Every year, high winds rip through Memphis and the greater Midsouth region, especially in the spring and late fall. These winds can cause significant roof damage, leaving homeowners scrambling to deal with the aftermath. Whether you’re dealing with missing shingles, damaged gutters, or water intrusion, understanding how to handle your insurance claim is crucial to getting the repairs you need.
At Metro Builders Memphis, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners in areas like Bartlett, Arlington, and East Memphis navigate the complexities of insurance claims after wind damage. In this blog, we’ll share proven tips for successfully filing your claim and ensuring you get the coverage you deserve.
Tip #1: Document Immediately
One of the most important steps after any storm is to document the damage immediately. As soon as the storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside, begin taking detailed photos and notes. Quick documentation helps establish a timeline and provides crucial evidence to support your claim.
What to Document:
- Your roof (take photos from the ground)
- Detached or missing shingles in the yard
- Broken gutters, vents, or other exterior debris
- Water intrusion inside the home, if applicable
Be sure to note the date and time of the storm event. If possible, keep a local news article or weather report that references the storm. This helps establish a clear link between the damage and the storm that caused it.
Metro Builders always advises homeowners to be thorough during this process, as it can make or break your claim. We can help you review the damage and ensure you’ve documented everything necessary before submitting it to your insurance provider.
Tip #2: Get a Professional Inspection
Many types of wind damage are not immediately visible from the ground. Lifted shingles may appear intact, but they could be compromised underneath. Only a professional roof inspection can ensure you don’t miss subtle signs of damage that may cause future leaks.
What a Professional Inspection Includes:
- Walking the roof safely to check for signs of wind damage
- Slope-by-slope photos of any visible damage
- Inspecting the underlayment and flashing for any breach points or weaknesses caused by the wind
At Metro Builders, we have extensive experience identifying and documenting wind damage that might otherwise be overlooked. Our expert team uses drone technology and close-up photo documentation to ensure every potential damage point is captured accurately.
By getting a professional inspection early on, you’ll have the proper documentation to present to your insurance company, helping to speed up your claim process.
Tip #3: Request a Storm Scope
When it comes to roofing insurance claims, Xactimate estimating software is the industry standard used by most major insurance carriers. At Metro Builders, we use Xactimate to create detailed, accurate estimates of the repair costs based on the damage.
Why You Need a Storm Scope:
- Xactimate estimates provide precise figures that align with the insurance industry’s standards.
- Using the same software as the insurance companies ensures there are no discrepancies.
- A storm scope helps ensure all repairs are properly accounted for, preventing any missed damage.
By requesting a storm scope from Metro Builders, you’ll have a clear and detailed breakdown of the necessary repairs, making it easier for your insurance adjuster to approve your claim.
Tip #4: Know Your Rights
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize costs for the insurance company, which means they may try to minimize or deny valid claims. This can be incredibly frustrating for homeowners who are already dealing with damage. That’s why it’s important to know your rights and work with a contractor who understands the insurance process.
What You Need to Know:
- You’re allowed to have your own contractor review the damage.
- You’re not obligated to accept the insurance company’s first estimate if you feel it’s inaccurate.
- An experienced contractor can act as your advocate, negotiating with your insurance adjuster to ensure the full scope of repairs is covered.
Metro Builders has been navigating the insurance claims process for Memphis homeowners for years. We know how to handle the back-and-forth with adjusters and make sure you’re getting the repairs you deserve. We will also help you appeal any denied claims if needed.
Tip #5: Act Quickly
Time matters when it comes to roofing claims. Insurance companies often have strict deadlines for submitting claims, and delays can hurt your chances of approval. That’s why it’s important to act as quickly as possible to:
- Schedule a professional inspection as soon as the storm passes
- Document the damage thoroughly
- File your claim promptly to avoid missing deadlines
At Metro Builders, we know how urgent roof repairs can be, especially after wind damage. That’s why we work quickly and efficiently to help you get the repairs you need without delay. We can even assist with temporary repairs to prevent further damage while your insurance claim is being processed.
Conclusion: Protect Your Home with Expert Insurance Claim Assistance
Dealing with wind damage to your roof can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating the insurance claims process. But with the right insurance claim tips and a local roofing contractor who understands the ins and outs of roofing repairs and insurance, you can ensure your home gets the proper repairs it needs.
At Metro Builders Memphis, we’re here to help. With nearly 30 years of experience, we’ve assisted homeowners across Bartlett, Arlington, East Memphis, and the greater Midsouth region with roofing repairs, insurance claims, and everything in between.
If you’ve experienced wind damage, don’t wait- call Metro Builders today to schedule a free inspection. We’ll make sure your roofing repairs are handled quickly, safely, and in full compliance with your insurance policy.
Don’t let wind damage put you at risk—call Metro Builders today at +1 901-375-1717 for your free inspection and let us help you navigate the claims process smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To maximize your homeowners insurance claim, be thorough in documenting damage, including photos and detailed descriptions. Also, work with a professional roofing contractor to get an accurate estimate of repair costs. Metro Builders can help ensure your claim includes all necessary repairs to fully cover your damages.
Avoid making statements that could downplay the damage or imply responsibility for it. Don’t admit to negligence or agree to anything before getting an official estimate. Always let your contractor help guide you through the process to ensure you’re properly covered.
Ensure your windstorm damage claim is as detailed as possible. Get a professional inspection to identify hidden damages, and use Xactimate estimating software to provide accurate repair costs. At Metro Builders, we can help you document all damages to ensure you receive the maximum payout.
Most homeowners insurance policies do cover wind damage, but the extent of coverage depends on your policy and any exclusions. Check with your insurance provider and ensure that all wind damage is properly documented by a professional.
It’s important to file your claim as soon as possible after wind damage occurs. Insurance companies often have time limits for filing claims, typically within one year of the event. Delaying could result in reduced coverage or a denied claim.
While you can handle the claim yourself, having a professional contractor can help streamline the process. A contractor like Metro Builders can provide the necessary documentation, work with insurance adjusters, and ensure that your home is repaired to the proper standards.
If your claim is denied, don’t give up. First, review the denial letter and ask for a clear explanation. You can appeal the decision, and working with a professional roofing contractor may help you prove the damage more accurately. Metro Builders can assist in filing an appeal and working directly with your insurance company.
Chris Price is the CEO of Metro Builders, with over 25 years of experience in construction and project leadership. He’s passionate about building strong teams, delivering quality projects, and driving innovation in the industry.
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