meet with your insurance adjuster?”, it’s essential to understand the roles of both your roofer and your insurance adjuster.
Roofer: A professional roofer, like Triple Diamond Construction, specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of roofs. They are experts in assessing the condition of your roof, identifying any damage, and providing an estimate for repairs or replacement. Roofers have a deep understanding of the roofing industry, local building codes, and the best practices for repairs and installations.
Insurance Adjuster: An insurance adjuster (also called a claims adjuster) represents your insurance company and is responsible for evaluating the damage to your property and determining the amount that will be covered by your policy. They assess the extent of the damage, estimate the cost of repairs, and negotiate with the homeowner and their chosen contractor.
It’s important to note that insurance adjusters are not roofing experts. In fact, Oklahoma doesn’t require any specialized roofing or hail damage training before an insurance adjuster assesses a property for storm damage.
Often, the insurance adjuster that meets with you isn’t the one who determines the outcome of your claim. They simply take photos of the damage and send them to a separate department for review. If you get an inexperienced insurance adjuster who does not properly document the damage, your claim likely won’t cover the full cost of all repairs needed.
Should Your Roofer Meet with Your Insurance Adjuster?
If you want a hassle-free claim process, having your roofer meet with your insurance adjuster is a good idea. Here are a few reasons why:
Expertise: Your roofer is your advocate and understands the intricacies of roofing systems and storm damage. They can provide valuable insights to the insurance adjuster, ensuring that all necessary repairs are accurately assessed and included in the claim. With their expertise, your roofer can help bridge the gap between the adjuster’s assessment and the actual damage incurred.
Detailed Documentation: By having your roofer present, they can document the damage alongside the insurance adjuster. They will conduct a thorough inspection, take photographs, and compile a detailed report highlighting the areas that require repair or replacement. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence to support your claim and help ensure all repairs are covered.
Eliminating Miscommunication: Miscommunication between your insurance adjuster and other departments can lead to discrepancies in the scope of work and estimates. When your roofer is present, they can communicate directly with the adjuster, clarifying doubts and ensuring that the damage assessment aligns with their professional opinion. This helps avoid any potential misunderstandings and ensures a fair evaluation of the damage.
Timely Repairs: By involving your roofer during the inspection, you can streamline the repair process. They can provide immediate feedback to the insurance adjuster, accelerating the claim approval and repair timeline. This helps prevent further damage to your home and ensures a prompt resolution.
Tips for a Successful Meeting
To make the most of the meeting between your roofer and the insurance adjuster, consider the following tips:
Notify your insurance company in advance: Inform your insurance company that you intend to have your roofer present during the adjuster’s inspection. This allows them to make the necessary arrangements and schedule a time that accommodates all parties.
Choose an experienced roofer: Select a reputable, experienced roofer, like Triple Diamond Construction, who understands what new and old hail damage looks like on a roof. They will have prior experience working with insurance adjusters, making the meeting more productive.
Maintain professionalism and cooperation: During the meeting, it’s crucial to maintain a professional and cooperative attitude. All parties involved should work together to assess the damage accurately and agree on the necessary repairs.
Key Takeaways About Working With Your Insurance Adjuster
When dealing with a hailstorm’s aftermath and filing an insurance claim, having your roofer meet with your insurance adjuster can greatly benefit you as a homeowner. Their expertise, advocacy, and ability to document the damage accurately can help ensure a fair and thorough evaluation.
At Triple Diamond Construction, we believe in providing comprehensive roofing solutions, including hail damage documentation for your claim. Contact us today, and let us guide you through the entire process, from inspection to repairs, giving you peace of mind during the restoration of your roof.
