FAQ About Storm Damage on the Eastern Shore

There are many answers to this question. If you know there was a severe storm in your area, or you see your neighbors getting work done on their homes, there is a good chance you have damage too. If you are asking the question, it is a good idea to have a local, reputable company like Del Mar Construction come out for a completely free inspection.

Storm damage is often not visible to the untrained eye. That is why it is so important to have a qualified roofing contractor inspect your home after a storm. Del Mar Construction does this for free.

In most cases you have one year from the date of the storm to file a claim. However, all policies are different, and some give you as little as six months. The best thing to do is call a roofing contractor soon after the storm for an inspection.

Filing a single claim should not raise your premiums, especially for an “act of God.” However, if a region is hit by a major storm, the whole region’s premiums could go up.

You do not have to have a roofing contractor to file a claim, but it helps to have a trained contractor on site to meet your adjuster so nothing is overlooked and you get a fair assessment of the damages. Del Mar Construction will meet with your adjuster to ensure a fair adjustment.

This is a very important decision. Research the company: check its website to make sure it has a location within 50 miles or so of your property, and a local phone number. Qualified contractors also carry credentials with the major material manufacturers. Find a contractor with experience and references who will readily supply proof of insurance, workers compensation and references on request.

ACV means “Actual Cash Value.” It is what the damage to the property is worth at the time of loss.

RCV means “Replacement Cost Value.” It is what the insurance company pays after all the work is completed. The first ACV check gets the work started, and after the work is complete the contractor files for depreciation and a second check brings the total to the RCV.

“Storm chasers” are disreputable regional or national companies that give the roofing industry a bad name. They follow storms around the country and send sales teams into areas that were just hit, sign up as many houses as possible, and move on to the next storm. They have no interest in a local reputation, quality installation or good materials, which leaves homeowners with roof problems and a contractor who is no longer around to fix them.

Storm chasers try to look like local companies. Visit their website and look for local phone numbers and office locations. Ask to see their general liability insurance and check where the policy was written. Ask for local references for completed work, specifically projects that were not just finished. Watch out for 1-800 numbers and marketing with no local phone number.

No, this is false. As the homeowner you can choose any contractor you want to do the repairs. Del Mar Construction will work with your insurance company to determine the price and scope of work.

No. A homeowner cannot profit from a claim. Doing so is insurance fraud, which is a crime.