Make It Happen Adjusters Successful Vandalism Claim

Strategic Approach to Coverage

Make It Happen Adjusters implemented a strategic approach to get the roof covered:

1. Detailed Documentation: Our team provided thorough documentation of the damage, including photos and a detailed report of the vandalism and wind damage.
2. Policy and Code Knowledge: Understanding that the damage fell under vandalism and falling objects, Make It Happen Adjusters requested a copy of the policy and reviewed the local building codes from the City of Chicago to ensure all repairs comply with the current building codes.

Make It Happen Adjusters Negotiations and Adjustments

Initial Insurance Estimate: The initial estimate provided by the insurer was $10,541.74. This estimate only partially covered the necessary repairs as it missed critical updates that Chicago’s building codes required.

Submitting a Revised Estimate: Make It Happen Adjusters reviewed the initial estimate and identified missing line items. Our public adjuster submitted a revised estimate, including necessary code upgrades and additional damages. This process involved multiple communications with the insurer and the provision of supporting documents.

Negotiation and Supplement Requests: Persistent negotiation and submission of supplemental claims were crucial. Our public adjuster provided three independent roofing estimates and Chicago’s code requirements to strengthen our position. These efforts resulted in multiple revisions of the insurance estimate.

Overcoming Insurance Obstacles

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. In this case, the insurer initially resisted acknowledging the full extent of the required repairs. Our persistence paid off, as Make It Happen Adjusters continually pushed back against lowball estimates by:

• Highlighting Policy Coverage: Emphasizing the coverage of vandalism and falling objects.
• Utilizing Building Codes: Demonstrating the necessity of code-compliant repairs, which the initial estimates failed to account for.
• Consistent Follow-Up: Maintaining regular contact with the insurance adjuster to ensure our revised estimates were considered.

Final Outcome

Through diligent documentation, strategic negotiation, and an in-depth understanding of policy perils and building codes, Make It Happen Adjusters successfully increased the final Settlement to cover an entire roof replacement. The final approved estimate by the insurer was $49,901.16, a significant increase from their initial offer. With the help of our public adjuster the homeowner had a final claim amount increased by 373.6% from the initial estimate.

Repairs Summary

The final roof replacement involved:

• Removal of all the layers of roofing materials.
• Installation of new TPO roofing system.
• Replacement of the decking with 5/8″ CDX plywood.
• Application of R-49 ISO insulation to comply with building codes.
• Proper venting and flashing to ensure the roof’s longevity and compliance with safety standards.

This comprehensive repair addressed the immediate damage and enhanced the insured home’s overall structural integrity and energy efficiency.

Key Takeaways and Lessons for Public Adjusters

1. Thorough Documentation: Public Adjuster must always document the damage meticulously and thoroughly understand the policy coverage.
2. Building Code Knowledge: Public Adjuster should be well-versed in local building codes and leverage them in claims to ensure full compliance and adequate repairs.
3. Persistent Negotiation: Public Adjuster must be prepared for extensive negotiations with the insurance company. Persistence and providing solid evidence are crucial.
4. Client Advocacy: Public adjusters need to focus on the best outcome for the client, even if it requires challenging the initial assessments and estimates provided by the insurance company.
5. Compliance with Codes: Public Adjuster must ensure all repairs meet current building codes to avoid future issues.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of having a knowledgeable public adjuster who understands the language of insurance policies and building codes. Make It Happen Adjusters secured a full roof replacement for the insured and demonstrated how strategic handling of claims can lead to significantly better outcomes for homeowners.

This case is a valuable lesson for new public adjusters and roofing contractors in leveraging policy details and building codes to advocate effectively for clients. Understanding and applying these principles can differentiate between a minimal payout and a comprehensive settlement.

For more insights and success stories, visit Make It Happen Adjusters.

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