How to Deal With an Insurance Adjuster After Sustaining Storm Damage

During severe storms, your roof may experience damage. Naturally, you need to call your insurance company to cover the cost of storm damage roof repair. However, dealing with your insurance company’s adjuster can be very intimidating, especially if you’ve never dealt with a claims adjuster before. While some think you only need to fill out a couple of forms, problems can arise, such as the claim being denied. 

At Arrowhead Roofing, we make sure that your roof gets the repairs it deserves. As such, here we’ve provided a guide on how to properly deal with your insurance adjuster. 

Home Insurance Adjuster

First off, what is a home insurance adjuster? These insurance claim adjusters are employed by your insurance company. Once you file a homeowners insurance claim, your insurance company will send the adjuster to your house to inspect for loss and damage. Their goal is to evaluate your claim and decide how much money the insurance company will give you to cover repairs or a replacement. 

Keep in mind that these insurance adjusters are paid employees. They have to protect the insurance company’s bottom line. Thus, from a financial standpoint, insurance companies want to pay the least amount of money they’re legally obligated to pay. This often results in homeowners disagreeing with the insurance adjuster, which can lead to disputes and misunderstandings. 

Tips on How To Negotiate 

Here are some tips on how to communicate or negotiate with your adjuster: 

• Keep proper documentation. In the event of any misunderstandings, you have to have proper documentation. Start by writing down the date and time of every phone conversation you have related to the damage or your claim, such as a roof replacement estimate. Make sure to summarize your conversation and send an email to your insurance adjuster. This gives them a chance to correct your version of events. If they don’t, they agree that the version of the conversation in your email is correct. 

• Stay professional. While it may be frustrating to be denied a claim even after a hurricane or severe storm, remember to remain calm and polite. Be persistent, but never rude. By staying professional, you help strengthen your case. 

• Be organized. If your insurance adjuster asks for an inventory of items, make sure you don’t delay getting them this information. It’s important to be proactive and sensible. Keep a copy of everything you send to the adjuster to ensure you have proof of the information you supplied. 

• Ask questions. If you think the payout offer from your insurance company seems low, don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask them to list the damage and provide evidence for their numbers to justify the initial low settlement amount. 

• Get it in writing. Once you reach a settlement, you must get that settlement in writing. Your adjuster may promise a certain amount during negotiations at first, then change their mind and go back to a previous offer for the final settlement. 

• Speak to an attorney. If you believe your insurance company is acting in bad faith, it’s best to reach out to an attorney or public adjuster. Your attorney understands how insurers process claims and can be a useful ally. 

By following these tips, you can have your roof repaired or replaced in no time. For more inquiries about your roofing needs, turn to Arrowhead Roofing. Get in touch with our roofing professionals for custom metal roofing services and more. Call us today at (918) 743-9257 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.