What Does a Property "Storm Inspection" Consist Of _________________
It all depends on the storm and the type of storm.
Hailstorms can wreak havoc on properties, causing extensive damage to roofs, exteriors, and outbuildings. As an insurance carrier, accurately assessing hail damage is crucial to providing fair and timely settlements for policyholders. This comprehensive guide outlines the step-by-step process for inspecting property, including exteriors, interiors, roofs, and outbuildings, to ensure a thorough and accurate assessment.
After all, not all contractors are out there to help their fellow citizens. Some are out because they see a fast buck, some are swindlers and some are sweet talkers. So "To The Homeowners" do your due-diligence on the company your looking at. If you need help, "Don't hesitate" to call your local State Farm Agency, they are always happy to help, even if you don't have their coverage.
What Goes Into an Inspection:
1. Pre-Inspection Preparation:
Before conducting the inspection, gather essential tools and equipment, including a camera, measuring tape, ladder, flashlight, notepad, and a smartphone or tablet for documentation purposes. Review the policyholder's insurance coverage and policy details to understand the scope of the claim. I have everything outlined in the eCourse on what you need to perform the job correctly.
2. Exterior Inspection:
Start with the exterior inspection, assessing the siding, windows, and doors for visible hail damage. Look for dents, cracks, or chips on metal, vinyl, or wood siding.
Inspect windows for broken glass or damaged frames.
Check doors for dents or alignment issues that may have been caused by hail impact. I have a routine outlined for you to follow in eCourse.
3. Interior Inspection:
Conduct a thorough interior inspection to identify potential water damage. Look for water stains on ceilings, walls, and floors.
Check for wet spots or water leaks around windows and doors.
Inspect the attic for signs of water penetration, such as water stains, damp insulation, or mold growth. I have an outline to follow and questions to be asked to homeowner in eCourse.
REMEMBER: water stains around pipes like the fart fans in bathrooms are 9 times out of 10 due to condensation, especially in the winter. But say, if there is storm related damage on top of the stain thats been there for years, then you would pay for it.
4. Roof Inspection:
Carefully inspect the roof for hail damage, which is often the most significant and costly aspect of hail-related claims.
Look for dents, bruises, cracks, or missing shingles on asphalt, wood, or metal roofs.
Check for granule loss on asphalt shingles, which can indicate hail damage.
Examine flashings, gutters, and downspouts for dents or damage caused by hail impact. I have an outline to follow in eCourse.
5. Outbuildings and Other Structures:
Inspect outbuildings, such as sheds and garages, for hail damage similar to that of the main property.
Assess fencing, decks, and patios for any signs of hail impact or damage.
Check any other structures on the property for potential hail damage.
- Documenting the Inspection:
Take clear and detailed photographs of all areas inspected, highlighting visible hail damage and its extent.
Record measurements of hail damage, including the size and depth of dents or cracks.
Document all findings and observations in a comprehensive report, including descriptions, dates, and timestamps.7. Determining the Extent of Damage:
Evaluate the overall extent of the hail damage on the property. Determine which areas need repair or replacement.
Differentiate between pre-existing damage and new hail-related damage to ensure accurate assessment.8. Engaging with Policyholders:
I have questions outlined to be asked to homeowner in eCourse.
Communicate the inspection findings clearly and empathetically with policyholders.
Address any questions or concerns the policyholder may have regarding the inspection process or settlement.9. Collaborating with Professionals:
if homeowner wants you to meet their roofer then call him and give him that date and 2 times that you will be their, for example I will be their am or pm, that is what i do. But lately we should be more courteous and say, "I will be their between the times of 2pm and 4pm give a 2-3 hour window due to, you not knowing what your going to run into on the prior inspections.
If necessary, work with qualified contractors, roofers, or engineers to validate the inspection findings.
Obtain multiple estimates for repairs to ensure accurate cost assessments.10. Finalizing the Settlement:
Based on the inspection report and additional professional assessments, determine the fair and appropriate settlement for the hail damage claim.
Process the settlement promptly, adhering to the policy terms and coverage.Conclusion:
Inspecting properties for hail damage is a vital responsibility for insurance carriers to ensure policyholders receive the proper settlements for their claims. By following a systematic and thorough approach, and collaborating with professionals when needed, insurance carriers can deliver efficient and fair resolutions while providing valuable support to policyholders during a time in their life, "they will never forget".
Important:
Making The Correct Call
In this course I go through images to help you understand and know what to look for when identifying hail.
Giving you the necessary information, so that you can be confident in the calls you make out in the field.
This course is tailored with lessons to empower you for independent inspections, covering unique information to tackle field questions effectively.Whether you're eager to "Learn a Trade," or
looking for job that allows you to travel with "Great Pay," or
maybe a "Contractor" seeking to enhance your team's confidence in identifying roof damage, hail and wind in particular. and mapping inspection routines, so that no damage is left unchecked.
If any of these are you, then you will want to check out this course.
Perhaps you're a homeowner aiming to evaluate your own damage and grasp policy policy language and or usage. Our focus is on helping you understand and utilize policy language to your advantage. You can email us directly and we will help decipher the section you need clarification on.
With five comprehensive lessons, you can enroll in one, two, three, or the entire set, and receive complimentary pair of Field Socks.
Plus if you have a enroll in the 'Whole Course Only' Use This "Coupon Code" and type it in while checking out. { hail.identify6383 }
This will give you $10 off of the whole course price tag.
The amount of information in this course has been measured against other courses.
E-course usually Price is weighed by the amount of information provided.
So, If we were to use the same measuring scale as others in our field, the amount or price tag on this course would be
between $4,244.00-$5,363.00I have given these courses a price point that everyone should be able to afford and I have provided 3 different ways you can stir up work for yourself, if a storm should ever hit close to home.
This course is especially beneficial for Contractors and Roofers aiming to equip their team with insights to excel in their roles, instilling confidence in every decision. We're here to groom them into field leaders.
QUICK OVERVIEW OF LESSONS LEARNED IN COURSE
- safely "set up and take down ladders", Tips on working with the "little giant ladder"
- Policy Leveraging: Learn to navigate insurance policy language to your advantage, whether you're a homeowner or professional.
- Rope'N'Harness inspection "via video"
- Ladder Safety
- Trade Mastery: Discover trade secrets for lucrative opportunities and career advancement.
- Interior scope on ceiling leak: via video "scope-diagram-write in Xactimate Code when scoping
- Exterior Video: on "Inspection" Portraying a routine to follow each and every time you inspect.
- Contractor Excellence: Enhance your team's confidence in identifying and addressing roof damage, and establish effective property inspection routine
- Exterior Giving training: on understanding Hail damage to roofing, Providing a slue of images, showing damage. Pointing out the key indicators that confirm "Hail Damage." And key indicators pointing out that it's Not Hail Damage.
- Identify difference's: between "Cosmetic and Actual Hail Damage"
- Independent Inspections: Equip yourself with the knowledge to conduct inspections solo, covering unique field scenarios.
- Field Leadership: Develop skills to make informed decisions confidently, positioning yourself as a leader in the field.
Here is a book Mr. Krebs has put together on storms and hail, what it takes to make them so large. Geared towards 13-25 years of age.
This Ebook is in the process of being publicized and will be accomplished by 05/05/2024.
We hope to see you on the inside where you can see the credentials on who put this together and why he is more than worthy of bringing you up to speed on your inspections and making the call.