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Monday, March 19, 2012

CAT Contracting Hail Damage Insurance Process

STEP 1: The 20 Point CATch ALL

CAT CONTRACTING has implemented a formalized & consistent inspection process for our customers. The “CATch All” process has been designed to efficiently and systematically examine the 20 key points outside and inside the home and report on them for our clients to determine if they wish to file a claim. Below are the items your CAT Rep will analyze and rate using industry recognized criteria. Not only will your Rep perform the inspection, but they will provide a Report Card to you for your records and insurance adjuster.

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#1. SHINGLE LAYERS- When approaching the eave from the ladder our rep will peel up the rep will lift the layers of shingles in order to determine the number of the layers of roofing present on the property. This is crucial for a few reasons. First it plays a part in determining repairability, Second in the event a replacement is warranted it plays into cost for labor and debris removal, and third storm damage affects the top shingle layer much more severely when multiple layers are present.
#2. ICE & WATER- When examining the eave for the number of roofing layers the rep will determine if the home currently has ice & water shield. If a home has ice and water shield it must be considered when re-roofing the home for both labor and material costing.
#3 VENTILATION- All ventilation items will be inspected. First for cosmetic damages that can help determine the hail size and ferocity and also to see structurally if the home is ventilated properly. More often than one would think, our reps find the ventilation to be insufficiently installed or worse yet, not even open under the ventilation.
#4. FLASHINGS & ROOFING SOFT METAL- Flashings will be inspected next to ensure their integrity after the storm. Hail and high winds batter these metal roof components and can cause opportunity for water to breach the waterproofing capabilities of the roofing system.
#5. SKYLIGHTS- Both the window and the framing of the skylight must be examined. Skylight panes can be tattered from hail in excess of nickel size causing the gas seals to be loosened and ultimately fogging. The frames can be dented and compromised as well.
#6. FIELD SHINGLE (TEST SQUARE)- If the previous items show damage in excess of normal wear and tear the shingle must then be field tested. We then perform a test square by sampling 100 sf on each roofing plane (north, south, east, and west). This 100 SF area is normal taken in a 10’X10’ area in the center of the roofing plane. Starting from the top right, the rep will work left to right, top to bottom along each roofing row searching for hail bruises. Once the last row has been analyzed the rep will count the bruises and if more than 6 hail bruises are found, the square will be determined as warrantying replacement.
#7. GUTTERS- Once the shingles are examined the Guttering will be looked at for knots and dents on both the lip of the gutter and the trough of the gutter.
#8. GARAGE DOORS- After returning to the ground the Rep will begin his perimeter inspection of the home. First he will will inspect the garage doors. Garage doors are often overlooked by insurance carriers and can be an expensive miss if left unclaimed.
#9. DOWNSPOUTS- Downspouts exposed to the storm side are often dented and dinged from the hail or possible blown loose from high winds. Your rep will examine these befor emoving to the Siding.
#10. SIDING PANELS- Siding damage is usually easy to spot however we want to ensure we are identifying Hail damage not previous incidental breaks or dents. We look knee high to the sky! Anything lower is usually not considered from Hail.
#11. SHUTTERS- Most shutters are vinyl on today’s homes and if installed on the storm facing side of the home will be shattered from wind blown hailstones..
#12. ALUMINUM CASEMENTS & WRAPS- Windows, Doors and Garage doors are often cased in aluminum wrapping. These wraps are often dented after affected by wind blown hail stones. This is a labor intensive item which must be carefully inspected and priced in the event a replacement is necessary.
#13. WINDOWS- The rep will then inspect the window frames and glass. Although not completely uncommon, broken windows arent seen as often as thought.
#14 WINDOW SCREENS- Screens are often damaged on storm facing sides. Window screens will be stretched, dented and even torn from hail and flying debris.
#15. AIR CONDITIONING UNIT- Air Conditioning units are skinned in metal fins. these fins can be dented very easily buy the smallest hail stones however when hail falls in great volumes or excessive size these fins can be dented so severely they can not be combed straight thus not allowing air to flow through freely.
#16. DECK, RAILINGS- Decks, Patios and Railings will be looked at for chipping or pot marks. In the event the chips are more than cosmetic reparations must be considered but more often a power-wash and stain will suffice.
#17. FENCES- If the property owner has a fence made from vinyl, composite or wooden material, the fence must be examined for surface damage or marking. Wind events play a major role on fences as well by blowing panels or even full lines down.
#18.COLLATERAL ITEMS (jacuzzi tops, mailboxes, patio furniture) The items are not repaired by CAT but crucial for your setllement
#19. ATTIC INSPECTION- Our clients sometimes wonder why we inspect the attic, simply put the under-surface of your roof is just as important to its integrity as the exterior surface.
#20. INTERIOR CEILINGS & CLOSETS.- We often find leaks go unrecognized simply because as homeowners we rarely look up or in our closets. We want to ensure we aren’t missing anything which can potentially cause issues later in your home.

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STEP 2: THE INITIAL CLAIM PROCEDURE (Centered across 2 pages)

Column 1 : FILE THE CLAIM
(Initiating the Insurance Claim)
  • LOCATE your homeowner’s insurance policy and be sure to keep it handy. Now is an excellent time to find out your deductible amount for future reference.
  • CONTACT your insurance carrier. You can call your 1-800 claims line or many of our clients find filing online faster, which avoids lengthy hold times. Your carrier will ask you the date of loss. The date which you should file your claim under is _______________________________________. To file online fill in the web links below to your browser, or go to www.catcontracting.com and go to our claim process page and click on your carrier’s logo.
www.travelers.com
www.USAA.com
www.progressive.com
www.safeco.com
www.stateauto.com
www.statefarm.com
www.thehartford.com
www.farmers.com
www.geico.com
www.libertymutual.com
www.metlife.com
www.nationwide.com
www.allstate.com
www.amfam.com
www.amica.com
www.auto-owners.com
www.chubb.com

  • RECORD the information your insurance company gives you. Your insurance company will assign a claim number, and adjuster to your loss. Be sure to write this information in below.
CLAIM #_______________________Adjuster:________________(____)____-__________

(CALVIN Pointing Up image)
***REMEMBER, Once you file your claim, call your mortgage carrier as soon as possible and ask them for a claim packet. This speeds up the process drastically and ensures your project will not experience delays.

MEET YOUR INSURANCE Co
(The Adjustment Process)
  • SCHEDULE the adjustment. Your insurance carrier will assign an adjuster who will visit the home to confirm our results and damage severity. 84% of the claims we originally inspect and are present at the initial adjustment get fully-approved. CAT strongly suggests our clients take advantage of our Field Reps ability to help negotiate the proper claim settlement. During these times your insurance adjusters are very busy, however, by suggesting they schedule the adjustment with our rep, we can be sure we present our “CATch All” inspection results and offer a detailed scope of what needs to be repaired or replaced on the home.
  • Next the ONSITE ADJUSTMENT assistance is key in facilitating an expedited claim process. Our Rep will attend the adjustment along with your insurance adjuster in order to provide scope assistance and give the claim a second set of eyes. Even the best have a bad day and in the event your adjuster overlooks key claim items, well be there to ensure proper settlement.
  • (Pictometry or eagleview pics) DETAILED ANALYSIS is crucial for a positive outcome. We know what it takes to complete the roofing project and will be sure the settlement includes everything you need to restore your home to pre-storm condition. CAT provides your insurance carrier with a full Aerial Analysis from and scope report to ensure your home is estimated with the most advanced technology available. This ensures there are no discrepancies on size or estimating materials, making the process clear and painless.
  • A CLAIM SUMMARY will be presented by your insurance adjuster once the adjustment is completed. The claim summary is an itemized scope of damages with market pricing allowances for each individual item. Some Adjusters present this before leaving the property while others mail it to you.

PICK YOUR COLORS
(Material and Project Specifications)

PRODUCT-
Once your Claim has been approved, Its time for the material selection process. We will walk you through your options so that you can make a confident decision. Today market is competitive offering several options and price points within. Its our goal to educate you on the warranties and materials best suited for your home and family.

AGREEMENT
After the material specifications agreement is approved by you, CAT Contracting will requires a standard 33% down payment to order materials for your job. (If your Insurance Draft was endorsed with your mortgage carrier see the “What Ifs” section at the end of this Guide)

C. DELIVERY
Materials will be delivered to your home. At this time, please notify your Field Supervisor that the materials have arrived. Our field supervisor will stop by your home to inventory the materials and make sure everything has been delivered correct. Once the material is confirmed CAT will then accept a standard 33% production deposit 33%. Upon receipt the crew will be scheduled for production within _______ days.


STEP 3: THE PRODUCTION PROCESS Centered across 2 pages)

TRADE RESTORATION
(The Building Process)

Once the materials are checked in at the project address, your CAT rep will enter your job into the production phase. Your job will be coordinated and built in a professional and timely manner. Multiple trade jobs will be scheduled in a roof first, siding second and additional trades next progression. There will be some downtime in between all trades. Your Field Supervisor will be your main point of contact if you should have any questions or concerns during the construction process.

DEPRECIATION RECOVERY

Almost all insurance carriers apply depreciation to each item in the settlement. Think of this as hold back for the difference in value of what your roofing/siding is worth aged (damaged) vs. what it will be worth when it’s newly restored. CAT performs the project based off the insurance company’s settlement so that when the repairs are complete, we can issue the proper invoice to your carrier for you. When we do so, the insurance carrier then pays you only for the depreciation they applied for the items repaired.

An AUTOMATED CALL will be generated from us stating the invoice is ready to be submitted. When you receive this call, it is wise to wait a few days and call your carrier to ensure they have sent your final payment to you. In order for you to receive the depreciation amount in full, you must complete the claim in full and provide invoices for the work. CAT sends this courtesy invoice for you and we place a follow up call to your carrier to ensure they issue you the final amounts owed.

WARRANTY PROCESS

Upon Completion of the project your CAT rep will perform a final walk-thru and certificate of completion with you. They will review the project and make any necessary repair orders for trade items which need addressed. Its important to ask questions as the project progresses so that we may address these items or your concerns as they arise.

A WARRANTY CARD is found on our website under the tab Warranties. When your work has been completed and paid in full please send this warranty card into our office so that we can update your project in our system.

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