HAILSTORM WARNINGS!!

I was an independent adjuster for 9 years before starting Ruddy’s Roofing in 2014.

Here are some things to be aware of–

1- DONT SIGN ANYTHING A DOOR KNOCKER HANDS YOU- It’s a contingency agreement.  They want to meet your adjuster to help point out hail damage.  Then, if you don’t hire them, they want 20% of the claim total.  If you have signed something, just don’t let them meet the adjuster.  It’s high pressure and there’s no dollar amount on it.  “per insurance proceeds”?   I don’t think that’s legally binding.

2- You have either 6 months or up to a year to get the work done after you file a claim. Take your time.  These storm chasers (sales guys AND crews!) wont wanna wait months.  They may be from out of state!  I had crews from California/ Montana/ Iowa and Nebraska calling  me asking for work for the 2023 storm.  NOPE!

3- Make sure the adjuster has the correct mortgage co when they inspect.  Most insurance checks will have the mortgage co listed, get it right the first time.

4- NEVER give a contractor any money to start.  Supply houses give us a 30-day float.  If a company is worth it’s salt, they can handle that.

5- Deductibles are per storm date.  If you replace your roof now and hail hits again next month they apply the deductible again.

6- These storm chasing door knockers show up, get a mailbox at the postal annex and call it a “suite” then get local numbers and try to convince you they are from here.  Walk out to their truck and look at the license plate/ registration sticker to verify.  Do the same w/ the crews.  They’re not coming back if you have a leak!

7- When they say ” we will cover your deductible” that means they will invoice the insurance company for work they are not doing.   If insurance paid for gutters and you can’t prove you replaced them and hail knocks them OFF the next storm they wont pay you twice.   They are committing insurance fraud and since you benefited as well, your guilty of it too.

8- Some insurance companies require proof of deductible payment such as a cancelled check in order to even release depreciation.  You will have to pay the deductible