Introduction: Fighting for Full Commercial Roof Coverage
When a severe hailstorm struck Chicago, IL, the commercial property at 7901 S Cottage Grove sustained significant roof damage. The building owner filed an insurance claim expecting full coverage under their policy. However, the insurance company initially offered only $64,888.84, an amount far below the cost of proper restoration. Achieving commercial roof claim success in Chicago IL can be a challenge, as evident from this case.
Faced with this underpayment, the property owner engaged Make It Happen Adjusters, led by public adjuster Eddy Garcia, to negotiate a fair settlement. Through strategic claim management, expert documentation, and a thorough understanding of commercial insurance policies, the team successfully increased the claim by 462 percent, securing a final settlement of $364,511.16.
This case study serves as a training tool for public adjusters and commercial roofing contractors, providing a detailed breakdown of how to challenge low insurance estimates and secure full coverage for commercial property owners.
Claim Timeline and Strategy Breakdown
May 30, 2024 – Public Adjuster Agreement Signed
- The commercial property owner officially retained Make It Happen Adjusters to handle the hail damage claim.
- A Letter of Representation (LOR) was submitted to the insurance company, requesting:
- A full copy of the policy, including exclusions and endorsements.
- All claim-related documents for transparency.
Key Public Adjuster Strategy:
- Conducted a detailed policy review to identify all commercial building-specific endorsements that could be leveraged.
- Ensured complete documentation of the damage to support a full replacement claim.
June 10, 2024 – Initial Lowball Insurance Offer: $64,888.84
- The insurance company issued its first estimate, which was significantly lower than the actual repair costs.
- The estimate covered only minor repairs and failed to account for:
- Extensive damage to the modified bitumen roofing system.
- Flashing and drainage system deterioration caused by the storm.
- Code compliance requirements under Chicago’s commercial building regulations.
Key Public Adjuster Strategy:
- Provided high-resolution photos and detailed inspection reports to highlight the full extent of the damage.
- Cited Chicago commercial building codes that required a full roof replacement rather than a patch repair.
- Contested the insurance company’s excessive depreciation calculations that reduced the initial payout.
July 2, 2024 – Insurance Reinspection Conducted
- Make It Happen Adjusters was present at the initial inspection, but the insurance company’s assessment failed to capture the full damage.
- Additional documentation was submitted, including:
- A hail verification report confirming 1.2-inch hail impact on the date of loss.
- Independent contractor estimates proving that a full commercial roof replacement was necessary.
Key Public Adjuster Strategy:
- Emphasized that patching was not a viable repair method due to the extent of the damage and material compatibility issues.
- Engaged commercial roofing specialists to provide third-party verification of the necessary repairs.
September 10, 2024 – Final Settlement Approved: $364,511.16
After continued negotiations and submission of supporting documentation, the insurance provider approved a final payout of $364,511.16.
Total Claim Increase: 462 percent
- Initial Offer: $64,888.84
- Final Settlement: $364,511.16
Repairs Covered in the Settlement
✔ Full Commercial Roof Replacement – Including removal and installation of the modified bitumen roofing system.
✔ Gutter and Downspout Replacement – Required due to storm-related damage.
✔ Metal Flashing and Coping Repair – Necessary for structural integrity and waterproofing.
✔ HVAC Curb Repairs – Protecting rooftop mechanical systems.
✔ Code Compliance Upgrades – Ensuring the roof met all Chicago commercial building regulations.
This successful commercial claim settlement enabled the property owner to restore their building without financial strain.
Key Takeaways for Public Adjusters and Commercial Roofing Contractors
- Insurance companies often undervalue commercial claims. Their initial estimates rarely cover the full scope of necessary repairs.
- Chicago’s commercial building codes can strengthen a claim. Many insurance estimates fail to account for compliance-related costs.
- Independent inspections and third-party estimates are critical. Expert assessments provide undeniable evidence that supports higher payouts.
- Persistence and thorough documentation are essential. Public adjusters who challenge insurance estimates with strong evidence secure the best outcomes for their clients.
Final Thoughts: A Major Commercial Claim Victory
The 7901 S Cottage Grove case highlights the importance of an experienced public adjuster in commercial property claims. Without Make It Happen Adjusters, the property owner would have been left with an underpaid settlement that did not cover necessary repairs. Instead, they received the full amount required to restore their commercial roof properly.
Are you dealing with an underpaid commercial insurance claim?
Call us today at 708-416-8098 and let us fight for your full payout.