Although homeowners pay 35-40% in premiums to insurance companies precisely for exterior damage from unfortunate weather occurrences, many are reluctant to open claims for fear their insurance rates will be increased afterward.
However, Tom Kovack, owner of USA Roof Masters of Bensalem, assures that West Chester area homeowners now have an exactly correct time to engage with insurance coverage after two damaging hail storms moved through the region on July 6 and Aug. 23. Close to 500,000 homes were estimated to have been impacted. "Those two storms were designated as catastrophic ones by weather and industry officials, which means it's illegal for any homeowners insurance companies to raise an individual's rate after claims are opened on these types of severe storms," he adds.
The USA Roof Masters team specializes in identifying and documenting storm damage from high winds, hail, lightning and "anything else with which Mother Nature may surprise us."
As members of the American Policyholder Association, Tom says he and his staff are happy to guide homeowners through the insurance claim process, emphasizing elements for which insurance premiums generally cover.
He adds that homeowners have up to one year to open insurance claims after catastrophic storms. "Unlike wind storms that rip off shingles, which is obvious to see, the damage from hail storms is not visible from the ground level and often doesn't cause leaks and roof failure until one to three years after storms. This is why a thorough inspection is critical to get within one year, while you still have coverage if damage is discovered."
Tom says their roof inspections are complimentary, and that they include two benefits: an on-the-roof inspection backed by closeup and drone photos, paired with an itemized scope of repair work.
"We'll always tell homeowners right away if they have legitimate roof damage and if it's worth opening insurance claims. Recommending a homeowner open a claim without legitimate damage wastes our time and harms our credibility with insurance carriers. We're vehemently against any type of insurance fraud. It's not a service to customers, us or anyone involved, frankly, to do anything other than to be honest and open, because we then follow through with insurance adjusters to work through details of the claims and need to be armed with the documentation necessary to file claims," says Tom.
USA Roof Masters of the Bensalem region specializes in residential roofing, commercial roofing and roof inspections. They also offer gutter installation, siding installation and storm damage restoration services. Additionally, USA Roof Masters is an Owens Corning Platinum, GAF Master Elite, and Tesla Solar Glass preferred contractor, for which certification means that USA Roof Masters managers and foremen have passed job and product training by the leading companies in roofing products. They've also pledged to recycle old shingles so they don't end up in a landfill.
Tom says they work year-round, as long as there's no snow or rain on roofs scheduled for inspections. "If inclement weather prevents inspections, we'll reschedule until we get everyone taken care of," he adds.
267.332.0197
