Your Local Advocate for Storm Damage and Insurance Claims
After a severe storm rolls through Nampa, the last thing any homeowner wants to face is a damaged roof. The sight of missing shingles, leaks, or other issues can be incredibly stressful. Adding to that anxiety is the often confusing and intimidating process of filing a roofing insurance claim. The paperwork, the jargon, and the back-and-forth with adjusters can feel overwhelming.
At Sawtooth Customs, we understand the challenges Nampa and Treasure Valley homeowners face. With over 20 years of experience in exterior construction, we’re not just experts in repairing roofs—we’re experts in managing the insurance claim process from start to finish. We’re here to be your advocate, ensuring your claim is handled correctly, and your home is restored with quality materials and craftsmanship.
Step 1: Immediate Action After the Storm
Identify and Document the Damage
As soon as it’s safe, you should assess your property for damage. For your roof, this can be tricky and dangerous to do on your own. Common signs of storm damage visible from the ground include:
- Missing, cracked, or bruised asphalt shingles.
- Dents on gutters, downspouts, or roof vents (a sign of hail).
- Granules from your shingles collecting in your gutters or on the ground.
- Fallen tree limbs on or near your roof.
Thorough documentation is one of the most critical parts of a successful claim. Take clear photos and videos of all damage you can see safely. If you have them, photos of your roof’s condition before the storm can also be helpful. But don’t climb on a potentially compromised roof; the safest first step is to call a professional for a thorough roof inspection.
Prevent Further Damage
Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your property. This could mean placing a tarp over a heavily damaged area to stop leaks. If you’re facing an urgent situation, like a severe leak, Sawtooth Customs offers emergency roofing services to provide temporary solutions that protect your home while the claim is processed.
The Insurance Claim Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Navigating the claims process can feel like a maze, but with an expert partner, it becomes a clear path forward. Here’s how it generally works:
- Professional Inspection: A trusted contractor like Sawtooth Customs will perform a detailed inspection, documenting all damage with photos and a comprehensive report. This professional assessment is vital evidence for your insurer.
- Filing the Claim: With the inspection report in hand, you’ll contact your insurance company to file the claim. They will provide you with a claim number, which is essential for all future communications.
- Meeting the Adjuster: The insurance company will send their own adjuster to inspect the damage. We make it a point to be present during this meeting. This allows us to point out the damages we found, present our professional opinion, and ensure the assessment is fair and complete.
- Reviewing the Settlement: The adjuster will create a report detailing the scope of work and the settlement amount. We review this document carefully with you to ensure it accurately covers the full cost of a quality roof repair or replacement, including compliance with local Nampa building codes.
What If Your Claim is Denied or Undervalued?
Receiving a denial letter or a low settlement offer is disheartening, but it’s not the end of the road. Claims are often denied for reasons that can be successfully challenged with the right expertise. Common denial reasons include:
- Wear and Tear: The insurer might argue the damage is due to the roof’s age rather than the storm.
- Improper Maintenance: A claim that the roof wasn’t properly maintained.
- Insufficient Damage: The adjuster might deem the damage “cosmetic” or not severe enough to warrant a full replacement.
- Policy Exclusions: The specific type of damage might be excluded from your policy.
At Sawtooth Customs, helping homeowners with denied or undervalued roof insurance claims is a cornerstone of our business. We know how to build a strong case for an appeal. By providing detailed evidence, citing local building codes, and negotiating directly with the insurance company, we can often get initial decisions overturned, securing the funds you need for a complete and proper restoration.
Why Local Expertise Matters in Nampa
The weather in Nampa and the Treasure Valley can be harsh, with high winds, heavy snow, and hail all being common occurrences. A local contractor like Sawtooth Customs doesn’t just understand roofing; we understand Nampa’s specific challenges. We know the building codes inside and out, have experience with the types of storm damage common to our area, and have built a reputation for integrity within the community. When a storm damages more than just your roof, we also provide expert siding repair and other construction services to fully restore your home’s exterior.
Choosing a local, established company over an out-of-state “storm chaser” ensures you have a partner who will be here long after the work is done, ready to stand by their craftsmanship. Learn more about us and our commitment to our neighbors.
Don’t Navigate Your Claim Alone
Let the experienced team at Sawtooth Customs handle the hassle of your roofing insurance claim. We offer free, no-pressure inspections in Nampa and the surrounding areas. Get the expert help you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will filing a claim increase my insurance premium?
Generally, a single claim for storm damage, which is considered an “Act of God,” will not cause your individual premium to increase. However, if many claims are filed in a specific area after a major storm, the insurer may raise rates for that entire region.
What’s the difference between Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV)?
An ACV policy pays you for the depreciated value of your damaged roof. An RCV policy, which is more common, pays the full cost to replace your roof with new, similar materials. With an RCV policy, you often receive an initial check for the ACV, and a second check for the remaining amount (recoverable depreciation) after the work is complete and you provide an invoice.
Do I have to use the contractor my insurance company recommends?
No, you have the right to choose your own contractor. It is crucial to select a reputable, local company that you trust to advocate for your best interests, not the insurance company’s.
How long do I have to file a roofing claim in Idaho?
Most insurance policies have a time limit for filing a claim, often one year from the date of the storm. It’s important to act quickly and not wait, as delaying can lead to a denial.
What if the insurance check is less than the contractor’s estimate?
This is a common situation. An experienced contractor like Sawtooth Customs can file a supplement with your insurance company. This includes detailed documentation and justification for the additional funds needed to cover items missed in the initial estimate, ensuring your roof replacement is fully funded.
Glossary of Terms
Adjuster: A person employed by an insurance company to investigate a claim and determine the extent of the insurer’s liability.
Deductible: The amount of money you, the policyholder, must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage begins to pay.
Depreciation: The decrease in the value of your roof over time due to age, wear, and tear. This is a key factor in Actual Cash Value (ACV) calculations.
Actual Cash Value (ACV): The cost to replace your damaged roof minus depreciation. This type of policy will not cover the full cost of a brand new roof.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): The cost to replace your damaged roof with a new one of similar quality at current prices, without deducting for depreciation. This is the more comprehensive type of coverage.
Supplement: An additional claim filed with the insurance company when the original estimate is insufficient to cover the full cost of repairs due to unforeseen issues or items missed by the adjuster.