Filing a claim for damaged vinyl or fiber cement siding with your homeowner's insurance company is simple if you take the right steps. Having plenty of information available and a few estimates from siding contractors can help.
When a severe hail storm causes damage to your home's siding or roofing, it's up to your homeowner's insurance company to pay for a claim that will give you enough money to repair or replace the damaged part of your home. Many homeowners, however, aren't sure what the appropriate steps are in order to ensure they don't end up with a check that doesn't cover the damage done. It's the job of every homeowner to contact their insurance company and follow the appropriate steps in order to get the most reimbursement for the necessary job.
Contact Your Insurance Company As Soon As Possible
Calling the company and informing them that you've sustained hail damage to the exterior of your home should always be your first step. Your memory of when the storm occurred and other relevant information will still be fresh in your mind. You can often file a hail damage claim over the phone; it will then be sent to a claims adjuster, who should contact you as soon as possible to schedule a visit to look at the damage. In the meantime, it can be very helpful for you to get estimates for both repair and replacement from local siding contractors. When the adjuster arrives to look at the damage, offer him copies of the estimates you've gotten for both repair and replacement of your siding and/or roofing. While he doesn't have to agree with those estimates, it can be very helpful if they outline damages he might have overlooked. Back in his office, he will review his notes and determine whether replacement or repair is appropriate, the value of the materials, whether it is vinyl or fiber cement and other factors that impact the amount of the check that is issued. His report and recommendation will be forwarded to the appropriate individual, who will cut a check payable directly to you for the amount the company feels is appropriate, less whatever your deductible is.
When Your Check Arrives
For smaller claims (generally $3000 - $5000 or less, depending on the insurance provider), a check will be written directly to you. You can then cash the check and use it to pay for any work that's done. If the claim amount is larger, some companies will issue the claim to you and your mortgage holder to ensure that it is used appropriately for the repairs needed. If you don't feel you've received enough money to properly repair or replace your hail damaged siding or roofing, you can appeal the claim. If you're going to do this, it's important that you do NOT cash the first check sent to you. Instead, file an appeal through your insurance provider.
Appealing The Claim Amount For Siding Damage
If you've already received quotes from roofing or siding contractors, you already have some of the tools you need for an appeal. You can submit these as proof that the job will cost more than estimated by the company. You may also have to hire a public adjuster to give an itemized quote to your insurer. Because a public adjuster works for you rather than the insurance company, he'll provide a proposal that covers as much repair or replacement as possible under the terms of your insurance. If you are successful in appealing a claim, you can send the first check back and use the new, higher amount to repair the damage.
Choose The Right Siding Contractors
If you've already asked for quotes from siding contractors, you're one step ahead. If not, be sure to get estimates from at least three local home improvement specialists in order to get a fair price. After you've received their estimates, be sure to let them know how much you're willing to spend and how much the insurance company feels the work should cost. You may want to pay for some additional work yourself if necessary. For instance, if three of your exterior, fiber cement walls were damaged, your settlement will likely pay for repairs to only those three walls. If you'd like to have new fiber cement on the fourth wall as well, you may have to pay for that wall yourself.
Being pro-active and seeking estimates from several siding contractors when you file a claim for hail damaged roofing or siding, you can often get a better settlement for repair or replacement. The appeals process may take some time, but it may be worth it, particularly if there is evidence of hidden damage that may have been missed.
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