www.mrca.org — Midwest Roofer 22 RESIDENTIAL & STEEP SLOPE Continued from page 21 out the burden of outside influence and bias in determining what is accurate. Settling the loss through appraisal can be invaluable when disputing a low or inaccurate insurance claim, as it provides a professional, third-party perspective that is difficult for the insurance company to dismiss. Once the appraisal award is signed by two parties it is binding. Establishing Fair Costs: One common point of contention in insurance disputes is the cost of materials and labor. Insurance companies may rely on outdated or regional price averages, while roofing contractors are better equipped to provide accurate, up-to-date pricing based on local market conditions. An appraisal offers a realistic estimate of what the project will actually cost, backed by your expertise and industry knowledge. One great example of this is with copper features on a roof. In most areas, software like Xactimate or Symbility that are used by carriers undervalue copper materials by as much as 900%! You are reading that correctly, it is not uncommon for copper to be that far off and the appraisal panel can address these types of disputes. 2. Protecting Your Client’s Interests and Build your Reputation As a roofing contractor, your primary responsibility is to your clients, who trust you to provide the best possible service and guidance. When an insurance company denies the obvious damage and you are not able to dispute this damage yourself, a professional appraiser can dispute this on the insured’s behalf, giving you the opportunity to get the job when the dispute is won. Having a relationship with a professional appraiser that you know and trust will build your reputation. By recommending to a homeowner this trusted appraiser to dispute an insurance claim on their behalf, you’re protecting your client’s interests, ensuring they receive the coverage they are entitled to. Ensuring Proper Repairs: Insurance companies may recommend repairs that are insufficient to address the full scope of the damage, leading to future problems for the homeowner. For example, they might suggest patching over damage instead of a full roof replacement, even if the roof’s structural integrity has been compromised. They may recommend performing a repair to the top layer of shingles on a roof with two layers even if there is water intrusion. A knowledgeable, professional appraiser will provide evidence that a more extensive repair or replacement is necessary, ensuring the homeowner receives the appropriate level of work. An appraiser understands the repairs and processes necessary for you to keep your certifications with shingle manufacturers and what goes into achieving the highest and best warranty possible for your clients and will make the case for these methods in appraisal. 3. Strengthening Your Position in Negotiations Disputing an insurance claim without understanding the process and how to present the evidence can be an uphill battle. Without a professional appraiser, the argument often boils down to the contractor’s word against the insurance adjuster’s report, with the insurance company holding all of the power in the negotiation. Disputing a claim through appraisal levels the playing field by taking the negotiation away from the insurance carrier and moving it to a neutral third party. Independent Appraisal Process: Most insurance policies contain an appraisal clause, and many states have mandates that carriers participate in appraisal as an alternative method of dispute resolution. This process mandates both the homeowner and the insurance company to hire independent appraisers to resolve disputes. If the two appraisers cannot reach an agreement their positions are presented to the umpire. An appraisal is settled when two of the three parties agree to the amount agreed upon and the award letter is then signed by two of the participants in the process. The agreed estimate is accompanied by an award letter
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