Role of a Contractor as Your Advocate in the Insurance Claim

For Illinois homeowners, the aftermath of a severe storm can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Your home, your sanctuary, has sustained damage, and now you’re faced with the daunting task of filing an insurance claim. You might feel alone, unsure of the process, and potentially intimidated by the jargon and procedures of your insurance company. This is precisely where a reputable exterior contractor, like Seidel Exterior Group, steps in as your invaluable advocate for your insurance claim.

We understand that you might think your primary role is simply to hire a company to fix the damage once your claim is approved. However, at Seidel Exterior Group, we firmly believe that our responsibility extends far beyond hammers and nails. We act as your knowledgeable guide and unwavering champion throughout the entire insurance claim journey, ensuring you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve to restore your property to its pre-storm condition, if not better.

Why You Need an Advocate: The Complexities of Insurance Claims

Navigating an insurance claim for storm damage is rarely straightforward. Here’s why homeowners in Illinois often benefit immensely from a contractor’s advocacy:

1. Damage Identification Expertise: What looks like minor damage to an untrained eye could be a significant structural issue. Insurance adjusters, while knowledgeable in claims, may not have the deep, specialized understanding of exterior building materials, construction techniques, and the subtle ways hail or wind damage manifests over time. A contractor’s forensic eye can spot hidden damage, potential long-term issues, and critical code compliance needs that an adjuster might miss.
2. Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Insurance policies are complex documents filled with legalistic language. Terms like “Actual Cash Value” (ACV) vs. “Replacement Cost Value” (RCV), “depreciation,” “code upgrades,” and “matching” can be confusing. A good contractor understands these nuances and can explain how they apply to your specific situation and policy, empowering you to make informed decisions.
3. Accurate Estimating: Insurance companies often use standardized pricing software (like Xactimate) to generate initial estimates. While efficient, these estimates can be generalized and may not reflect the precise, real-time material and labor costs in your specific Illinois market. Furthermore, they often omit critical line items for complete, code-compliant repairs. A contractor uses their expertise and knowledge of local market conditions to create a detailed, accurate estimate that aligns with the true cost of restoration.
4. The “Lowball” Initial Offer: As we’ve discussed in previous articles, initial insurance estimates are frequently lower than the actual cost of repairs. This isn’t always malicious, but it’s a business reality. Without an advocate, homeowners might unknowingly accept an insufficient offer, leaving them to cover the deficit out of pocket or settle for substandard repairs.
5. Dealing with Denials or Underpayments: If your claim is denied or significantly underpaid, challenging the insurance company can be a daunting battle. A contractor with experience in claims advocacy knows how to gather the necessary evidence, articulate the full scope of damage, and present a compelling case for reconsideration.

Seidel Exterior Group: Your Trusted Advocate in Every Step

At Seidel Exterior Group, based right here in Illinois, we pride ourselves on being more than just a repair company. We commit to being your unwavering advocate, streamlining the complex insurance claim process and ensuring your peace of mind. Here’s how we act on your behalf:

1. Comprehensive, Expert Damage Assessment:
   • Beyond the Surface: Our certified inspectors conduct a meticulous, top-to-bottom assessment of your entire exterior – roof, siding, gutters, windows, and any other affected components. We don’t just look for obvious holes; we identify subtle hail impacts, wind-lifted shingles, hidden moisture intrusion, and collateral damage (like dented AC units or damaged vents) that are critical to proving the full scope of the storm’s impact.
   • Utilizing Technology: We employ advanced tools, including drone technology for precise roof mapping and high-resolution photography, to capture undeniable visual evidence of all damage.
2. Detailed Documentation & Evidence Collection:
   • Speaking Their Language: We compile comprehensive damage reports that are detailed, clear, and specifically tailored to the requirements of insurance companies. We use industry-standard terminology and formats that adjusters understand.
   • Photo & Video Evidence: Every piece of damage is thoroughly documented with clear, date-stamped photos and videos, providing irrefutable proof of the storm’s impact.
   • Building Code Adherence: We research and cite specific Illinois building codes and local ordinances that mandate certain upgrades during repairs (e.g., specific underlayment, ventilation requirements, or ice and water shield). This is a crucial aspect often missed in initial estimates but frequently covered by your policy.
3. Precise, Justified Estimating (Xactimate Proficiency):
   • Accurate Costing: Our team is highly proficient in Xactimate, the same software widely used by insurance companies. This allows us to generate detailed, line-item estimates that account for all materials, labor, permits, and unforeseen contingencies, accurately reflecting the true cost of restoration in Illinois.
   • Addressing Discrepancies: We meticulously compare our estimate with your insurance company’s initial offer, pinpointing any missing items, undervalued materials, or insufficient labor costs. We then clearly articulate why our estimate is comprehensive and necessary.
4. Direct Communication and Negotiation with Your Adjuster:
   • Your Liaison: We act as your primary point of contact with the insurance company throughout the claim process. This saves you time, stress, and the frustration of navigating complex conversations and paperwork.
   • Joint Inspections: We strongly recommend and facilitate joint inspections, where our project manager meets directly with your insurance adjuster on-site. This allows us to point out all damage in real-time, answer questions, and provide immediate justification for our findings, significantly increasing the likelihood of a fair assessment.
   • Advocacy for Full Coverage: If the initial offer is too low or a claim is partially denied, we actively negotiate on your behalf. We present the comprehensive evidence, discuss building code requirements, and articulate the necessity of every repair to achieve a complete restoration, not just a band-aid fix. This includes advocating for “supplemental claims” when additional damage is discovered during the repair process.
5. Project Management from Start to Finish:
   • Seamless Execution: Once the claim is approved, we manage the entire repair process from start to finish. This includes ordering materials, scheduling work, coordinating crews, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring the highest quality of workmanship.
   • Quality Assurance: Our commitment is to restore your home to its pre-storm condition, utilizing high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship. We oversee every detail to ensure the repairs are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and adhere to all industry standards and building codes.
   • Handling Unforeseen Issues: If unforeseen damage is uncovered during the actual repair work (e.g., rotten decking beneath shingles), we immediately document it, communicate with your insurance company, and handle the necessary supplemental claim to ensure these additional costs are covered.

Your Peace of Mind is Our Priority

Dealing with storm damage is an emotional and financial challenge for any homeowner. You shouldn’t have to become an insurance expert on top of managing your daily life. By choosing Seidel Exterior Group as your contractor, you gain a powerful ally who understands the intricacies of the insurance process and is dedicated to protecting your best interests.

We empower Illinois homeowners to face insurance claims with confidence, knowing that a team of experienced professionals is fighting for them. Don’t settle for less than your home deserves. Let Seidel Exterior Group be your advocate and guide you through a smooth, efficient, and successful storm damage restoration process.

Contact us today for a free, comprehensive inspection and discover how our advocacy can make all the difference in your insurance claim.