Industry Terms
Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, making sure you’re comfortable with the terms and process. You might hear us mention things like RCV, ACV, depreciation, or Xactimate—don’t worry, we’ll break it all down for you. We’re committed to ensuring you fully understand how everything works, what’s expected, and that you have all the support you need to make this experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Storm Consultation
When it comes to assessing storm damage, our trained professionals leave no stone unturned. During our comprehensive walkthrough, we’ll inspect not just your roof, but your gutters, windows, siding, fence, paint, fascia, garage doors, A/C units, and more. It’s essential to have someone advocating for you, ensuring that every detail is accounted for, and that you’re fully aware of the scope of the damage.
How to File an Insurance Claim
Filing an insurance claim is straightforward and only takes about 10 minutes. Simply Google the claims number for your insurance company and call their 800 number. You’ll be asked a few basic questions about your safety, the extent of the damage, and whether it affects just the roof or includes interior damage. Remember, it’s okay to say you’re unsure—our team will guide you through this during the storm consultation, so you’re never alone in the process.
Adjustment Meeting
The adjustment meeting is crucial in the claims process, and having one of our trained specialists onsite is vital. During this meeting, the field adjuster will review your policy, document the damage with photos, and create an initial settlement offer. Keep in mind, most field adjusters are not licensed and often aim to settle claims quickly rather than thoroughly. That’s why it’s essential to have Churchill by your side, ensuring accuracy every step of the way.
RCV (Replacement Cost Value)
This represents the total cost to replace the damage on your property without factoring in depreciation or deductibles.
ACV (Actual Cash Value)
This is the cost to replace your property, minus depreciation and your deductible. It’s essentially what your roof is worth at the time of loss.
Depreciation
Depreciation is the amount deducted from your claim based on the age and condition of the items. Just as a car loses value over time, so do roofing materials. However, most policies will reimburse the full replacement cost once the work is completed.
Deductible
Your deductible is the portion of the repair costs that you are responsible for, similar to a co-pay for a doctor’s visit.
Field Estimator
A field estimator is tasked with documenting the damage to your property, usually by taking photos. While they play a key role in the claims process, they often don’t have the authority to make final decisions about your claim.
Xactimate
Xactimate is an industry-standard software used by insurance companies to create estimates. It breaks down the cost of every individual component of your roof, making it critical to have a contractor who knows how to use this tool. This ensures that every detail of your roof is accounted for in the estimate.
Desk Adjusters
Desk adjusters are your primary point of contact during the claims process, working for the insurance company to determine the fair market value of your claim using Xactimate. While most are fair, it’s important to remember that their goal is to settle claims for as little as possible to protect the insurer’s financial interests.
Appraisal
If your insurance company denies damage or refuses to cover certain items, you have the right to request an appraisal. This can help ensure that your claim is handled fairly.
Mortgage Companies
When you file an insurance claim, your mortgage company often becomes involved since they have a vested interest in the property. They’ll be cosigners on any checks issued. We’ll help simplify this process, but you’ll need to notify your mortgage company and provide them with specific documentation, including a W-9, company insurance information, and a copy of the signed contract.
Cosmetic Exclusion
Cosmetic exclusions are a tactic used by insurance companies to avoid covering damage to your metal roof or other soft metals. These exclusions typically state that the insurance company will only pay for damage if the metal is completely punctured. It’s important to be aware of these clauses and have an advocate on your side.
At Churchill, we’re committed to guiding you through every step of the storm restoration process with clarity, integrity, and expert care. We understand that navigating insurance claims and understanding industry terms can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team is here to ensure that your experience is as seamless and stress-free as possible, from the initial assessment to the final restoration. With Churchill by your side, you can trust that your home—and your peace of mind—are in the best possible hands.
