Just like contractors, insurance carriers have processes and procedures in place to get their job done. The insurance company is not the enemy! In fact, that way of thinking can be detrimental to your business. Once you understand the supplementing process and learn how to work with adjusters you will reduce installation lead times, resulting in happier customers. Let’s walk through a few things you should know/do to forge a better working relationship with adjusters.
Understand the Process
The field adjuster typically sends the claim information up the ladder, which means people who have never seen the property will have a say in the claim decision. That’s why it’s important to include photos and documents that accurately represent what the area looks like. Staying organized, creating a follow-up plan, and documenting the job properly can give you a leg up when it comes to getting paid fairly for your work.
Documentation: Paperwork and Photos
Sometimes a good picture is all that stands between you and getting a supplement approved. When assessing damage, your main priority should be finding proof that the damage exists through clear photos and videos. Be sure to label all images with elevation and explanations so the adjuster knows exactly what is being shown. You can even include a tape measure to show height and width if needed. Remember, no detail is too small.
Read our tips on documenting and supplementing these items:
- Gutters & Downs
- Access Issues
- Tarps
- Starter Shingles
- Ice & Water Shield
- Building Code Coverage for Decking
- Chimney Flashing
- Step Flashing
When it comes to paperwork, consistency is key. You need to have a procedure in place that ensures you have all the necessary information for your company and stick to it for every job. You can find all the different types of paperwork you may need here.
Line Items on Xactimate Estimates
It takes time to learn the intricacies of supplementing. If you’re a small roofing company or a contractor just getting into insurance restoration, you may not have the time to learn Xactimate and Symbility, code items in your area, how to document, etc. on your own. After all, storm roofing is all about sales. Anything that takes you away from sales hinders your revenue and business growth. Xactimate is complicated and time consuming, let us take it off your plate.
When you’re dealing with adjusters, a great way to put your best foot forward is finding ways to save them time. Let your adjuster know that Elite Claim Solutions can send them a data file of our Xactimate estimate. This will save the adjuster tons of time creating an estimate from scratch. He or she can simply make whatever changes are necessary, add in the carrier logo, and be done!
Get in touch with us to learn more about how our team of experts can help you, and head over to our YouTube channel for roofing business tips and tricks.