Insurance Companies

copusbuilder · 10-23-2008, 11:36 AM

Simply amazing things are happening since hurricaner Ike.
Approx. 40 days have passed and one insurance job has been settled enough to proceed with the work.
I have customers living in trailers in their driveways while insurance companies insist on sending out thier adjusters. The problem seems to be that they don't have much of a clue about re-building.

I am at the stage now where multiple insurance companies are trying to repair roofs as opposed to replacement. I had an Allstate senior claims adjuster call today to try and get me to meet with two adjusters on one roof to see if we can reach a compromise.

Experience has always shown I will end up being called "greedy" and trying to make work.
The customer does not want a patched roof and understands that no one will warranty patches.

I am pretty much of the mind that I will turn down the offer of a meeting and simply stick to my guns (with the customer whom is adament about a new roof) and tell them they have my report an opinion already.

Sometimes being too close can cloud vision so I thought it wise to get a few "second opinions" What are your thoughts on this.

I won't even go to the interior work.

Suggestions not egos please

Mike Finley · 10-23-2008, 12:05 PM

Unless the homeowner is writing you a check out of his pocket the client is the insurance company.

Obviously the insurance companies are trying to contain their expenses, repairing 10,000 roofs vs replacing them is millions of dollars in difference.

It's nice to be on the side of the homeowner, but in the end you are nailing down shingles, whether it's a whole roof or part of one, the job is whatever you are hired to do. Let the homeowner and the insurance company fight it out and when the phone rings you do whatever the outcome is.

Whether you should spend time meeting with adjusters is up to you and if it benefits you. Obviously new roofs are the better jobs to land so it's up to you to decide if it's worth it meeting with them. If you meet and end up getting a full roof out of it, it's probably worth your effort. What does your experiences in the past tell you? Is it worth meeting with them?

copusbuilder · 10-23-2008, 12:20 PM

My past experiences are there attempts to make the contractor appear as greedy in front of the homeowner.
Most insurance companies have been replacing roofs with this damage with lower allowances than xactimate. That has been a winnable battle.

In reality it is her that is demanding a new roof. It is her that called me and asked me to help her get the roof she and I feel she deserves.
No one wants a compromised roof with patches here and there....well the insurance companies do!

It's one of those deals that you could find a group to say yes and as easily find a group to say no.

The new roofs are obviously a financial benefit. I will not patch a roof and walk away saying it's as good as the day before the storm.

Thanks for your input Mike and I will start the thought process to channel the info to the proper part of the brain.

These damned adjusters are wearing me down.

roof-lover · 10-23-2008, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by copusbuilder

Simply amazing things are happening since hurricaner Ike.
Approx. 40 days have passed and one insurance job has been settled enough to proceed with the work.
I have customers living in trailers in their driveways while insurance companies insist on sending out thier adjusters. The problem seems to be that they don't have much of a clue about re-building.

I am at the stage now where multiple insurance companies are trying to repair roofs as opposed to replacement. I had an Allstate senior claims adjuster call today to try and get me to meet with two adjusters on one roof to see if we can reach a compromise.

Experience has always shown I will end up being called "greedy" and trying to make work.
The customer does not want a patched roof and understands that no one will warranty patches.

I am pretty much of the mind that I will turn down the offer of a meeting and simply stick to my guns (with the customer whom is adament about a new roof) and tell them they have my report an opinion already.

Sometimes being too close can cloud vision so I thought it wise to get a few "second opinions" What are your thoughts on this.

I won't even go to the interior work.

Suggestions not egos please

The adjusters are getting paid to make a trip out there.
How much is your payment going to be to make that extra trip?
How much does your company need per hour?
Time isnt free, gas isnt free, giving your time and same opinion multiple times cost you a lot of money.

It sounds like the homeowner wants you to do their job.
It sounds like the homeowner is with you all the way.

If you have to go, have the homeowner come up on the roof with you.
Hope the homeowner doesn't have a job

The homeowner should also get paid from taking off work do deal with some idiots who wont succumb to your expert professional opinion.

As you're climbing the ladder, the homeowner should speak up
and in a stern voice, tell them he is not accepting any patch work.
I need a new roof.
The homeowner should mention something like.
Maybe i shouldnt be sending out any new payments.
I will be only sending out patched payments...

This may not be the best advice, but i'm a lil worked up.
I always go with my gut.
When i go against my gut, i always lose.

It sounds to me that your gut already works pretty good.
The adjusters are not there to give their expert opinion on how you could do the job better.
YOU KNOW why they are there.

But then again, if i can get paid 1500 or more after i pay material,labor,dump overhead, i would be "happy" to "patch" your roof.
That would be a one year warranty and a guarantee that the shingles will not match up to the old roof .

and guaranteed that the homeowner will not be happy with the end product.
Frustration for all...

**Ed the Roofer** · 10-23-2008, 12:38 PM

No, Mike is very wrong.

Your client is the home owner. You are doing a "Favor" to your customer by having any dealings at all with the insurance company.

You get a signed agreement with them and let the insurance company tel her how replacement cost coverage does not cover the actual replacement cost.

As long as the home owner has an agreed upon scope, the prices Do Change.

But, if they do not agree with a full replacement, she will have to deal with the states insurance commission and then will get reimbursed.

Ed

Mike Finley · 10-23-2008, 12:49 PM

Ed- keep in mind what I am saying is the insurance company is the client if they are writing the check.

copusbuilder · 10-23-2008, 01:03 PM

Rooflover
I need you to take that trip up the ladder with me

Heck, I'll just give you the address and park across the road and watch the fireworks. That would be fun

You are correect about the time spent with these adjusters. It is ridiculous in reality.

Thanks for the input guys. I have called an independent structural engineer that will go out for his normal fee. I do know him and felt him out a little and he indicated his opinion would most certainly lean to replacement on roofs with missing shingles that had active water penetration.
It's a possible avenue.

Thanks again

**Ed the Roofer** · 10-23-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

Ed- keep in mind what I am saying is the insurance company is the client if they are writing the check.

You see Mike, that is the trap that 99% of all contractors fall into.

Yes, they are writing the check, but to the home owner under Their Policy.

They have Zero authority to tell the home owner which contractor that can be used. They drop subtle hints that make it seem like the home owner Must do as suggested, but in fact, once the scope of work required is agreed to, replacement cost covers what an actual contract amount costs.

I will continually get disagreed with, but I know for over 90% of the time, the contract amount speaks for itself, especially when it is the rates you normally charge and they are not inflated to gouge people in times of need of your trade experience.

Ed

roof-lover · 10-23-2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by copusbuilder

Rooflover
I need you to take that trip up the ladder with me

Heck, I'll just give you the address and park across the road and watch the fireworks. That would be fun

You are correect about the time spent with these adjusters. It is ridiculous in reality.

Oh , it would be the nicest conversation you ever saw.
With smiles on our faces.

roof-lover · 10-23-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed the Roofer

You see Mike, that is the trap that 99% of all contractors fall into.

Yes, they are writing the check, but to the home owner under Their Policy.

They have Zero authority to tell the home owner which contractor that can be used. They drop subtle hints that make it seem like the home owner Must do as suggested, but in fact, once the scope of work required is agreed to, replacement cost covers what an actual contract amount costs.

I will continually get disagreed with, but I know for over 90% of the time, the contract amount speaks for itself, especially when it is the rates you normally charge and they are not inflated to gouge people in times of need of your trade experience.

Ed

Good words, ed!

copusbuilder · 10-23-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed the Roofer

You see Mike, that is the trap that 99% of all contractors fall into.

Yes, they are writing the check, but to the home owner under Their Policy.

They have Zero authority to tell the home owner which contractor that can be used. They drop subtle hints that make it seem like the home owner Must do as suggested, but in fact, once the scope of work required is agreed to, replacement cost covers what an actual contract amount costs.

I will continually get disagreed with, but I know for over 90% of the time, the contract amount speaks for itself, especially when it is the rates you normally charge and they are not inflated to gouge people in times of need of your trade experience.

Ed

I would also agree with this.

I have been using xactimate which is a program used by many contractors and Insurance companies. We all know they can push buttons to make a job tight or push a few more to raise the numbers to where they need to be. I like to push the buttons to make the allowance palitable.

I have seen a lot of dirty tricks this go around. The most popular seems to be the long delay and wait for people to get fed up and do repairs hoping to be re-imbursed. The majority of folks will pay the bill no problem and just take what the insurance company gives and leave it at that.

I have had roofs go from the homeowners pocketbook knowing they may be eating the majority of the loss.

Allstate and Sate Farm have been absolutely terrible through out this process.
I can listen to what a customer is telling me and tell them which insurance company they have or do not have. I know they have losses but Texas has seen remarkable increases in the last 10 years to cover for potential losses.

Mike Finley · 10-23-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed the Roofer

You see Mike, that is the trap that 99% of all contractors fall into.

Yes, they are writing the check, but to the home owner under Their Policy.

They have Zero authority to tell the home owner which contractor that can be used. They drop subtle hints that make it seem like the home owner Must do as suggested, but in fact, once the scope of work required is agreed to, replacement cost covers what an actual contract amount costs.

I will continually get disagreed with, but I know for over 90% of the time, the contract amount speaks for itself, especially when it is the rates you normally charge and they are not inflated to gouge people in times of need of your trade experience.

Ed

Can the homeowner do the work himself?

Can the homeowner simply say give me $10,000, thanks, now I'll go buy 5 buckets for $25.00 and pocket the $9575 difference and when the hail storm comes through next summer I will have the insurance company come out and do a new roof?

The insurance company may not be able to tell the homeowner what contractor to use, but they can sure determine what work they will pay for.

If the check is coming from the insurance company they are the client. The homeowner is the client if they are writing you a check for whatever you two decide on and they will deal with the insurance company on their own time later to see what they can get back.

If the insurance company doesn't like your roofers estimate it doesn't have to accept it right and okay the job and cut the check? That sounds like a client to me.

Most insurance companies quickly cave and settle because of the strick laws and regulations that they have to conform to that make them settle x amount of claims in x amount of time or they get slapped.

roof-lover · 10-23-2008, 03:17 PM

Homeowners need to ask their family,friends,co-workers, church who they recomend and gather your list of prospects from there.
Work,work and yes it will be a lot of work to get a few estimates in writing.

Choose who you think will do the best job. And thats it!

Dont choose a roofer because he is cheap and gladly accepts whatever your Insurance wants to pay.
Dont choose a roofer because he is willing to try to get your deductible.
Dont choose a roofer because he is willing to get your deductible and cash back.

ALL those roofers suck. Their quality of work is atrocious.
THeir integrity is worthless. Their workmanship is even worse.

Sorry guys, my bold button is stuck(lol)

Also, usually if you hire a general contractor to do your roof,
Your roof will also suck. Because your general contractor is going to choose the cheapest roofer he can find with the right paperwork who can't roof but says he can.

roof-lover · 10-23-2008, 03:25 PM

I don't know if it is a rumor or true
but i have heard a tale of possible cases of homeowners getting their hands on the money and then not using it for the roof and using the money to catch up on their mortgage.

copusbuilder · 10-23-2008, 04:13 PM

I have had claims where the insurance has issued $19'000 dollar checks to the homeowners with no mortgage comapny or contractor on the check. And yes the last one had a Wells Fargo loan. They didn't even want to inspect to be sure the work was done. Just a bill from a contractor...which any one could generate!

There is no consistant pattern this time around. It seems to be a free for all. Independents cutting checks without any explanation of what they have allowed for. Adjusters throwing out low ball allowances with no second signatures on the check hoping they will take it and run.
That will get the customers minds running in all directions...Hmmm, new car, college, second home

It's a free for all

dougger222 · 10-23-2008, 11:15 PM

Lately what I'm seeing is mortgage compaines signing over checks a lot faster and easier than this Spring/Summer. For example the roof we worked on today had a payout of $16K with two checks. The mortgage company signed over the first one and they are currently in the process of doing the same for the second one. No inspector, W2's, signed contract, etc... Same thing with another job in the works right now for the same amount. That insurance company cut a check for $15.5K the cost to do the whole job with no depreciation. That mortgage company is just going to sign it over to the home owner.

This Summer on jobs in these dollar amounts I had to fill out tons of forms and even get some notorized. Perhaps the mortgage companies know the Fall rush is on to the get the work done before Winter.

I really like doing insurance work as about 80% of my jobs are paid on an agreeable amount via Xactimate but nothing is better than finishing an out of pocket job with the check in hand. I try to do an out of pocket roof every 8-10 jobs.

I have not done a claim for Allstate since 2006 and like it that way. Considering the hundreds of claims I've worked since then says something!

dougger222 · 10-23-2008, 11:22 PM

I got a messy claim right now. The home owner sold the house and filed a claim right before the closing date. The claim went through at $34K for the roof and $43K for windows and siding and $16K for oh&p, $93K claim. The new home owners got the check from the previous owner less deductible of $1K and depreciate, $67K. The problem is the check came with no paperwork and now the previous owner doesn't want to caugh up the paperwork. A call to the insurance company said we would have to get the paperwork from the previous owner.

It's almost as though the insurance company just wants the new owners to have the money and be done with it so they save paying out another $25K.

The good news is the payout was exactly what I wanted but the bad news is I don't have a green light until we see the paperwork.

catfish · 10-24-2008, 09:14 AM

Insurance companies only replace on a slope by slope basis. They may allow the replacement of 1 or more slopes. Any roof under 5 years old is almost certainly not going to be replaced, but repaired. A hurricane does not damage the full roof.
Insurance is responsible for fixing roof back to condition it was before the hurricane, up to the limits of the policy, minus the deductible. I've been in 6 hurricanes where I live. This is not going to be a good storm for roofers unless you have moneid clientle or are within 10 miles of the coast.

Oh, and State Farm is one of the most strict along with Alllstate.

copusbuilder · 10-24-2008, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catfish

Insurance companies only replace on a slope by slope basis. They may allow the replacement of 1 or more slopes. Any roof under 5 years old is almost certainly not going to be replaced, but repaired. A hurricane does not damage the full roof.
Insurance is responsible for fixing roof back to condition it was before the hurricane, up to the limits of the policy, minus the deductible. I've been in 6 hurricanes where I live. This is not going to be a good storm for roofers unless you have moneid clientle or are within 10 miles of the coast.

Oh, and State Farm is one of the most strict along with Alllstate.

I was on a roof today that was a Farmers claim. I saw nothing resembling damage form a hurricane. The adjuster has paid for a new roof with no questions.
I have many more with fairly severe damage and they want to patch. I talked with an adjuster today and we laughed about accurately determining what should be replacement and what should be a patch.
It's subjective. You can round up 20 people to say it needs a new roof and 20 to say it doesn't.....you decide.

There is nothing resembling consistancy in the determination of replacement verse patch. At least not in this part of the country

It would appear that those that fight long enough will likely prevail. Most seem to loose the will to fight and settle somewhere between.

**Ed the Roofer** · 10-25-2008, 01:04 PM

Back in the early to mid 90's, AllState re-evaluated their methodology of dealing with claims, taking the stance that the more you fight the insured, the less they would have to pay out.

Their program is called, Claims Core Processing Redesign, CCPR. As an author who wrote a book about recent court ordered released documents from AllStates files, a book entitled From Good Hands To Boxing Gloves was published and a site called www.TrialLawyers.com has 2 versions available, a 756 pager for attorneys and a 150 pager for the general public.

Read this Atlanta Attorney blog and Google some of the previous terms to find out more.

http://www.atlantainjurylawblog.com/...ng-gloves.html

It would seem to follow that other insurance company's have followed suit with their methods too, since the average home owner will more than likely give up rather than pursue their proper coverage indemnification.

The insurance company has a lot more dollars at stake for lobbying to keep home owners from being properly indemnified.

One site that has been recommended to fight back with your own adjustment figures, is, www.mysmartclaims.com which enables non-adjusters to utilize the software that is most widely accepted by the insurance companies.

Ed

10-23-2008, 11:36 AM	#1
copusbuilder View Profile copusbuilder Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,358) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Builder/Remodeler- Master Electrician Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Crockett Texas Posts: 1,358	Insurance Companies Simply amazing things are happening since hurricaner Ike. Approx. 40 days have passed and one insurance job has been settled enough to proceed with the work. I have customers living in trailers in their driveways while insurance companies insist on sending out thier adjusters. The problem seems to be that they don't have much of a clue about re-building. I am at the stage now where multiple insurance companies are trying to repair roofs as opposed to replacement. I had an Allstate senior claims adjuster call today to try and get me to meet with two adjusters on one roof to see if we can reach a compromise. Experience has always shown I will end up being called "greedy" and trying to make work. The customer does not want a patched roof and understands that no one will warranty patches. I am pretty much of the mind that I will turn down the offer of a meeting and simply stick to my guns (with the customer whom is adament about a new roof) and tell them they have my report an opinion already. Sometimes being too close can cloud vision so I thought it wise to get a few "second opinions" What are your thoughts on this. I won't even go to the interior work. Suggestions not egos please __________________ www.copusconstruction.com www.etexasrentals.com www.thelakevoice.com AkA Richard Cranium

10-23-2008, 12:05 PM	#2
Mike Finley View Profile Mike Finley Chief Toilet Mover Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (14,078) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Chief Toilet Mover Trade: Bathroom Remodeling Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 14,078	Re: Insurance Companies Unless the homeowner is writing you a check out of his pocket the client is the insurance company. Obviously the insurance companies are trying to contain their expenses, repairing 10,000 roofs vs replacing them is millions of dollars in difference. It's nice to be on the side of the homeowner, but in the end you are nailing down shingles, whether it's a whole roof or part of one, the job is whatever you are hired to do. Let the homeowner and the insurance company fight it out and when the phone rings you do whatever the outcome is. Whether you should spend time meeting with adjusters is up to you and if it benefits you. Obviously new roofs are the better jobs to land so it's up to you to decide if it's worth it meeting with them. If you meet and end up getting a full roof out of it, it's probably worth your effort. What does your experiences in the past tell you? Is it worth meeting with them?

10-23-2008, 12:20 PM	#3
copusbuilder View Profile copusbuilder Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,358) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Builder/Remodeler- Master Electrician Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Crockett Texas Posts: 1,358	Re: Insurance Companies My past experiences are there attempts to make the contractor appear as greedy in front of the homeowner. Most insurance companies have been replacing roofs with this damage with lower allowances than xactimate. That has been a winnable battle. In reality it is her that is demanding a new roof. It is her that called me and asked me to help her get the roof she and I feel she deserves. No one wants a compromised roof with patches here and there....well the insurance companies do! It's one of those deals that you could find a group to say yes and as easily find a group to say no. The new roofs are obviously a financial benefit. I will not patch a roof and walk away saying it's as good as the day before the storm. Thanks for your input Mike and I will start the thought process to channel the info to the proper part of the brain. These damned adjusters are wearing me down. __________________ www.copusconstruction.com www.etexasrentals.com www.thelakevoice.com AkA Richard Cranium

10-23-2008, 12:38 PM	#5
Ed the Roofer View Profile Ed the Roofer Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (7,135) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Roofing Contractor Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Suburbs of Chicago Posts: 7,135	Re: Insurance Companies No, Mike is very wrong. Your client is the home owner. You are doing a "Favor" to your customer by having any dealings at all with the insurance company. You get a signed agreement with them and let the insurance company tel her how replacement cost coverage does not cover the actual replacement cost. As long as the home owner has an agreed upon scope, the prices Do Change. But, if they do not agree with a full replacement, she will have to deal with the states insurance commission and then will get reimbursed. Ed __________________ Please Stay Tuned For A Very Important Message From Our Sponsor http://www.rightwayroofingcompany.com/ www.rightwayroofingcompany.com Roof Estimates, Roof Repairs, Roofers, Roof Leak Help, Elgin, Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Algonquin, South Elgin, Huntley, Lake In The Hills, Illinois

10-23-2008, 12:49 PM	#6
Mike Finley View Profile Mike Finley Chief Toilet Mover Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (14,078) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Chief Toilet Mover Trade: Bathroom Remodeling Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 14,078	Re: Insurance Companies Ed- keep in mind what I am saying is the insurance company is the client if they are writing the check.

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10-23-2008, 01:03 PM	#7
copusbuilder View Profile copusbuilder Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,358) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Builder/Remodeler- Master Electrician Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Crockett Texas Posts: 1,358	Re: Insurance Companies Rooflover I need you to take that trip up the ladder with me Heck, I'll just give you the address and park across the road and watch the fireworks. That would be fun You are correect about the time spent with these adjusters. It is ridiculous in reality. Thanks for the input guys. I have called an independent structural engineer that will go out for his normal fee. I do know him and felt him out a little and he indicated his opinion would most certainly lean to replacement on roofs with missing shingles that had active water penetration. It's a possible avenue. Thanks again __________________ www.copusconstruction.com www.etexasrentals.com www.thelakevoice.com AkA Richard Cranium

10-23-2008, 03:17 PM	#13
roof-lover View Profile roof-lover Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (314) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Roofing contractor Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: florida Posts: 314	Re: Insurance Companies Homeowners need to ask their family,friends,co-workers, church who they recomend and gather your list of prospects from there. Work,work and yes it will be a lot of work to get a few estimates in writing. Choose who you think will do the best job. And thats it! Dont choose a roofer because he is cheap and gladly accepts whatever your Insurance wants to pay. Dont choose a roofer because he is willing to try to get your deductible. Dont choose a roofer because he is willing to get your deductible and cash back. ALL those roofers suck. Their quality of work is atrocious. THeir integrity is worthless. Their workmanship is even worse. Sorry guys, my bold button is stuck(lol) Also, usually if you hire a general contractor to do your roof, Your roof will also suck. Because your general contractor is going to choose the cheapest roofer he can find with the right paperwork who can't roof but says he can.

10-23-2008, 03:25 PM	#14
roof-lover View Profile roof-lover Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (314) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Roofing contractor Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: florida Posts: 314	Re: Insurance Companies I don't know if it is a rumor or true but i have heard a tale of possible cases of homeowners getting their hands on the money and then not using it for the roof and using the money to catch up on their mortgage.

10-23-2008, 04:13 PM	#15
copusbuilder View Profile copusbuilder Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,358) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Builder/Remodeler- Master Electrician Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Crockett Texas Posts: 1,358	Re: Insurance Companies I have had claims where the insurance has issued $19'000 dollar checks to the homeowners with no mortgage comapny or contractor on the check. And yes the last one had a Wells Fargo loan. They didn't even want to inspect to be sure the work was done. Just a bill from a contractor...which any one could generate! There is no consistant pattern this time around. It seems to be a free for all. Independents cutting checks without any explanation of what they have allowed for. Adjusters throwing out low ball allowances with no second signatures on the check hoping they will take it and run. That will get the customers minds running in all directions...Hmmm, new car, college, second home It's a free for all __________________ www.copusconstruction.com www.etexasrentals.com www.thelakevoice.com AkA Richard Cranium

10-23-2008, 11:15 PM	#16
dougger222 View Profile dougger222 Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,394) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Roofing Contractor Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stillwater Minnesota Posts: 1,394	Re: Insurance Companies Lately what I'm seeing is mortgage compaines signing over checks a lot faster and easier than this Spring/Summer. For example the roof we worked on today had a payout of $16K with two checks. The mortgage company signed over the first one and they are currently in the process of doing the same for the second one. No inspector, W2's, signed contract, etc... Same thing with another job in the works right now for the same amount. That insurance company cut a check for $15.5K the cost to do the whole job with no depreciation. That mortgage company is just going to sign it over to the home owner. This Summer on jobs in these dollar amounts I had to fill out tons of forms and even get some notorized. Perhaps the mortgage companies know the Fall rush is on to the get the work done before Winter. I really like doing insurance work as about 80% of my jobs are paid on an agreeable amount via Xactimate but nothing is better than finishing an out of pocket job with the check in hand. I try to do an out of pocket roof every 8-10 jobs. I have not done a claim for Allstate since 2006 and like it that way. Considering the hundreds of claims I've worked since then says something!

10-23-2008, 11:22 PM	#17
dougger222 View Profile dougger222 Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,394) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Roofing Contractor Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stillwater Minnesota Posts: 1,394	Re: Insurance Companies I got a messy claim right now. The home owner sold the house and filed a claim right before the closing date. The claim went through at $34K for the roof and $43K for windows and siding and $16K for oh&p, $93K claim. The new home owners got the check from the previous owner less deductible of $1K and depreciate, $67K. The problem is the check came with no paperwork and now the previous owner doesn't want to caugh up the paperwork. A call to the insurance company said we would have to get the paperwork from the previous owner. It's almost as though the insurance company just wants the new owners to have the money and be done with it so they save paying out another $25K. The good news is the payout was exactly what I wanted but the bad news is I don't have a green light until we see the paperwork.

10-24-2008, 09:14 AM	#18
catfish View Profile catfish Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (290) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: carpentry Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 290	Re: Insurance Companies Insurance companies only replace on a slope by slope basis. They may allow the replacement of 1 or more slopes. Any roof under 5 years old is almost certainly not going to be replaced, but repaired. A hurricane does not damage the full roof. Insurance is responsible for fixing roof back to condition it was before the hurricane, up to the limits of the policy, minus the deductible. I've been in 6 hurricanes where I live. This is not going to be a good storm for roofers unless you have moneid clientle or are within 10 miles of the coast. Oh, and State Farm is one of the most strict along with Alllstate.

10-25-2008, 01:04 PM	#20
Ed the Roofer View Profile Ed the Roofer Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (7,135) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Roofing Contractor Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Suburbs of Chicago Posts: 7,135	Re: Insurance Companies Back in the early to mid 90's, AllState re-evaluated their methodology of dealing with claims, taking the stance that the more you fight the insured, the less they would have to pay out. Their program is called, Claims Core Processing Redesign, CCPR. As an author who wrote a book about recent court ordered released documents from AllStates files, a book entitled From Good Hands To Boxing Gloves was published and a site called www.TrialLawyers.com has 2 versions available, a 756 pager for attorneys and a 150 pager for the general public. Read this Atlanta Attorney blog and Google some of the previous terms to find out more. http://www.atlantainjurylawblog.com/...ng-gloves.html It would seem to follow that other insurance company's have followed suit with their methods too, since the average home owner will more than likely give up rather than pursue their proper coverage indemnification. The insurance company has a lot more dollars at stake for lobbying to keep home owners from being properly indemnified. One site that has been recommended to fight back with your own adjustment figures, is, www.mysmartclaims.com which enables non-adjusters to utilize the software that is most widely accepted by the insurance companies. Ed __________________ Please Stay Tuned For A Very Important Message From Our Sponsor http://www.rightwayroofingcompany.com/ www.rightwayroofingcompany.com Roof Estimates, Roof Repairs, Roofers, Roof Leak Help, Elgin, Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Algonquin, South Elgin, Huntley, Lake In The Hills, Illinois Last edited by Ed the Roofer; 10-25-2008 at 01:06 PM.

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