Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Stress-Free Process
When a severe storm rolls through the Treasure Valley, the safety of your family and property is the top priority. But after the wind and hail subside, discovering roof damage can be incredibly stressful. The thought of starting a complex insurance claim adds another layer of anxiety. Many Boise homeowners are unsure where to begin, what to document, or how to ensure they receive a fair settlement. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to help you manage your roof insurance claim with confidence and restore your home to its pre-storm condition.
Step 1: Immediate Actions After the Storm
What you do right after a storm is crucial for both your safety and the success of your insurance claim. Before anything else, prioritize safety.
Prioritize Safety and Initial Assessment
Visually inspect your roof and property from the ground. Look for downed power lines, broken glass, fallen tree limbs, or other immediate hazards. Never climb onto a potentially damaged roof; it can be extremely dangerous. Instead, look for obvious signs of damage such as missing, cracked, or curling shingles, or dents in gutters and downspouts. If you see significant issues, it might be best to call a professional for an inspection.
Document Everything Thoroughly
Before any cleanup or repairs begin, meticulous documentation is your most powerful tool. Use your smartphone to take extensive, high-quality photos and videos of all damage from multiple angles. Capture wide shots of the whole roof and close-ups of specific problems like hail dents, lifted shingles, or shingle granules in your yard. Don’t forget to document any interior damage, like water stains on ceilings or walls, that may have resulted from a leak. This detailed visual evidence is essential for a successful claim.
Prevent Further Damage
Your homeowner’s policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your property, a step known as “mitigating your losses.” If you have an active leak, this might involve placing a tarp over the damaged section of the roof. Keep receipts for any materials you purchase for these temporary repairs, as they are often reimbursable under your policy.
Step 2: Contact a Professional and File Your Claim
With initial safety checks and documentation complete, the next step is to get an expert opinion and officially start the claims process. Many homeowners find it beneficial to contact a trusted, local roofing contractor *before* calling their insurance provider.
Get a Professional Roof Inspection
A professional assessment from an experienced contractor like Team Construction can identify damage that isn’t visible from the ground. We provide a detailed report on the full extent of the wind and hail damage, which is invaluable when filing your claim. An expert can differentiate between storm damage and normal wear and tear, a critical distinction for insurance purposes.
File the Claim with Your Insurance Company
Once you have a professional assessment, contact your insurance company promptly to report the damage. Be prepared to provide your policy number, the date of the storm, and a general description of the issues. They will assign you a claim number and an insurance adjuster who will schedule a visit to inspect your property. Keep a record of all communication, including dates, times, and the names of people you speak with.
Key Do’s and Don’ts of Boise Roof Insurance Claims
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Document Everything: Take detailed photos and videos of all damage before any work is done. | Wait Too Long: Most policies have a time limit for filing claims, often within a year. Delaying can jeopardize your claim. |
| Get a Professional Inspection: Have a trusted local contractor assess the damage to ensure nothing is missed. | Accept the First Offer Blindly: Review the adjuster’s report carefully with your contractor to ensure it covers all necessary repairs. |
| Understand Your Policy: Know your deductible and whether you have RCV or ACV coverage. | Hire “Storm Chasers”: Avoid out-of-town contractors who knock on your door after a storm. Stick with a licensed, local company. |
| Mitigate Further Damage: Perform temporary repairs, like tarping, to prevent leaks from worsening. | Sign Contracts Under Pressure: Don’t sign any contracts until your claim is approved and you’ve reviewed all terms. |
The Team Construction Advantage in Boise
After a major storm, “storm chaser” roofing companies often flood neighborhoods in Boise, Meridian, and Eagle. While their promises may sound appealing, working with a locally owned and operated contractor like Team Construction provides invaluable benefits. We are deeply familiar with Idaho’s unique weather challenges and local building codes. Our long-standing presence in the Treasure Valley means we’ve built relationships with insurance providers, which helps streamline the claims process for both residential and commercial roofing clients. We advocate for you, ensuring the adjuster’s estimate is fair and comprehensive, covering everything needed for a quality roof repair or replacement.
Did You Know?
- Hail as small as a quarter can cause significant damage to asphalt shingles by dislodging the protective granules, which shortens the lifespan of your roof.
- In Idaho, filing a claim for storm damage is typically considered an “Act of God.” This means your insurance company generally cannot raise your individual premiums solely because you filed this type of claim.
- Your insurance policy may have a specific time limit for filing a storm damage claim, often one year from the date of the event. It is crucial to act quickly.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Dealing with storm damage is stressful enough without the added confusion of an insurance claim. Let the local experts at Team Construction guide you through the process from start to finish. We provide complimentary inspections, detailed damage reports, and expert assistance to ensure your claim is handled correctly and your home is protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will filing a hail damage claim raise my insurance rates?
Generally, no. Storm damage is considered an “Act of God” or an uncontrollable event, and insurance regulations in most states prevent companies from raising your individual rates for a single storm-related claim. However, if an entire region experiences a catastrophic event, providers may adjust rates for everyone in that area upon policy renewal.
How long do I have to file a claim after a storm?
This depends on your specific policy, but most give homeowners between six months to one year to file a claim. It’s always best to act as quickly as possible to document damage and begin the process.
What if my claim is denied or the settlement is too low?
If your claim is denied, don’t worry. You can ask for a second inspection from a different adjuster. If the settlement offer seems too low, your roofing contractor can help by providing detailed evidence and negotiating with the insurance company to ensure all necessary repairs are included in a supplemental claim.
Should I get multiple estimates for the repair work?
For an insurance claim, the most important “estimate” is the one approved by your insurance company. The goal is to find a reputable contractor who will perform all the approved work for the amount the insurance company agrees to pay. The focus should be on quality and trust, not just the lowest price.
Glossary of Insurance Terms
Adjuster: An individual employed by an insurance company to investigate a claim and determine the extent of the company’s liability.
Deductible: The amount of money you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket on a claim before your insurance coverage begins.
Depreciation: The decrease in an asset’s value over time due to age, wear and tear, or obsolescence.
Actual Cash Value (ACV): This policy type pays for the replacement cost of your damaged roof *minus* depreciation. This means the older your roof, the less you will receive, potentially leading to higher out-of-pocket costs.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): This policy covers the full cost to replace your damaged roof with new materials of similar kind and quality, without a deduction for depreciation. While premiums are often higher, RCV policies provide greater financial protection.
