Home insurance plans usually cover damage that is the result of a storm for a reasonable deductible. A claim must be filed within a year of the storm in order to receive coverage. We offer an incentive program that helps pay for your deductible through references. Once a claim is filed, an adjuster will examine the damage of your home alongside one of our representatives and deem the allowance granted. From there, you will select the style roof, siding, window etc. you would like and we will hire one of our experienced crews to repair the damages, clean up the job and make sure you are satisfied with the work.
By law, insurance companies can't single you out to raise premiums for making a claim resulting from an "act of god." To raise your premiums, the insurance company must petition to raise the rates for an entire zip code or city. The reality is that everyone's premiums will increase the year following a catastrophe, so you'll be paying higher rates regardless of whether you get a new roof or not.
Oftentimes, shingles and flashings sustain damage that can't be readily identified without a thorough FREE inspection of the roof. Just because your roof is not leaking does not mean that it did not sustain DAMAGE. This damage can become problematic in the coming weeks and months, but can be resolved if action is taken immediately. Damage WILL depreciate a new roof more than old roof, so regardless of your roof's age it is important to get it repaired IMMEDIATELY.
Insurance companies are allowed by law to deploy inexperienced, non-licensed adjusters up to 90 days following a catastrophe. Seeing this, many initial claims after a strong storm are not adjusted properly. In addition, most adjusters are not locally based which means they are not in tune with the local market conditions. Have an experienced, local contractor take a look at your property to determine the scope and repair costs
Pick your contractor based on references and quality of workmanship. Most reputable contractors will meet with your adjuster and agree on a reasonable price to complete the restoration of your property. If you go looking for a low price in an effort to save money, your insurance company is obligated to pay you fair market value, or the amount you actually spend on repairs (whichever is less). If you find a contractor to do the work for less, then you are saving your insurance company the money. They also do not warranty any of the work completed like an Advocate independent contractor would. Find a great contractor, pay your deductible and let the contractor work out the funds with the insurance company necessary to restore your property better than it was before the storm.
In this day and age, you cannot be too careful when it comes to hiring contractors that are fully insured. Request to see a copy of your contractor's insurance certificate. Make sure that they have "General Liability," Workman's Comp" and "Vehicular Insurance" as well. Lastly, ask your contractor to provide a valid workmanship warranty for at least 2 years following installation.