ProGuard STORM Damage REPAIR Guide
A quick and simple guide on what happens after storm damage.
Provided by Farmers agent, Adam Smiglewski
STORM DAMAGE MILESTONE #1: ASSIGNMENT
Whether you reported your claim to your agent, called Claim Services, your claim was assigned to a Claim Services professional, who will guide you through the claims process and work with a team of specialized claim professionals to manage your claim. During that process, you may work with:
Your agent – the professional who sold you your insurance policy, who can answer questions about that policy and any endorsements, and about your deductible, but will not adjust your claim.
Your claims professional, who will guide you through the claims process – inspecting your property if necessary, determining and investigating covered damages, and helping you better understand your policy and its endorsements.
A home-repair contractor, whom you will select to arrange for repairs to your property. (Insurance companies do not perform repairs, nor do we select or provide a contractor for you.)
STORM DAMAGE MILESTONE #2 :INITIAL CONTACT
In this phase, your claims professional contacts you about your claim. This is when your claims
professional will:
Obtain initial information about your loss.
Discuss your policy coverage and any applicable endorsements.
Explain how your claim will be handled.
Suggest ways to prevent further damage – for example, by putting a tarp over a damaged roof (You are responsible for maintaining and protecting your property. If it is damaged, you must take appropriate action to protect it from further damage until you have it repaired.)
Schedule an in-person appointment, if one is needed to adjust your claim.
STORM DAMAGE MILESTONE #3: EVALUATION
If an inspection of your property is needed, your claims professional will conduct that inspection to determine whether your loss is covered – gathering all the facts about your loss, investigating and documenting damage or injury, interviewing witnesses or other involved individuals, taking photos and samples, and formally evaluating your claim.
It is our objective to evaluate coverage, complete our estimate if the loss is covered, and deliver a payment during our first visit. If we can’t, we’ll explain why. And if we do, we stand ready to re-inspect your property or vehicle and provide a supplemental payment if you, a contractor, later identifies additional damages that are covered by your policy. During this visit, your Claim Services professional may discuss some terms and programs you may not be aware of.
MILESTONE #4: RESOLUTION
Insurance companies work with you to resolve your claim fairly. In many cases, your claims professional will issue a payment based on the estimate for repairs at the end of the initial inspection. If your claim is complex, it may take a bit longer.
If you have questions about your claim payment, please do not hesitate to contact your claims professional. And remember – cashing a check does not waive any rights you have under the terms of your policy.
If your damages are not covered, in part or in whole, by your policy, a letter will be provided explaining what damage is not covered and identifying the portion of your policy that applies to that coverage denial.
MILESTONE #5: CLAIM CLOSED
When we resolve your claim according to the terms of your policy, we close the claim. You still may have some questions at that point. Feel free to call your claims professional.
Your Estimate:
Once your claims professional completes your loss estimate, they will review it with you before issuing payment. The first page includes our contact information and your claim number. That number is the unique identifier for the claim.
The estimate of the cost to repair covered damage is organized by room, area or item, and includes individual line items that indicate what will need to be repaired or replaced to bring your property or vehicle back to its pre-loss condition. It also includes a summary page, with an overview of all items included in the estimate.
The estimate you receive from your Claim Services professional is just that: an estimate. A number of issues may contribute to differences between the estimate and your contractor’s estimate.
If there are differences, don’t panic: just contact your claims professional, who will probably ask you to send them a copy of the contractor’s or vehicle repair facility’s estimate for review. They’ll then discuss it with your contractor or vehicle repair service, and may then reinspect your property or vehicle to resolve any differences.If you are reporting property damage, that makes it reasonably likely that you will need the services of a general contractor to manage, supervise and coordinate repairs, we may include an amount for general contractor overhead and profit if we expect you to incur that cost.
When you contract for property restoration services, feel free to discuss that work with your claims professional and your contractor to ensure that all damages are properly inspected. We will work with you to quickly resolve any issues so your contractor can proceed with the repairs for you.
What To Know About ProGuard Exteriors...
ProGuard Exteriors always treats customers with dignity and respect.
We do not use intimidation, pressure, or unethical business practices. We are not looking for one-time customers. We would love to be of service to you again in the future.
We always return calls.
We communicate with you so you are not left with unanswered questions.
We update you on the status of your jobs as soon as possible.
ProGuard Exteriors has a thorough understanding of the local, state, and international building codes, which is especially helpful in storm damage repair.
Keeping up to date with MN building code requirements can be the difference between minor storm damage repair and full storm damage replacement.
ProGuard Exteriors puts many hours of work into each claim even before a crew shows up.
From start to finish, we are aware of and involved in every aspect of your insurance claim repair project. And we don't leave the state once the work is finished. We are a local company and will be here to honor the warranty and help you with future projects.
ProGuard Exteriors uses Haag Engineering standards on hail and wind damage, which means that you are being advised by the most knowledgeable contractor in the area.
Our knowledge and expertise with hail, wind, and storm insurance claims is unmatched. Because of the increasing number of damaging storms over the last decade, storm damage and insurance industry knowledge is in high demand.
CUSTOMER QUESTIONS
How is ProGuard valuable to me when I have an insurance claim?
If you have not filed a claim, we will meet your adjuster on site to make sure all of your hail damage and storm damage is repaired. Our experience working with insurance companies on insurance claims eliminates the chance that damaged property will be overlooked. When the scope of work and an an estimate are agreed upon, you sit back and enjoy the exceptional customer service and workmanship we provide.
Do I need a Contractor at an adjuster meeting? My insurance company said it isn't necessary.
We have worked with some wonderful adjusters, but unfortunately, each adjuster is different, and some do not take the time to determine the full scope of work. It is possible that an adjuster can underestimate measurements and miss items.
An Adjuster Already Came To The House. How do I know if they missed something?
The first insurance estimate is never perfect. ProGuard Exteriors offers an honest assessment of your property and works to help you realize the benefit of your insurance coverage. We are willing to attend as many adjuster meetings as necessary to obtain a fair and accurate settlement. It isbest if we can attend the meeting, but if it has already taken place, we compare the actual damage vs. insurance estimatet at your request.
My Insurance Company Suggested That I Get 3 Bids For The Repair Work. Is This A Good Idea?
Many times the insurance company advises homeowners to obtain 3 bids. This seems reasonable, but it is time-consuming and unnecessary. Most insurance companies use a a program called "Exactimate" to generate the pricing within estimates. The pricing is not uniform or standard --it can be manipulated based on zip code and arbitrary factors. Basically, an Exactimate estimate can vary significantly from company to company and even house to house. Insurance companies know that that there are many deficient prices on specific line items, such as windows, painting, fascia, gutters, etc., and provisions for materials are rarely in step with material price increases. We know it, too.
State law allows homeowners to hire the contractor of their choice. The insurance companies clearly state that they are not responsible for the workmanship of a contractor, even if they have recommended them. It is unnecessary to go through the bidding process because it does not benefit the homeowner. The bid process finds the homeowner working on behalf of the insurance company to obtain the lowest bid rather than realizing that they have the right to choose a quality contractor who is going to perform proper installations, who honors the warranty, and who pays crews fairly. Happy, well-paid crews = happy, satisfied customers.
Does It Matter That Most Contractors Take A Homeowner Insurance Claim "As Is"?
Yes. Though likely well-meaning, this type of contractor is not actually helping the homeowner. Many contractors do not go over every detail of the claim on the customer's behalf. When a company or contractor is not experienced enough working with insurance claims, items may be overlooked, which will cost the homeowner money out of pocket unnecessarily or result in damaged property left without repair or replacement.
What Problems Could Arise From Hiring An Out-Of-Town Contractor?
After a storm, contractors from other states temporarily move to Minnesota and prey on homeowners with storm damage. Many leave town afterward and their warranties disappear. In some cases, contractors leaves town before the work is even finished.
Why Would an Out-of-State Contractor Not
Be Able To Finish The Job?
Suppliers occasionally run into material shortages (as in 2008). When there was not enough to go around, some out-of-state contractors were unable to order more supplies because the local companies received the only material available. This left jobs half-done and left homeowners with the problem of losing their down payment.. We would love the opportunity to assist you with your repairs, but whatever the case, it is important to choose a Minnesota-based contractor.
What If A Claim Is Denied?
ProGuard Exteriors has never turned down the chance to turn a "No" into a "Yes". We work hard to help homeowners receive a fair, accurate settlement and provide the quality workmanship to perform the repairs.
A Contractor is Promising Me a Lot for Signing the Contract. Should I Sign a Contract?
A good contract will protect both the homeowner and the contractor. Do not be alarmed by a contract, but make sure to read it over carefully. Do not fall victim to overbearing or pushy sales representatives. A reputable contractor wants to be sure
that you feel comfortable and will take the time to address your
concerns and explain the process.
Many, but not all, insurance and mortgage companies will ask for a signed contract between the homeowner and the contractor who is working on the claim and completing the repairs. This is one of the documents requested to release the funds for the repair work.
Do you feel that your insurance company did not respond with a fair settlement for your hail or storm damage?
ProGuard Exteriors has the experience to provide you help when the insurance company has overlooked or denied parts of your claim.
If you have further questions about the storm damage repair process, please feel free to call us at (612) 408-7832. If you have insurance claims questions that were not answered here, please feel free to contact Adam Smiglewski.
