Hail Damage – There are times in life when circumstances beyond our control may cause loss or damage to property. For this reason we pay insurance and expect the company to pay if there is a problem. Many people find after the fact that this is not always the case. We have some tips to help you avoid this and make it easier for you to file a hail damage claim if needed.

Familiarize yourself with your insurance policies. You should always be aware of exactly what is or is not covered by your insurance. Conduct a thorough pet insurance comparison before signing and ask questions if needed. Some companies may require different policies for different damage or to different property. For example, you may need a separate policy for a disaster such as a flood.

Always keep your policy in a safe place. This will insure that you can have access to it in the event it’s needed. When filing a claim you will need your policy number and contact information to report the claim to the carrier. It will also enable you to have a copy of your policy in case your company tries to deny your claim.

OK, back to hail damage issues. If the company tries to low-ball your claim unfairly – there are resources to fight their decision. Many times your roofer will advise you need a replacement of the roof and the carrier is only planning to provide a minimum repair. You may need help to obtain what you deserve from an independent appraiser. If the company says they will not pay then your first step is usually to find out their reason. If you have a legitimate claim and it is covered under your policy then you can use the Appraisal Provision in your policy to secure the replacement cost that is rightfully yours.

Contacting the company is always the first step. Claims are usually settled fairly quickly. If not then you may need to show proof of items lost and by what means they were lost. Pictures and receipts are always preferred. Sometimes pictures of the items after the damage has occurred may be needed. Ask your roofer to take photos of the hail damage. You should also photo and damaged items in the yard and never throw anything away.

Receipts can also be used to help determine the value of the damaged property. However, what you paid 10-years ago will be significantly different today.

You pay premiums and expect to be reimbursed if you suffer from a hail damage claim. If the company owes you money then you should fight for it. Most cases can be settled out of court with the Appraisal Process. Find out your rights today.

Need serious help with your roof hail damage claim? Get the super inside skinny in our exclusive hailstorm claim overview.