Act Now: Have Your Roof Inspected for Hail Damage

Minnesota residents are quickly approaching a critical deadline to have their roofs inspected for hail damage. For some homeowners, the urgency stems from insurance policy deadlines—many carriers only allow one year to submit a claim. August 11 marks a significant date, as it’s the anniversary of the “Happy Hour Storm” that pounded Minneapolis-St. Paul with large hail, causing over a billion dollars in damage. If you suspect your roof was impacted but haven’t yet filed a claim, now is the time to act. However, before contacting your insurance agent, it’s crucial to schedule a roof hail damage inspection by a reputable contractor to determine if you have legitimate damage worth filing a claim for.

At Lindstrom Restoration, we’ve seen cases where homeowners rush to file claims before an inspection, only to have the insurance adjuster deny their roof for replacement. This leaves a mark on the homeowner’s insurance record and could lead to nonrenewal if the roof is near the end of its natural lifespan. Being nonrenewed puts the homeowner in a tough spot, as finding a new carrier with a claim on record and a roof needing replacement can be challenging.

Another reason time is running out is Minnesota’s unpredictable weather. Cold temperatures and even snow can arrive as early as October, as those who remember the Halloween Blizzard of 1991 can attest. With the State Fair and Labor Day Weekend just around the corner, summer is quickly winding down.

Homeowners need a professional, no-pressure, honest appraisal of their roof’s condition. Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors operate ethically. Some declare damage where none exists, pressuring consumers into signing contracts. If a homeowner doesn’t rescind within the state-allowed timeframe of three days, they could be stuck either replacing their roof or paying to get out of the contract.

Lindstrom Restoration operates differently. We don’t knock on doors minutes after a storm or pressure homeowners into signing contracts. Our estimators are focused on identifying legitimate damage that an insurance adjuster will approve through a thorough roof hail damage inspection. However, it’s important to note that the insurance landscape has changed significantly in recent years. Carriers have become stricter about approving roof replacements due to substantial losses, and experienced insurance adjusters are becoming scarce. This has led to an increase in wrongly denied claims.

In 2022, the Minnesota Commerce Department warned consumers about changes in insurance coverage and deductibles. “We want to make sure Minnesota homeowners are aware of possible changes to their homeowners’ insurance coverage and not be surprised after they submit a claim,” said Commerce Deputy Commissioner of Insurance Julia Dreier. These changes have resulted in more complaints to the Commerce and Labor Departments, and the number of third-party dispute resolutions through the Appraisal Process is at an all-time high. Attorneys and public adjusters, who represent policyholders in disputes, have also seen a significant increase in business due to the contentious environment.

Replacing a roof is expensive, with costs often reaching well into five figures. Homeowners need to act now to ensure they receive what they are legally entitled to under their policy. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Check with your insurance agent: Find out how much time you have to file a claim and inform them of your suspected roof damage. The agent will need to know the exact date of the loss.
2. Get an inspection before filing: Have an experienced, honest contractor inspect your roof to confirm legitimate damage. Avoid any salesperson who pressures you to sign a contract. Research the contractor’s reputation, BBB record, and experience with insurance work. Ensure they use Xactimate, the pricing software used by most insurance companies, and check if they use subcontractors or their own crews.
3. Consider filing a claim: If the contractor confirms damage, file a claim. Request that the insurance adjuster meet the contractor onsite for the inspection. If the adjuster refuses, ask for a reinspection by another adjuster. If disagreements persist, seek advice from your contractor and agent. You may need to pursue the Appraisal Process or hire a public adjuster or attorney.
4. Be prepared: If you go through the Appraisal Process, build a strong case with the contractor’s help. You may also consider hiring independent roofing engineers for expert testimony. If legal assistance is required, consult with a respected attorney firm specializing in insurance claims.

With roof replacement costs skyrocketing, policyholders should receive what’s legally theirs. Unfortunately, some contractors are price gouging, and many carriers are paying inflated prices, which ultimately drives up premiums for all consumers. Lindstrom Restoration is known for delivering quality work at fair prices. Our family-run business has been serving the community for over 70 years, and we plan to be here for the next 100. Trust us to protect your interests.

For any fire, water, or storm damage to your home’s interior or exterior, call us at 763-544-8761. We respond to emergencies 24/7/365. If you need a roof inspection, we can usually schedule one within a day or two. Give us a call!