If you are considering contacting your home insurance carrier after property damage, you probably want to get the most benefits out of the insurance compensation. But this depends on how you handle the entire process. To make sure you get started on the right foot, it’s best to work with an experienced contractor and maximize your benefits. If you are still wondering how a contractor can help you with the insurance damage compensation process, here are a few reasons to consider.
1. Ensure the Damage is Compensable
It is vital to ensure the damage on your property is compensable before you contact your insurance provider. Insurance companies are keen to note the type of damage compensation requests you file and the frequency. This information is then populated in national insurance databases for reference.
Insurance providers rely on this database when issuing policies and determining premiums for any policyholder. The number and type of insurance requests you file within a certain period determine whether your premiums will increase. Most importantly, the insurer’s decision to renew or cancel your policy depends on your recorded history of compensation requests.
Whenever you find that the damage costs are less than your insurance cover deductibles, you are better off paying for the repairs out of pocket. While non-qualifying requests won’t be paid, they undoubtedly affect your records.
2. Maximize the Benefits from Your Insurance Compensation
After the first round of damage inspection, some unnoticeable but significant damage will likely be overlooked. This can also happen if the insurance company switches between several adjusters with no context of your home’s damage.
When you are working with a contractor, they act as your advocate during the damage compensation process. If the contractor discovers significant damage that was not recorded in the initial inspection, they’ll help you file a re-inspection request to ensure all repair costs are covered. But if the newly noticed damage is not extensive, the contractor can file supplemental documentation if your compensation request is still open.
At times, the insurance company may want to pay an amount lower than estimated construction costs. A trusted contractor can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you are not spending the extra money out of your pocket.
3. Experience and Knowledge of Local Building Codes and Ordinances
A professional and trusted contractor has a deep understanding of the industry. This means they know the ins and outs of the home insurance process better. And since you want to ensure you are getting the most out of your insurance compensation request, it is best to involve someone well-versed with the process.
During the repair or construction work, the contractor may suggest some vital upgrades to comply with the current building standards. While any additional construction work beyond the insurer-approved restoration may be subject to out-of-pocket payments, there are exceptions. If extra upgrades are essential to compliance with local building codes, your contractor can talk with your insurance company to ensure your damage compensation covers the costs.
Conclusion: Avoid the Hassle and Let Meridian Restoration Help You
While you may be accustomed to handling most things on your own, home insurance damage compensation can be a different beast altogether. You need to ensure the process is dealt with in the right way to ensure maximum benefits. Besides, filing and making follow-ups on insurance compensation can be tedious and time-sensitive. Therefore, having a trusted contractor to take the burden off your shoulders can be a smart move.
At Meridian Restoration, we can meet your adjuster and start the damage compensation request on your behalf. With years of industry experience, we can collaborate and negotiate with your insurer to make sure you get compensated. We offer our services to homeowners in Chicago and surrounding suburbs like Kenilworth, Glencoe, Fort Sheridan, and Deerfield.
