Tips for Working with Your Insurance Company After Winter Storm Damage

The risk of roof damage increases significantly over the winter months. After a big winter storm, navigating the path to recovery can be challenging. If you are working with an insurance company, it isn’t always a straightforward procedure. At Double L Construction, we are here to help you through the process of working with your insurance company after winter storm damage. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of filing a claim and empower you with insights on maximizing your coverage and ensuring a smooth restoration process. 

Winter Storm Damage

Winter storms, with heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and relentless winds, can unleash havoc upon your home's exterior, especially your roof. Understanding the diverse types of damage that can result is crucial to effectively communicating with your insurance company:

• Snow Accumulation Challenges: Snow exerts significant weight on your roof, leading to structural stress and the looming threat of potential collapse.
• Confronting Ice Dams: The freeze and thaw can cause ice dams, potentially hazardous if left unattended. They can permit water to seep under shingles, causing troubling leaks.
• Consequences of Gusty Winds: The winds accompanying winter storms can cause lifting shingles, damaging flashing, and, in more severe cases, transforming trees into airborne projectiles that may collide with your roof.
• Navigating Freezing Rain: Freezing rain can encase your roof in ice, presenting not only immediate hazardous conditions but also long-term structural concerns.

Immediate Action After a Winter Storm Damage

In the wake of a winter storm, strategic actions are crucial to mitigate further damage and kickstart the recovery process:

• Prioritize Safety: The safety of your family and yourself takes precedence. If immediate safety concerns arise, evacuate and promptly contact local authorities.
• Evidential Documentation: Armed with your smartphone or camera, be sure to capture clear and comprehensive photos of the damage. The photos will serve as invaluable evidence when filing an insurance claim.
• Temporary Repairs: If conditions permit, start temporary repairs to prevent the existing damage from getting any worse. Covering a damaged roof with a tarp can act as an effective stopgap until comprehensive repairs are possible.
• Prompt Communication with Your Insurance Company: Reach out to your insurance company immediately. Provide them with a detailed account of the damage and the steps you've taken for temporary repairs.
• Professional Inspection for a Thorough Assessment: Schedule a professional inspection without delay. This comprehensive assessment by experts will unveil the full extent of the damage and furnish you with a detailed report, an invaluable asset during the claims process.

Navigating the Complex Landscape of Insurance Claims



Collaborating effectively with your insurance company demands a thoughtful and strategic approach. Here are vital tips to navigate the intricate terrain of insurance claims successfully:

• Decode Your Policy: Take the time to decode the cryptic language of your insurance policy. Familiarize yourself with coverage limits, deductibles, and any specific requirements about winter storm damage.
• Swift Claim Filing: File your claim right away. Insurance companies often operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and a swift filing enhances your chances of expeditious attention.
• Detail-Rich Documentation: Submit a claim that leaves no room for confusion. Accompany your claim with comprehensive documentation, including the photos, the detailed report from the professional inspection, and estimates for necessary repairs.
• Methodical Record-Keeping: Establish a clear system to record all communication with your insurance company. This includes emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings. A methodical record-keeping approach can prove invaluable should disputes arise.
• Resist Hastily Settling: While promptness is commendable, resist the temptation to settle quickly. Ensure that the scope of repairs and the settlement amount align with the true extent of the damage. Quality should not be sacrificed for expediency.

If you have to navigate the aftermath of winter storms in Pennsylvania or neighboring areas, you're not alone. Double L Construction has a seasoned team of professionals who not only conduct thorough inspections but seamlessly collaborate with insurance companies to ensure a comprehensive and smooth restoration process. Contact us today.