Due to the widespread and extensive wind damage caused by Hurricane Sally, we are seeing that in their rush to get damages assessed, both insurance company adjusters and many inexperienced contractors are eyeballing roof damage and recommending partial repairs based on simple visual inspection. We are also seeing more insurers trying to inspect roofs with drones! While this is a great cost savings to the insurance company, I have yet to see a drone identify shingle uplift or fly into the attic to look for additional wind or water damage. This is going to cause terrible problems in the future as flying debris can damage the membrane of roofs and set people up for severe water damage in the future. Right now, we are just waiting for the first major rain storm to expose all the leaky roofs. Adjusters simply are not spending enough time assessing policyholder’s damage or taking into affect the increased cost of materials and repairs given the state of conditions. When the adjuster comes calling, please make sure inspectors physically get onto the roof and inspect for damage. While your roof may not look damaged, a closer inspection might reveal that it needs replacing rather than patching. Remember, your property insurance policy is designed to return your property to it’s pre-loss conditions, not save the insurance company money.

Tutwiler & Associates have been working hurricane claims since 1984. For your own peace of mind, call our Pensacola insurance adjusters now at 850-783-3319 for a free, no-cost claim evaluation, visit our Hurricane Sally Insurance Claim Public Adjuster page for additional information or contact a public adjuster to submit a question to one of our insurance claim experts.