Filing a Weather-Related Insurance Claim

Storms have been increasing in frequency over the past few years, and many of you may experience property damage. When deciding whether to file a claim for hail damage, always be sure that your insurance payout amount will exceed your deductible by enough money to make financial sense. For example, if your house sustained $2,700 worth of damage due to the recent hailstorm, and your deductible is only $2,500, it may not be prudent to file a claim.

Damage to Vehicles

Hail of any size can cause damage to a vehicle. If you sustained hail damage to your vehicle, the comprehensive portion of your auto policy will cover the cost to repair any damage caused by hail. This coverage is also subject to your policy deductible.

Damage to Roofs

Many insurance carriers have added a roof schedule endorsement to their home policies. The roof schedule endorsement modifies how a roof is insured. With this endorsement, the insurance company subtracts depreciation from your claim settlement for wind or hail damage. This means that the age and condition of your roof prior to the loss is taken into consideration when a claim is paid. So an older roof loss could be paid at actual cash value as opposed to replacement cost. For example, if the roof is determined to have an estimated lifespan of 30 years and it is 15 years old at the time of the damage, the actual cash value of the roof is 50% of the replacement value, and your home deductible is still also applied to the loss. Additionally, if you are looking for a new insurance company to insure your home, many are declining to insure homes with roofs older than 15 years. When it comes to roof damage, there are many trustworthy and honest roofers out there. But there are always bad actors. Beware of anyone who tries to persuade you to claim hail damage through your insurance, claiming that your roof is a “total loss” or “must be replaced.” Ask the roofer to provide several photos of the damage and explain their decision about the roof. If you file a claim, trust that the insurance company adjuster is working for you and will determine coverage based on your policy.

Tips for Filing a Claim

UFCU Insurance Services^TM has put together these additional tips to assist you in filing a claim.

• Know your insurance policies. Know your deductibles. The wind and hail deductible on a home policy is typically 1% of the dwelling limit. For example, a $400,000 dwelling limit = a $4,000 deductible.
• Assess and document the damage. Check your roof, outbuildings, fencing, and vehicles for damage. Take notes and photograph/video the damage so you remember to bring this to your adjuster’s attention. Some of you may not be able to stay in your homes due to extensive damage. If this is the case, there may be coverage for your living expenses away from your home. Your adjuster will be able to advise you on your coverages and how they apply to you.
• If there has been widespread damage in your area, it may take a while for an adjuster to reach you. Take steps to minimize further damage and protect your health. Make the necessary repairs to protect your property from further damage. For example, if a roof has a hole in it, cover the roof with a tarp to protect the home from further damage until an adjuster can get to you. Save your receipts.
• Call your insurance company and report your claim.
• When the insurance company’s adjuster inspects the damage, walk through the inspection with them and make sure that nothing is missed.
• Often times, a contractor will find additional damage to the property after the initial adjuster’s inspection. Be sure to contact the adjuster when this occurs so that the additional repairs can be approved.
• With any insurance claim, you are responsible for your deductible. If you need financial assistance with your deductible, please contact our helpful UFCU Lending Team. They will do what they can to assist you.

We care about your safety and welfare. You can file a claim with your insurance company by calling the numbers below: