Our Blog
What to Do After a Hailstorm Hits
June 28, 2018
Severe summer weather brings hail, which can cause extensive damage to your home and vehicle. So what should you do after a hailstorm hits your town?
Read More...
Start by focusing on safety. When it’s safe to venture outside, keep away from downed power lines, broken glass, and debris. Wear gloves and boots for protection.
For damage to your home:
- Record the date and time of the storm.
- Take photos of any hail left on the ground. Use a tape measure (or an everyday object as a point of reference) to show size of the hail stone.
- Take photos of damage that occurred to your property. Look for damage to:
- Your roof, siding, gutters, windows, window screens, patios, and air conditioning units. Make sure to include photos of any leaks in your home as a result of the hail damage.
- Shrubs and trees around your property.
- Prioritize the damage. Leaks and exposed wires should be taken care of right away, followed by less critical damage such as window screens and patios.
- If you’re unsure if there is damage to your home, especially to your roof, you might consider finding a reputable, local roofer to inspect your property prior to submitting an insurance claim.
- Contact your agent or insurance company to file your claim. By recording the damage ahead of time, you’ll be prepared with the information your insurance company needs to get your claim moving, helping the process go as smoothly as possible.
For damage to your vehicle:
- Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and record the date and time of the storm.
- Report the damage to your agent or insurance company immediately after the storm. This will start the claim process as soon as possible.
- Work with your insurance company to determine the severity of your vehicle’s damage and the appropriate repair shop to use.
*Please note that if the hailstorm was widespread and affected a significant amount of homes and vehicles in your area, it could take longer to repair or settle your claim.
Take steps to prevent further damage to your property. Some hailstorms may be followed by wind and heavy rain. Try to clean up any debris. Board up broken windows and doors. Cover roof damage if possible with tarps or plywood. Place damaged items in a safe place for later inspection.
When it comes to hail, you never really know what to expect. Your neighbor could have a lot of damage and you may have none. The time after a hailstorm can be stressful and overwhelming. It’s important to remember patience and to focus on the damage that is threatening to your health and safety first.
If you have any questions about hail and your property coverage, contact your agent.
This blog entry is created for informational purposes only. Any viewpoint or sponsorship of outside parties involved in the blog entry does not necessarily represent Goodville's stance as a company. The blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.
What Should I Do After a Tornado Hits My Town?
August 25, 2016
On Wednesday, August 24, a series of tornadoes touched down across Indiana and Ohio. According to The Weather Channel, only minor injuries were reported as of Thursday. However, there was significant damage to homes and businesses in the affected areas.
If you find yourself in an area impacted by a tornado, what steps should you take immediately after the storm passes?
Read More...
- Make sure you and those around you are safe. Check for injuries and get medical assistance if needed.
- Be sure to check your surroundings; be aware of downed power lines, damaged buildings and other debris.
- Secure your property by boarding up windows and salvaging what you can. (If a building’s structural integrity has been compromised get out and stay out!)
- Take pictures with a phone or camera for documentation.
- Find shelter for you and your family.
One of the most important steps you can take after a tornado hits is to call your insurance agent. By reporting the damage early, you are starting the process to recovery as quickly as possible. Your policy may also include reimbursement for living expenses if your home is uninhabitable. You can have peace of mind knowing that your insurance agent will guide you through the benefits of your insurance coverage, helping you recover what was lost and re-establish your quality of life.
This blog entry is created for informational purposes only. Any viewpoint or sponsorship of outside parties involved in the blog entry does not necessarily represent Goodville’s stance as a company. The blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.
Storm Chasers & Roofing Scams: How to choose a reputable contractor
August 03, 2018
After a storm hits your town, and you’re left with property damage to your home, chances are you’re going to need a contractor to repair the damage. While many contractors are reputable and perform quality work, there are those that have questionable intentions. A recent example of a contractor scam involves storm chasers.
Read More...
What is a storm chaser?
You may know them as individuals who pursue severe weather conditions. When it comes to property repair, the term often refers to contractors who follow severe weather events, anticipating a large amount of repair work to be done. While many of these contractors are truly trying to help those in need after a storm, others are looking to exploit vulnerable homeowners. They are a contributing factor to roofing scams across the U.S.
A storm chasing contractor will watch weather reports, waiting for severe weather like a tornado, hail storm, or windstorm to hit a region. After the storm hits, the contractor will get a crew together and travel to the affected area. They often use aggressive marketing tactics to get business from the local community. The scammers will complete a rush job and will not be available in the future when the roof starts to fail.
What are warning signs of a storm chaser?
Look for red flags that may indicate you’re dealing with a storm chaser. Be cautious of contractors:
- From out-of-town, or even from out-of-state. Check for the company’s physical address. If only a P.O. Box is listed, they may not have a physical location in the area and are set up temporarily.
- Offering to repair storm damage at a fast pace and at little cost to the homeowner. They will encourage homeowners to use their homeowners insurance for the damage.
- Some contractors may ask you to sign over your insurance benefits to speed up the process. Be cautious of these post-loss assignment contracts, and obtain legal advice before signing one.
- Asking for cash payment upfront.
What can you do to ensure a contractor is reputable?
To lower your chances of being scammed, make sure you do your research. Ask these questions before making any commitments:
- Is the contractor visiting your door unsolicited? This may indicate a storm chaser is looking for business.
- Can the contractor provide references from previous customers in the area?
- Does the contractor have valid insurance and licensing required by the state or local government?
- How much experience do the contractor and crew have?
- Are quality materials being used in the repair?
- Can you pay with credit card or check? Paying with a cash deposit or cash in-full is a warning sign of a scammer.
- Will a warranty accompany the work? A scammer will often leave town right after the repair, leaving you with no support if there are problems with the roof in the future.
- Is the repair work a good deal only if you sign today? Don’t feel pressure to sign anything before you’ve done your research. Often scammers will offer what sounds like a great deal on a repair, hoping you’ll make a hasty decision.
And if you’re concerned about your homeowners policy coverage of the repair in question, give your agent a call. Your agent may even have recommendations on reputable, local contractors.
Additional Resources
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2016/01/how-stay-high-and-dry-against-storm-chasing-scams
This blog entry is created for information purposes only. Any viewpoint or sponsorship of outside parties involved in the blog entry does not necessarily represent Goodville’s stance as a company. The blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.