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Should You Cash That Insurance Check? Your Denver Roofers Explain
March 6, 2019
Every homeowner dreads having severe roof damage and leaks. But with the severe winds and hailstorms we get along the Front Range, it’s only a matter of time until you need major repairs. That’s where your homeowners’ insurance can help. When you file a claim, the insurance company will inspect your home for damage and issue a check for the amount they believe is fair. So, when should you cash that insurance check? Your trusted Denver roofing company explains.
Insurance Adjusters Work for the Insurance Company
It’s easy to think you should trust the insurance adjuster. After all, they know what repairs typically cost in the area, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not the homeowners whose homes they’re inspecting. This means their estimates are designed to save the insurance company money. The amount they quote as “fair and reasonable” may not be what it actually costs to repair your roof.
If you cash the check the minute they issue it, you’re accepting their appraisal of the damage. And while that money goes right into your bank account to help pay for repairs, it might not be enough! Worse, once you cash it, you can’t dispute the claim with your insurance company. If the repairs cost more than the adjuster expected, you’ll have to pay the difference out-of-pocket.
What You Should Do
Instead of cashing the check immediately, hold onto it and schedule an inspection with your roofer. They work for you, not the insurance company. This means the estimate will be fair, accurate, and will cover the full amount of the damage.
If their estimate is about the same as the insurance adjuster’s estimate, cash the check and get your roof repaired as soon as possible. If it’s not and the repairs will cost significantly more than the adjuster thought, dispute the claim.
Set Yourself Up for Success
The key to successful claims disputes is to be as polite as possible. Explain why you think the adjuster’s appraisal was wrong. Ask for another inspection after discussing your roofer’s estimate with your insurance agent. You may want to have the adjuster speak with your roofer about the damage. Remember, roofers are the pros—they know what needs fixing and what doesn’t. Your insurance adjuster is not a roofer and may have missed damage during the initial inspection.
If the dispute gets denied, you can file a complaint against the insurance company with the state. Often, this is enough to get the insurance company to reconsider their evaluation. Remember, insurance companies are out to save themselves money and when the state’s insurance department gets involved, they might be more willing to settle on a higher amount. Giving a larger check is cheaper than taking the case to court.
Get Help From the Pros
If you’re worried about an estimate or feel that your insurance adjuster low-balled you, schedule a free estimate with our dedicated contractors. We’ll inspect your roof and provide you with a detailed written estimate for all necessary repairs.
Insurance Adjusters Work for the Insurance Company
It’s easy to think you should trust the insurance adjuster. After all, they know what repairs typically cost in the area, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not the homeowners whose homes they’re inspecting. This means their estimates are designed to save the insurance company money. The amount they quote as “fair and reasonable” may not be what it actually costs to repair your roof.
If you cash the check the minute they issue it, you’re accepting their appraisal of the damage. And while that money goes right into your bank account to help pay for repairs, it might not be enough! Worse, once you cash it, you can’t dispute the claim with your insurance company. If the repairs cost more than the adjuster expected, you’ll have to pay the difference out-of-pocket.
What You Should Do
Instead of cashing the check immediately, hold onto it and schedule an inspection with your roofer. They work for you, not the insurance company. This means the estimate will be fair, accurate, and will cover the full amount of the damage.
If their estimate is about the same as the insurance adjuster’s estimate, cash the check and get your roof repaired as soon as possible. If it’s not and the repairs will cost significantly more than the adjuster thought, dispute the claim.
Set Yourself Up for Success
The key to successful claims disputes is to be as polite as possible. Explain why you think the adjuster’s appraisal was wrong. Ask for another inspection after discussing your roofer’s estimate with your insurance agent. You may want to have the adjuster speak with your roofer about the damage. Remember, roofers are the pros—they know what needs fixing and what doesn’t. Your insurance adjuster is not a roofer and may have missed damage during the initial inspection.
If the dispute gets denied, you can file a complaint against the insurance company with the state. Often, this is enough to get the insurance company to reconsider their evaluation. Remember, insurance companies are out to save themselves money and when the state’s insurance department gets involved, they might be more willing to settle on a higher amount. Giving a larger check is cheaper than taking the case to court.
Get Help From the Pros
If you’re worried about an estimate or feel that your insurance adjuster low-balled you, schedule a free estimate with our dedicated contractors. We’ll inspect your roof and provide you with a detailed written estimate for all necessary repairs.