Catching What The Adjuster Missed
Impact damage from trees tend to cause hidden force damage. Having an advocate that understands building construction and will take time to fully inspect your building is important.
Tips and Tricks of the Trade:
- Cracked or snapped rafters, ceiling joists, and trusses should be replaced. While sistering new boards to existing damaged boards is an allowed repair for non-insurance work. Damaged lumber should always be replaced.
- Loose attic insulation must be replaced if it gets wet regardless of the category of water loss.
- Batt Insulation can be dried out on category 1 water losses and must be replaced for category 2/3 water losses.
- The category of water loss deteriorated over time. Category 1 becomes Category 2 which becomes Category 3 if wet materials are not dried out. Mold can start to grow after 48 to 72 hours.
- If your contractor finds additional damage not covered in the estimate they should submit to your adjuster for approval not just charge you for something insurance missed.
We were called out to home months after a tree hit the corner of the home and repairs were completed and the claim closed. Insurance had approved repairs, roofing company had replaced damaged shingles, and a couple months later the home owners noticed water stains in the ceiling. of the master bedroom. Our inspection revealed four damaged rafters, one of which was split in half with the other three had snapped rafter tails. The roofing company noting the damage, that it was not on the insurance estimate, and then charged the home owner to sister new 2×8 wood to the damaged areas. We found wet blown in insulation in the attic directly below where the tree impacted and right above the water stains in the master bedroom. The finished attic space also had stress cracks in the drywall from the tree impact. Insurance had sent out 3rd party adjusters who never inspected the attic or interior of the home for damages. We were able to write a corrected estimate with documentation and the home owner was able to file a claim with his legal counsel and the claim was approved in full without the need for insurance to send out another adjuster.
The Phoenix Difference:
- Our Camera Teams created virtual twins that captured the interior spaces providing insurance with exact measurements and showed interior finishes.
- As an IICRC Certified Restoration Firm we were able to point out the required repairs based on the S500 (Water) and S520 (Mold).
- As a GC Qualifying Agent for over 6 years for residential, commercial, and industrial construction our estimator was able to point out building codes and required building repairs so the property would be repaired correctly.
- Our team took the time to look for and find the damage including crawling across 3/4 of an attic to get to the damaged corner.
- Because we understand the claims process we know how to document and submit additional damages found. That saves the church, home, or business owner major out of pocket expenses.
You as the insured spends a lot of time expecting insurance to do the right thing. Yet most companies have switched to 3rd party adjusters and they do not always have the time, training, or experience to accurately handle a claim. Add to that contractors who are not familiar with the insurance claims process and it can create issues for you as the insured. Its why having a knowledgeable advocate that works for you is so important.
