Homeowners urged to review insurance policies before filing hail claims
MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – After recent hail in central Wisconsin, homeowners are being encouraged to review their insurance policies before filing claims for damage to roofs, siding, gutters, vehicles and other property.
Insurance professionals say wind and hail claims have changed in recent years, and a claim today may not be handled the same way it would have been several years ago.
“Many homeowners are surprised to learn their wind and hail deductible may be different from their standard deductible,” said Nick Arnoldy, owner/broker at Marshfield Insurance. “Before filing a claim, it is important to know what your policy says and what your out-of-pocket cost could be.”
Marshfield Insurance is an independent insurance agency, meaning it does not write or control the policy language used by insurance carriers. Arnoldy said the agency’s role is to help clients understand their coverage, review their options and recommend next steps based on the policy they have.
“We do not write the policy language, but we are here to help explain it,” Arnoldy said. “As an independent agency, our job is to advise clients, answer questions and help them make informed decisions before they file a claim.”
Some insurance companies now use separate deductibles for wind and hail damage. Those deductibles may be higher than a homeowner’s standard deductible and can vary by company and policy.
A wind and hail deductible may be a flat amount, such as $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000. In other cases, it may be based on a percentage of the home’s dwelling coverage. For example, a homeowner with a house insured for $400,000 and a 1% wind and hail deductible would have a $4,000 deductible for a wind or hail claim.
Roof coverage can also vary, especially depending on the age of the roof.
Many insurance carriers now use roof payment schedules that factor in the roof’s age, roofing material and policy language. Under those schedules, an older roof may not be paid at full replacement cost, even if hail damage is confirmed.
Some policies may provide replacement cost coverage for newer roofs but apply depreciation or other limitations as the roof gets older.
“The age of the roof matters more than it used to in many policies,” Arnoldy said. “An older roof may be covered differently than a newer roof, so homeowners should understand whether their policy provides replacement cost, actual cash value or another type of scheduled roof coverage.”
Hail can also damage siding, gutters, downspouts, windows, screens, trim and outdoor items. Coverage for those items may differ from roof coverage, depending on the policy.
Arnoldy said homeowners should avoid assuming all exterior damage will be handled the same way.
A homeowner who believes their property was damaged should take clear photos of visible damage and check siding, gutters, window screens, trim and outdoor items. Homeowners should also review their wind and hail deductible and determine how their roof is covered before filing a claim.
Arnoldy also cautioned homeowners to be careful before signing contracts with contractors.
“After a storm, homeowners may feel pressure to move quickly,” Arnoldy said. “It is still worth taking time to understand your coverage before signing paperwork or filing a claim.”
Homeowners who are unsure whether to file a claim should contact their insurance agent to review their coverage, deductible and possible next steps.
“Storm damage claims are not always as simple as they used to be,” Arnoldy said. “A conversation with your agent can help you make a more informed decision before you file.”
For more information, call Marshfield Insurance at 715-387-4443 or visit marshfieldinsurance.agency.
Author: News Desk
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