Why Georgia Roofing Claims Can Take So Long
If you’ve filed a roofing claim after storm damage, you might be wondering: why is this taking so long? When your roof is compromised, waiting for your insurance company to process a claim can feel frustrating and uncertain. However, understanding the steps involved in the process can help you set realistic expectations and reduce stress.
In this article, we’ll break down the reasons roofing claims sometimes take longer than expected, compare the process with and without a public adjuster, and explain how different insurance companies handle claims at varying speeds.
The Roofing Insurance Claim Process (Without a Public Adjuster)
If you handle the claim yourself, without a public adjuster, here’s what you can expect:
1. Initial Inspection: After you file your claim, the insurance company will send their adjuster to inspect your roof. This adjuster works for the insurance company and their goal is to minimize the payout, which might lead to a conservative assessment. Depending on the adjuster's availability, this inspection could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks after the claim is filed.
2. Claim Review: Once the inspection is complete, the insurance company will review the adjuster’s report to decide whether to approve or deny the claim, and how much to offer. If additional documentation or further inspections are needed, this review period can stretch out.
3. Negotiation: If the claim is approved, the negotiation process begins. Many homeowners accept the first offer, even if it’s lower than expected. However, if you feel the offer doesn’t cover your needs, back-and-forth negotiations with the insurance company can cause further delays.
4. Receiving Funds: Once you’ve reached a settlement, the insurance company must release the funds. Unfortunately, the processing and distribution of these funds can still take several more weeks due to the insurance company's internal processes.
The Process with a Public Adjuster
Bringing a public adjuster into the mix can change the timeline and dynamic of your claim. Here’s how the process works with a public adjuster involved:
1. Public Adjuster’s Initial Inspection: A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. They will conduct their own thorough inspection of your roof damage to ensure nothing is missed and that your claim reflects the full extent of the damage. This step can speed up the process by ensuring the correct documentation is provided right from the start.
2. Negotiation by Public Adjuster: Instead of you negotiating with the insurance company, your public adjuster handles the discussions. Because they specialize in maximizing claims, public adjusters often achieve quicker resolutions and better settlement offers than homeowners negotiating alone.
3. Faster Settlement and Fund Release: Since public adjusters have experience navigating the system, they often expedite the settlement process. Once a fair settlement is reached, the insurance company will process the payment, and with a public adjuster managing the negotiations, this step can move faster.
Although hiring a public adjuster does come with a fee, the potential increase in your settlement and the speedier resolution can be well worth the investment.
Why Some Insurance Companies Take Longer Than Others
Not all insurance companies handle claims in the same way. Here are several factors that might cause delays with some insurers over others:
1. Company Size and Resources: Larger insurance companies tend to have more resources and adjusters available, which helps them process claims faster. On the other hand, smaller or regional insurance companies may have fewer adjusters, leading to longer wait times, especially after a major storm.
2. Backlogs After Major Weather Events: If a large storm or natural disaster hits your area, many homeowners will be filing claims simultaneously. Insurance companies can become overwhelmed with a backlog of claims, slowing down every stage of the process. Some larger companies may have contingency plans for these surges, while smaller ones might struggle to keep up.
3. Complexity of Claims: Some insurance companies have more complex internal processes. If your insurer requires multiple levels of approval or extensive documentation, this can extend the timeline. Ask your provider about their claims process timeline upfront to get an idea of how long each step might take.
4. Volume of Policyholders: Insurance providers that dominate a certain region or area may have a high volume of policyholders submitting claims at the same time. This can create additional delays due to the sheer number of claims needing to be processed.
What Can You Do to Speed Up the Process?
While some delays are out of your hands, there are a few things you can do to help move the claim along:
- Document Everything: From the moment you discover damage, start taking detailed photos, videos, and notes. The more thorough your documentation, the less likely it is that the insurance company will request additional information, which can delay your claim.
- Follow Up Regularly: Stay in touch with your insurance company and follow up on the status of your claim. Make sure to keep track of who you’ve spoken to and what updates they’ve provided.
- Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster: If you feel like your claim is stalling or you’re unhappy with the offer you’ve received, hiring a public adjuster can help move things along and ensure you get the payout you deserve.
- Review Your Policy: Knowing the ins and outs of your insurance policy will help you navigate the claim process more efficiently and avoid any surprises. Understand what’s covered, the timeline for filing claims, and what documentation you’ll need.
Conclusion
Roofing claims can take time but knowing why and what to expect can make the process less stressful. Whether you choose to handle the claim on your own or hire a public adjuster, understanding the different steps, being proactive, and knowing your insurance provider’s processes will help you manage the situation more effectively. Remember, different insurance companies operate at different speeds, so patience is key—but so is staying on top of your claim and taking action when necessary.
By following these tips and understanding the process, you’ll be able to get your roof repaired and protect your home as soon as possible.