Unlike other states, hail is not something that we encounter often in Florida. But, as we have recently seen, when heavy thunderstorms produce hail, it can cause extensive damage to roofs, cars, windows, etc.
Was your roof damaged by hail? Here are the most important things to keep in mind when filing a hail damage claim in Florida so you can get the settlement that your property deserves:
What to Do Immediately
Immediately after a hailstorm, start here:
Take note of the date and exact time of the storm.
Take photos of your yard and home focusing on the areas of damage. Take as many photos as you can, the more the better.
Look for obvious signs of damage to your roof, like missing or torn shingles.
Grab a measuring tape and place it next to the hailstones on the ground and take photos.
Take photos of your outside AC unit, as hail can dent and block cooling fans.
Remember: Hail melts, especially in the Florida heat. Your home might have been hit by golf ball-sized hailstones, but if you do not have photos, you will not be able to prove it.
Want to make everything one easy step? Simply call our Tampa Bay loss adjusters or submit a claim online. It’s a good idea to have a public claims adjuster from Liberty Adjusters manage your insurance claim. We can submit it on your behalf and manage the entire process through the needed repairs. Be properly compensated for your hail property loss!
You Don’t Need a Leak to Have Hail Damage
You might think that your roof is fine after a hailstorm because you do not see any apparent roof leaks. You can still file a homeowner’s insurance claim for a damaged roof even if there is not a leak. Do not wait for a leak to appear, as most roof hail damage claims do not involve leaking roofs.
If you do have a roof leak, place a tarp over the leaking areas to help mitigate further water damage.
After checking your roof, we recommend checking other areas for hail damage including:
House siding
Windows
AC units
Carports, sheds, or other structures on your property
Do not make a costly mistake! Thoroughly examine your property before determining that there is no damage. If you are uncomfortable getting up on top of your roof, call a roofing contractor or licensed public loss adjuster for an inspection. If the shingles were damaged during the storm, we can add photos and evidence of the damage to get the most for your insurance claim.
Repair the damage: Getting Roof Damage Claims Right
If you need help handling, negotiating, or determining if you are covered for an insurance claim related to hail damages in Tampa Bay, a public adjuster from Liberty Adjusters can help. Lean on our experts: 813-922-5129
Fixing the Roof Damage
If your roof has been damaged from hail, you will want to contact a licensed roofing company or a public adjuster to help with an inspection. An insurance adjuster from Liberty Adjusters can assess and inspect any hail damage to your home.
During the roof inspection, a roofing contractor will be able to estimate how much repairs might cost, and if there is enough damage to your roof to warrant a replacement. This helps keep your insurance company honest. While your insurance company might only want to pay $15,000 to repair your hail-damaged roof, if your roofing contractor has estimated repairs to be $30,000 you will be able to appeal the claim to recover the settlement that you deserve.
Don’t make these 6 Common Mistakes When Filing for Storm Damage!
File a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim
After you have taken photos and gotten a roof inspection, contact your insurance company to file a hail damage claim. The insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damages to your property and then decide how much your damages are worth—if anything.
Be aware, insurance companies will do anything to deny a payout, and they might offer you a lower settlement than what is required to fix your roof hail damage. If all goes to plan, the insurance company will approve the hail damage repairs or replacement.
If your insurance company refuses to honor your claim or is being difficult, contact Liberty Adjusters to help get the needed repair amount to fix the hail damage!
Hail Damage? Contact Liberty Adjusters to Place a Claim
While hail damage claims are not common in Florida, heavy thunderstorms during the spring and summer months can produce substantial hail damage to your home or business in Tampa Bay.
If the roof of your property has been damaged by a recent hailstorm, a public adjuster from Liberty Adjusters is ready to help you through the insurance claims process. Get the fairest settlement that you can repair your home or business.
Lean on Liberty Insurance Adjusters of Tampa Bay. Submit your claim today!