Calgary’s weather is famously unpredictable, and powerful windstorms can strike with little warning, leaving a trail of property damage. Dealing with the aftermath—especially when it involves insurance claims—can be daunting. Understanding the common pitfalls and complexities of the claims process is vital for a smooth recovery. This comprehensive guide, brought to you by Asbestos Removal Calgary, helps you prepare for and manage the typical insurance issues that arise after a major wind event.
Immediate Steps After Wind Damage
The moments right after a windstorm hits your property are critical. Your immediate actions significantly influence the success of your future insurance claim.
Safety First and Temporary Repairs
Firstly, you must prioritize safety. Assess your property for hazards like downed power lines or structural instability before attempting any close inspection. Once safe, you should take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. This means making temporary repairs—like covering a compromised roof with a tarp or boarding up broken windows. Insurance policies require you to mitigate further losses, so keep all receipts for these materials and services.
Documenting the Damage Thoroughly
Secondly, you need to document everything. Use a camera or smartphone to take high-resolution photos and videos of all visible damage before any clean-up or repairs begin. Capture both a wide view of the area and close-ups of specific damage points. Keep a detailed log of the date and time of the storm and any conversations you have with your insurance company or repair contractors. This comprehensive evidence is crucial for supporting your claim.
Key Insurance Challenges You Might Face
Filing a claim after a windstorm can reveal several common hurdles. Knowing them in advance helps you navigate the process effectively.
1. Coverage Disputes: Is It Wind or Wear and Tear?
One of the most frequent issues is the insurer disputing the cause of the damage. Insurers may argue that the damage resulted from pre-existing conditions, such as age, poor maintenance, or “wear and tear,” rather than the recent wind event. For instance, if the storm blew off a shingle that was already loose due to age, the insurer might only cover the cost of a single shingle replacement, not the entire roof section. Your detailed documentation of the damage immediately after the storm is your strongest defense against this argument.
2. Underestimation of Repair Costs
Another common challenge involves the insurance adjuster’s estimate being too low. The adjuster, working for the insurer, may use lower-cost materials or fail to account for hidden damage that requires more extensive work. This is particularly relevant in Calgary where specific building codes might necessitate more expensive repairs or upgrades. Furthermore, you should insist on an estimate based on local material and labor costs.
3. Handling Exclusions in Your Policy
You must understand your policy’s exclusions. Standard homeowner policies usually cover wind damage, but they might exclude or limit coverage for certain situations. For example, damage from water entering the home after a wind-related hole, like a broken window, is usually covered. However, damage caused by a sewer backup or surface flooding resulting from the same storm often requires a separate endorsement or policy. Always read the fine print to know what is, and is not, included.
4. The Complexity of Wind Damage Restoration Calgary Claims
When the damage involves structural issues, water intrusion, or specialized restoration, the complexity increases. If high winds have caused structural compromise, or if the property contains hazardous materials like asbestos (common in pre-1990s Calgary homes), the restoration becomes more intricate. Asbestos Removal Calgary specializes in the safe handling and remediation of such materials, which often adds to the claim amount. Insurance companies must approve the specialized nature of these repairs. Therefore, it is essential to hire professional contractors, like us, who have experience with insurance claims and can provide detailed, professional estimates. For reliable and expert services, click here: Wind Damage Restoration Calgary.
5. Delays in Processing and Payment
Frustration often stems from delays. Insurance companies face a surge in claims after a major windstorm, leading to extended processing times. If you feel the delay is unreasonable or is causing undue hardship (e.g., you cannot live in your home), you must formally inquire about the claim status in writing and maintain a paper trail of communication.
Working with Contractors and Adjusters
Effective communication and professional representation are key to a successful claim outcome.
Choosing the Right Restoration Partner
You always have the right to choose your own contractor, despite what an insurance company might imply. Opt for a reputable company with specific experience in wind damage restoration and navigating insurance processes. A good contractor provides a comprehensive and accurate scope of work, which acts as a counter-document to the adjuster’s estimate, helping to resolve discrepancies and ensure you receive the proper payout.
Navigating the Adjuster’s Role
The insurance adjuster’s role is to assess the damage on behalf of the insurance company, not necessarily to maximize your payout. Consequently, you should walk the property with the adjuster, pointing out all damage documented in your initial photos. Ask specific questions about the coverage and the scope of their estimate. Never sign a “Proof of Loss” statement until you are fully satisfied with the scope and amount of the proposed settlement.
Understanding Replacement Cost Value (RCV) vs. Actual Cash Value (ACV)
Finally, comprehending the difference between RCV and ACV is critical. Most homeowner policies are Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies, meaning they pay the cost to replace the damaged item with a new one, without depreciation. However, some policies or specific coverages may be Actual Cash Value (ACV), which pays the replacement cost minus depreciation (age and condition). You receive the depreciated amount initially, and the remaining RCV amount is paid after the repairs are completed and invoices are submitted. Knowing your policy type dictates how you manage your repair finances.
Conclusion
Navigating insurance claims after a Calgary windstorm requires preparation, meticulous documentation, and the help of expert partners like Asbestos Removal Calgary. By understanding common issues like coverage disputes, low estimates, and policy exclusions, you empower yourself to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve to restore your property.
If you have experienced significant wind damage and require professional, certified restoration and remediation services, contact us directly. We stand ready to assist you throughout the entire repair and insurance process. Get in touch with our experts today: Contact Asbestos Removal Calgary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do immediately after a windstorm damages my home?
Immediately ensure your family’s safety. Then, take extensive photos and videos of all damage. Next, make temporary, emergency repairs (like tarping the roof) to prevent further damage, and keep all receipts for these expenses. Finally, contact your insurance company to file a claim.
Can my insurer force me to use their preferred contractor?
No, you have the right to choose any licensed and reputable contractor for your property restoration. You should choose a contractor experienced in wind damage and insurance claims, such as Asbestos Removal Calgary, who acts in your best interest.
What is the difference between Replacement Cost Value (RCV) and Actual Cash Value (ACV)?
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays the cost to replace the damaged item with new materials of similar quality, without subtracting depreciation. Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays the replacement cost minus depreciation (due to age and wear). Most good homeowner policies offer RCV coverage for the dwelling.
What if the insurance adjuster’s estimate is lower than my contractor’s quote for Wind Damage Restoration Calgary?
If the estimates differ significantly, you must communicate this to the adjuster. Your contractor, like Asbestos Removal Calgary, prepares a detailed scope of work based on current, local pricing and code requirements. They will work with the adjuster to negotiate a fair final settlement based on the true cost of complete, quality restoration.
Will filing a wind damage claim automatically increase my insurance premiums?
Filing a single claim does not automatically cause a premium increase, but insurance companies assess your risk profile based on claim history and the severity of losses in your area. Major catastrophic events, however, often lead to widespread, general premium increases across a region to offset the cost of high claim volumes.