Hail and straight-line wind are some of the most common reasons Hancock County homeowners file claims. Here’s what to do, in order.
- Stay safe and stay off the roof. Look from the ground or with binoculars. Watch for downed power lines.
- Take photos and video. Get the roof, siding, gutters, window screens, outdoor equipment and any vehicles. Photos taken right away help your claim.
- Prevent more damage. Tarp an open roof, board a broken window and move belongings out of the way of leaks. Keep receipts; reasonable emergency repairs are usually part of the claim.
- Report the claim. Call your insurance company’s claims line (they’re all on our claims and payments page) or call us at 317-462-6553. Policies ask you to report damage promptly, so don’t wait.
- Meet the adjuster. The adjuster inspects the damage and writes an estimate. You’re welcome to have your own contractor there too.
- Be careful with door-to-door contractors. Get written estimates, check reviews, and don’t sign anything that hands over your insurance claim until you’ve talked to us.
How wind and hail deductibles work
Many policies have a separate deductible for wind and hail. Some are a flat dollar amount; others are a percentage of your dwelling coverage. For example, a 1% deductible on a home insured for $300,000 is $3,000.
Not sure what yours is? It’s on your declarations page, or call us and we’ll look it up and explain it in dollars.