Don’t Let Storm Damage Stress You Out.
Idaho’s weather can be unpredictable and harsh, with storms that can bring high winds and hail, leaving significant damage in their wake. For homeowners in Boise and the Treasure Valley, discovering your roof has been compromised is stressful enough without the added confusion of filing an insurance claim. The process can feel overwhelming, filled with complex paperwork, negotiations, and uncertainty. At Sawtooth Customs, we believe you shouldn’t have to navigate it alone. With over 20 years of local experience, we are experts in not only repairing storm damage but also in guiding homeowners through every step of the insurance process to ensure a fair and successful outcome.
The Insurance Claim Process Demystified
Successfully filing a roofing claim involves a series of critical steps. Following them carefully from the very beginning can make the difference between a quick approval and a frustrating denial. Here’s a breakdown of what to do after a storm hits your Boise home.
Step 1: Immediate Action After the Storm
Your first priority is safety. After a severe storm, check for immediate dangers like fallen power lines or structural instability before inspecting any damage. If your roof has suffered significant damage leading to active leaks, you need to act fast to prevent further interior water damage. This is where emergency roofing services become crucial. A professional can apply temporary tarping to mitigate damage while you prepare your claim. Remember to take clear photos and videos of the initial damage *before* any temporary repairs are made.
Step 2: Professional Damage Assessment
While you can spot obvious damage like missing shingles from the ground, much of the harm caused by hail or wind is hard to see for an untrained eye. Before contacting your insurer, schedule a professional roof inspection. A certified contractor will identify all storm-related issues, from bruised shingle mats to compromised flashing, and provide a detailed report with photo evidence. This unbiased, expert documentation is one of your most powerful tools in the claims process.
Step 3: Filing Your Claim Correctly
With your professional inspection report in hand, it’s time to contact your insurance company. Have your policy number ready and provide a clear, concise description of the damage and the date it occurred. Your insurer will assign you a claim number and an adjuster. It’s important to keep a record of every conversation, including dates, times, and the names of people you speak with. Resist the urge to accept the first low-ball offer; this is just the beginning of the negotiation process.
Working with the Insurance Adjuster
What to Expect During the Adjuster’s Visit
The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. Their job is to assess the damage and determine the insurer’s liability. While most are professional, their goal is to minimize the payout. This is why it is highly recommended to have your trusted roofing contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection. An expert from a company like Sawtooth Customs can point out damage the adjuster might otherwise overlook and ensure the assessment is thorough and fair, speaking the same technical language to advocate on your behalf.
Understanding the Settlement Offer
Once the assessment is complete, you will receive a report and a settlement offer. This document often contains confusing terms like “Actual Cash Value” (ACV) and “Replacement Cost Value” (RCV). ACV is the value of your roof today, with depreciation factored in. RCV is the total cost to replace it with new materials. Most policies pay the ACV upfront, then release the remaining funds (the depreciation) after you submit proof that the roof repairs or replacement have been completed.
What If Your Claim is Underpaid or Denied?
Receiving a denied or undervalued claim is disheartening, but it is not the end of the road. Many initial decisions are overturned with the right approach and evidence.
Common Reasons for Claim Denial
Claims are often denied for reasons like “insufficient damage,” “improper maintenance,” “pre-existing issues,” or claims that the damage is merely cosmetic. An insurer might argue the roof was already old and failing. This is precisely where a detailed, pre-claim inspection report from a professional becomes invaluable evidence to counter these arguments.
Fighting for the Coverage You Deserve
If you face a denial, you can and should appeal. The key is to provide new information that challenges the insurer’s decision. We specialize in roof insurance claims support, and our team knows exactly what evidence is needed to build a strong appeal. We can perform a more detailed inspection, bring in a public adjuster if necessary, and handle communications with the insurance company to ensure your claim is re-evaluated fairly.
Why a Boise-Based Contractor Matters
When dealing with storm damage, choosing a local contractor is a significant advantage. A company rooted in the Boise community, like Sawtooth Customs, understands the specific challenges our local weather patterns present. We are familiar with Treasure Valley building codes and have established relationships with local insurance agents and adjusters, which helps streamline the process.
Furthermore, storm damage is rarely limited to just your roof. High winds and hail can also wreck your siding, gutters, and windows. We offer comprehensive construction services to address all exterior damage, including expert siding repair. This ensures a cohesive and complete restoration of your home’s protective envelope, managed by a single, trusted team.
Protect Your Investment. Get an Expert on Your Side.
Your home is your most valuable asset. Don’t leave its protection to chance or navigate a complex insurance claim alone. The Sawtooth Customs team is ready to provide a free, no-obligation inspection to assess your damage and offer expert guidance on your insurance claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a roof damage claim in Idaho?
Most insurance policies have a time limit for filing a claim, often within one year of the date of the storm. However, it’s always best to act immediately to prevent further damage and to ensure the cause is clearly linked to a specific weather event.
Will filing a claim increase my insurance premiums?
Generally, claims filed due to acts of nature or weather events (like wind or hail storms) do not result in a premium increase for an individual policyholder. Insurers are more likely to raise rates for an entire region that has experienced widespread storm damage.
Can I choose my own roofing contractor?
Yes. You have the right to choose any qualified contractor you trust to perform the repairs. You are not required to use a roofer recommended by your insurance company. It’s best to choose a reputable local contractor who will work for you, not the insurer.
What if the insurance check isn’t enough to cover the full roof replacement?
If the final invoice for a full roof replacement is higher than the adjuster’s initial estimate, your contractor can file a supplement with the insurance company. This document requests the additional funds needed to cover the actual cost of the completed work, provided the costs are justified.
Glossary of Insurance Terms
Adjuster
A person employed by the insurance company to investigate a claim and determine the extent of the insurer’s liability.
Deductible
The amount of money the policyholder must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance coverage begins to pay for the damages.
Depreciation
The decrease in the value of an asset over time due to age, wear and tear, or obsolescence. In roofing claims, this is the amount subtracted from the replacement cost to determine the Actual Cash Value.
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
The value of your damaged roof at the time of the loss. It is calculated by taking the Replacement Cost Value and subtracting depreciation.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
The total cost to repair or replace the damaged property with materials of similar kind and quality, without any deduction for depreciation.
Supplement
An additional claim made to the insurance company after the initial claim has been paid, to cover unforeseen costs or items missed in the original estimate.