Hail Damage is it a Scam?
Hail Damage is it a Scam?
BEFORE AFTER
- Is Hail Damage a scam? This is one of the biggest topics going around on the internet and local communities. The short answer is absolutely not. Damage caused by wind and Hail cost State Farm more than $3.2 billion in 2010. Your insurance company sends an independent adjuster to verify damage and approve or deny your roof. Now, where the scam comes into play is the con in contractor. There is no such thing as a free roof. It is your responsibility to pay your deductible. There are several companies that offer free roofs or say they will cover your deductible.
- How do I prevent being scammed? It is very important to use a reputable contractor who is a member of the BBB, licensed, insured and provides references. There are several fly by nighters who will scam you out of money. Never give any money up front until your roof is approved by the insurance company. Most reputable companies offer free hail damage assessments and do a thorough inspection of your entire home roof, siding, gutters, a/c unit etc. It is important to have an inspection before you call your insurance this will prevent a frivolous claim.
- How do I know if I have Hail Damage? Hail damage is usual not visible from the ground. It is important to ensure a proper roof inspection was conducted. The insurance companies have established guidelines which constitute roof replacement. Contractors who fabricate this damage are committing insurance fraud. Trained inspectors look for storm related damage such as hail impacts or wind lift and ensure your roof meets the criteria to file a claim. Always try to be present during the inspection and ask for photos of the damage. When your roof has hail damage, it does several things; accelerates granule loss, accelerates shingle aging, voids manufacturer’s warranties, and leads to other associated problems. Although hail damage doesn’t pose an immediate threat to the structural integrity of the roof, it will eventually lead to problems if left untreated. Also, many insurance companies have a statue to limitations of how long a hail claim is viable.
- Should I file a Hail Damage claim? When National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) examined data ranging from Jan. 1, 2006 to March 31, 2010, the organization found that the number of Hail loss claims filed with insurers increased by 61 percent -- from 256,000 in 2006 to more than 413,000 in 2009. At the same time, the number of claims referred to NICB for suspected fraud rose by 136 percent (from 301 reported in 2006 to 711 in 2009). The bottom line is if you live in an area that had a hail event find a reputable company to inspect your property. If you have damage then you should pursue compensation and replacement thru your homeowner’s policy. Protect you most valued possession that is why you have Insurance.
