Myths vs. Facts...

 

Myth: If I don't file a claim, my insurance company won't raise my rates.

Fact:After a disaster, insurance companies may raise everyone's rates.  By not filing your claim, your personal rate increase is paying for everyone else's damage except yours.

 

Myth: My insurance company will cancel my policy if I file a claim.

Fact: Most states prohibit insurance companies from canceling policies for filing claims arising from severe weather related events.  Check with your state however and your policy language as well.

 

Myth: My roof is new so it's covered by the manufacturer's warranty, home builder, or contractor.

Fact: Manufacturer's specifically name hail as an exclusion to their product warranty, so do home builders and roofing contractors.  Newer roofs can actually be more susceptible to hail damage versus older roofs due to the time it takes a new roof to cure from exposure to the elements.

 

Myth: I only have one year to file my insurance claim.

Fact: Many insurance companies do have a one year time limit and some even less, however due to the nature of hail damage they may pay claims past the deadline. This usually happens if a hail storm is widespread geographically.

 

Myth: I'm not missing any shingles so I must not have damage.

Fact: Missing shingles are related to wind damage claims and can happen during a hail storm if the winds are high enough. However hail damage is insidious in nature and may not physically cause leakage for years after a hail storm.