Claim History
- Location: 3455 Dempster St, Skokie, IL 60076
- Cause of Loss: Hail Damage
- Initial Claim Estimate: $132,394.67
- Final Settlement: $462,376.25
- Claim Increase: 249%
Eastgate Plaza, located at 3455 Dempster St, Skokie, IL, became a great insurance victory, thanks to the efforts of Make It Happen Adjusters. Initially, the insurance company’s estimate for the roof repairs was $132,394.67. After careful review and negotiation, our Public Adjusters secured a final settlement of $462,376.25, a 249% increase! This post will explore the step-by-step process to ensure that the damage claim covers the full extent of the hail damage, providing a roadmap for commercial building owners and public adjusters.
Initial Insurer Estimate: Underestimating the Damage
When the insurance company assessed the roof damage, its initial estimate was $132,394.67. This was typical of insurers looking to minimize their payouts, often disregarding the extent of hail damage that is not immediately visible. Insurance companies often look for ways to deny or undercut claims, and this initial estimate reflected that. Their assessment of $132,394.67 failed to account for hidden damages like roof underlayment degradation and hail impact damage.
Make It Happen Adjusters’ Strategy: Full Damage Documentation
Public Adjusters, like the team at Make It Happen, employ a systematic approach to ensure that hail damage claims are maximized:
- Comprehensive Roof Inspection: Make It Happen Adjusters documented all aspects of the damage by conducting detailed inspections, capturing thermal imaging, and pinpointing hidden damage, such as moisture infiltration and structural weaknesses.
- Expert Experience: We are roofing contractors who assess and verify the full extent of the damage, including undetected granule loss and membrane.
- Building Code Compliance: Ensuring that all repairs met local codes (such as Skokie’s 2018 International Conservation Code) helped boost the claim’s value, including scaffolding and safety measures required for the roof replacement.
Presenting the New Claim: Leveraging Industry Knowledge
With irrefutable evidence, the team compiled a comprehensive supplemental claim detailing the visible damage and the long-term risks if the roof wasn’t repaired properly. This included future water leakage, mold risks, and compromised insulation, all potential threats that increased the claim’s value.
Overcoming Insurance Pushback
As expected, the insurance company resisted the new estimate, initially standing by their original quote. But Make It Happen Adjusters countered by:
- Invoking the Appraisal Clause allowed an independent appraiser to review the evidence.
- Maintaining constant communication, pushing for re-evaluations, and ensuring all follow-up adjustments were met.
- Highlighting Legal Precedents: By referencing previous cases and appealing to regulatory requirements, they clarified that denial could result in legal repercussions.
Final Settlement: A Massive 249% Increase
The insurer eventually agreed to a $462,376.25 payout—an increase of 249% from the original estimate. This significant boost allowed for a complete roof replacement, including installing high-grade materials, valley metal upgrades, and necessary gutter and drainage system overhauls.
Summary of Repairs and the Process
- Full metal roof replacement.
- Full MBR roof replacement
- Installation of new ridge caps, step flashing, and downspouts.
- AC units replacement damaged by hail.
Conclusion:
Why Choose Make It Happen Adjusters
This Eastgate Plaza success story is one of many. The significant increase from $132,394.67 to $462,376.25 was achieved because of Make It Happen Adjusters’ meticulous process and expertise in handling hailstorm roofing claims. For homeowners, commercial building owners, and contractors alike, it’s important to understand that insurance companies will often try to downplay damage—so having the right team on your side can make all the difference.
Facing roof damage from a hailstorm? Let Make It Happen Adjusters ensure you get the full settlement you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!