PAID CONTENT | Tom & Kaley from My Storm Heroes talk about what their service provides to the home or business owner after storm damage to their property. Topics include:
1. Some of the things we have seen as contractors that are problems for homeowners when they didn't understand that their policy wouldn't properly cover them if they had a claim. Things like cosmetic exclusions if you have metal roofs, siding, gutters, etc., matching exclusions- that could leave you with roof or siding repairs that are a total eye sore because they don't match, ACV only or schedule policies that leave you paying for most of the replacement yourself, code upgrade exclusions- which you are required to pay for if necessary because contractors are required to build to code , flood- you might not think you need it but as we are seeing here in Iowa right now this has been a major issue for a lot of people, higher deductibles for certain types of damages, your roof is a certain age old and all of the sudden your policy changes and you didn't know it, etc.
2.. The importance of finding an insurance agent that cares about making sure you are covered and knows what to put into your policy, and you understanding what is in your policy. Making sure to ask your agent about adding endorsements for these types of things. We even recommend having a lawyer or public adjuster look over your policy before you sign it just to be sure you truly have all the coverages you want. Also understanding that your insurance company actually wants you to file a claim if you have possible damages, because not getting things fixed actually can cause further damages, such as a leaky roof or skylight that now causes rotted rafters, drywall, etc. They consider you negligent if you don't report damages and get them fixed, usually within a year. And worst-case scenario if they come and tell you that you have no damages, then the next time you have a claim they cannot call it old damage.
3. The importance of having a contractor who is familiar with handling these different obstacles. Just because you DO have some of these coverages in your policy, you still have to know how to correctly provide the evidence to get it approved- such as knowing code requirements, matching and repairability issues, cosmetic vs structural damages, etc. We have seen some insurance companies get away with not covering things that should have been covered many times, or we have been called in to do re-inspections for clients, and they end up going from being told nothing is covered to an entire new exterior. And even if you didn't know about any of this before you signed your policy and you already have storm damage, there are still ways we can help you. Another reason it's important to choose a contractor who knows the rules and can help you make the best of your situation.