Filing a residential insurance claim due to hail damage on your property is not as straightforward as it may seem. The amount of money you may receive could vary depending on the extent of your damages, the place and time of the storm and the condition of your home.
When faced with a hail storm situation, first and foremost, do not be afraid to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you need to file a claim for any type of insurance damage, you can contact your agent or company directly and determine if you are in a deductible situation. This is where the time and effort required to report the damage are equal to the amount of damage suffered, so having a good adjuster and assessing the situation can expedite the process.
Follow-up with your insurance agent to ensure everything is in order before submitting a claim. According to Karen Springer of Citizens Insurance, the following are key factors to be taken into account when filing a hail-related claim:
– Direct damage
– Indirect damage (wind)
– New windows, roofs, siding or awnings
– Interior or exterior repairs
– Insulation for your roof and windows
Springer also suggested that you never sign the initial claim before knowing the facts of the situation, which could include missing documentation. “You want to get a clear understanding of exactly what’s in your policy,” she said. “There’s no shame in asking your agent or company to mail over an explanation of benefits so you know what’s being covered.”
To read Springer’s full article, click here.
— Anett Hurtado is a publicist representing Citizens Insurance