If you have lived here in Texas for a while, then you know that storm season is about to hit full swing. Recently, we've seen some rather large storms that are common but have left many new people to the area wondering if they made the right choice to move here from out of state.
Sure, California may have earthquakes, but it doesn't have ice balls hurtling from the sky pounding everything in its path.
Regardless, it leaves even more wondering about what to do regarding a potential insurance claim, especially if it involves the roof of your home and hail.
Knowing the ins and outs of hail damage claims and what you can expect during the process can help ease your mind during these times of falling skies.
Determine the Damage
If you have hail damage on your property, the first thing you should do is assess the damage. This means taking a look at all of the damaged areas and determining the extent of the damage. Once you have done this, you will need to contact your insurance company to start the claims process.
The insurance adjuster will come out to your property and inspect the damage. They will then give you an estimate of the repairs that need to be made. If
If you agree with the estimate, the insurance company will then cut you a check for the repairs.
It is important to note that if you have a mortgage on your property, the insurance company will make the check out to both you and your lender. This is because the lender has a vested interest in your property and wants to ensure that it is repaired properly.
Make the Repairs
Once you have reached an agreement with the insurance company, you'll need to pay your deductible for any repairs covered by your insurance company.
You will likely need to hire a contractor to do the repairs for you.
Make sure that you get everything in writing before any work is started. Once the repairs are completed, you should take pictures of the finished product and send them to your insurance company.
This will serve as documentation that the repairs were made and can help you in the event that there are any issues down the road.
While no one ever wants to deal with hail damage, it is a reality for many homeowners in Texas.
If you take the time to assess the damage and contact your insurance company, you will be well on your way to getting your home repaired and back to normal.
Talk to Your Independent Insurance Agent
Before you determine the damage and schedule repairs, it helps to walk it through with Insurance For Texans. We're no strangers to the rain or hail in Texas.
We know that dealing with hail damage can be a stressful experience. Storm season can be tough, but so are Texans, whether you just got here or if you've weathered enough of these storms.
If you have any further questions, reach out. We are here to help!
Ron Wadley is an owner and General Solver of Problems for Insurance For Texans. Ron is a resident of North-East Tarrant County in the Dallas-Ft Worth area. He loves riding his many bikes and watching his Baylor Bears play football and basketball. Send him your insurance questions at ron@insurancefortexans.com.