The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 47 per 100,000 roofers suffered fatal injuries in 2020, ranking the profession among the most dangerous in the country. This explains the need for contractor coverage, which your business can get at https://farmerbrown.com/insurance/contractors/cheap-roofing-contractor-insurance/. Such insurance can safeguard your firm’s assets and ability to stay in business.
That aside, let’s say your roofing company receives a call from a distressed homeowner. Their home suffered water damage, or a fallen tree tore through their roof. They need you to help them estimate the damage, but the problem is such expertise isn’t within your wheelhouse.
Well, an insurance claim specialist can be the ultimate game-changer. Let’s explain their role in detail, so you better understand what they bring to the table.
The Expert’s Job
An insurance claim specialist, or adjuster, works with the insurer and the policyholder to fairly evaluate valid claims. That said, some work independently and can help you accurately assess residential and commercial damage, calculate repair costs, or prepare estimates. In other words, their job is to ensure the policyholder (home or commercial property owner) receives fair compensation for their loss.
Their Contribution to Your Roofing Business
Without question, roofing jobs are expensive. Whether a property owner intends to repair or replace their roof, it’s likely to cost thousands of Benjamins. If a homeowner has a valid claim, they need to determine the extent of the damage to their roof before the insurer can take action. Such an expert can therefore help your business in the following ways:
- Expert knowledge – hiring an insurance claim specialist means you can tap into their expertise to assess damages and quote a reasonable repair cost for the homeowner. This way, you can ensure your customer receives fair compensation. The claim expert usually knows what to examine, depending on the nature of the damage. Thus, they can recommend roof replacement or repair based on their assessment.
- Accurate estimation – if you’re unsure how to inspect a home for storm damage or other related issues, a homeowner can miss out on the opportunity to get an accurate repair estimate. In turn, they may settle for a lowball offer and be stuck with an inadequate repair job. A claim expert can help ensure this doesn’t occur.
- Time savings – if a client’s claim is too complex for you to handle, the adjuster can help you save time. As such, they can examine the home or commercial property and advise whether the owner has a valid claim – they can provide a clear picture of the damages by verifying coverage. That way, you can determine whether a project is feasible (or worth your time), including how much you should charge.
- Improving the odds of approval – when an adjuster is present, your customer’s chances of filing a successful claim and receiving the compensation they deserve for their repair job increase. What’s more, insurers often deny claims for the flimsiest reasons. An adjuster can argue the claim on their behalf based on sound evidence and knowledge of the law. Thus, their input can cause an insurer to reverse their decision – a win-win for your business and client.
- Reducing a property owner’s deductible – often, adjusters reduce a policyholder’s deductible as they know the aspects insurance companies consider in a claim. The claim expert can review your customer’s case closely to determine their deductible amount. As such, your customer may pay less out of pocket for their repair job.
- Negotiating a settlement – sometimes, property owners refuse to pay for repairs, even after agreeing to a settlement. An adjuster can mediate between you and your client’s insurer to negotiate a reasonable settlement. If this fails, they can help you take your case to court if the situation warrants it by providing evidence – such as estimates, photos, diagrams, and documents – to support your claim.
- Enhancing your credibility – if a homeowner knows they can count on you when the going gets tough, they can promote your business by word-of-mouth. Plus, they’ll know that they can turn to you for assistance should they have a future concern. This can, in turn, enhance your business’ reputation. A claim expert is key to such an equation, as they meet a property owner’s needs.
The insurance landscape is often dotted with complex situations and challenging claims. A claims expert can help you find your way through such an environment, allowing you to focus on providing quality services. By so doing, your customers and business stand to benefit.
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