One of the biggest threats to your home is storm damage. When it comes time to do storm damage repair, hiring the right insurance repair contractor is not only key to a quality job, it can also help you get the maximum value out of your insurance claim.
Whether your home is currently in need of storm damage repair or recent weather conditions have got you thinking about potential risks to your home, knowing as much as possible before hiring an insurance repair contractor will be well worth the effort.
Do I need to get a home inspection?
After a storm has damages your home, some needed repairs will be obvious and others won’t. Having a qualified inspector assess the damage ensures you won’t miss anything that could lead to bigger problems later on – after the claim has closed.
The National Storm Damage Center, a consumer advocacy agency, “maintains a database of reputable contractors who are licensed, insured and commit to a strict Code of Ethics designed to protect homeowners.” They provide no-cost home inspections and home insurance repair estimates.
How do I find a reputable home contractor?
The insurance repair contractor you hire to do storm damage repair can make a world of difference. The NSDC website says to look for a contractor who has an established company with a positive track record, is fully insured in both liability and workers comp, has insurance claims experience, has passed a background check and can provide at least three local references.
What are storm chasers and how should I handle them?
Storm Chasers are large, often national, companies who follow storms around the country to get as many of the home repair insurance contracts as they can before moving on to the next storm damaged location when they’re done.
“They do not have any interest in their local reputation, quality of installation, or selection of good quality materials,” according to Legacy’s website.
You can ensure you’re working with a local insurance repair contractor by checking the company’s website for a local address and landline number. Asking for local references from at least six months prior or checking to see where the company’s General Liability Insurance policy was written is another way to rule out storm chasers. A contractor with a 1-800 number doesn’t necessarily have to be ruled out, but they should be further investigated.
Does my insurance cover storm damage?
Coverage varies from company to company and policy to policy. Recent floods in the Metro Detroit area revealed that many home owners thought they had purchased a flood insurance rider that would cover the damage they sustained only to discover, after the fact, they hadn’t purchased the correct flood rider – the one that covers flooding from sewer backups. Your best bet is to ask plenty of questions – and ask them often.
How many bids should I get from home contractors?
Before doing any home insurance repair you want to get at least three bids. Often times, contractors will tell you that they are licensed and BBB accredited so you can trust the company’s bid. It’s true you want your contractor to have both, but it doesn’t guarantee they’ll offer you the highest quality home repair at the best price.
Don’t automatically go for home contractor with the lowest bid. You also need to evaluate the quality of work, materials and warranty before deciding which insurance repair contractor will provide you with the best value.
Should I make an insurance claim?
The real question is: Will my insurance premiums go up if I do?
“Typically, insurance companies cannot single out a homeowner for a rate increase based on an ‘Act of God’ storm damage claim. However, your insurance company can raise rates for everyone in your area. So, if you don’t file a claim, your increase in premium will pay for everyone else’s repairs, except for yours,” according to the NSDC.
How long do I have to file a storm damage repair claim?:
Typically you have one year to file a claim, but check your specific policy since some offer considerably less time while others offer more.
Should I do the work myself?
There is no benefit to doing the work yourself unless you are paying for it out of your own pocket. Your insurance company will pay for the labor – and it may even come with a warranty.
Bloomfield Construction has more than 20 years of experience doing excellent work on storm damaged homes. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you through your home insurance repairs anytime of any day.
For more information about our free storm damage repair evaluation service, give us a call today at 248-327-4538. Yep, that’s a local number! We pride ourselves on supplying local, personalized service that meets – and often exceeds – your expectations.
