I have noticed that in the last three or so years that about 20 percent of
the houses in my subdivision in northwest suburban Chicago have gotten new
siding and roofs. The houses here are about 15 years old. Almost all have
been done by the same company that scours the neighboorhood after storms
looking for any type of damage.

My wife said they stopped by our house the other day and wanted to know if
we wanted our roof and siding replace because of hail and wind damage and
that it would cost us nothing more than our deductible or something like
that (my wife often does not get the whole story or ask a lot of questions)
and that they would do most the talking with the insurance company. I said
what damage. She showed me a piece of loose siding by the side of the garage
on the top row. I said that has been like that for years and I intend to fix
it someday - really. Then she showed me about 10 shingles that were elevated
ever so slightly which I said that I can fix that in about an hour with some
roofing cement like I used to do on my first house back in more lean times.

So my question is this legit in that these companies can get the insurance
companies to pay for almost all costs with only what I would call very minor
damage that a handy man would probably fix for $100 ?? Wouldn't the
insurance companies at least want to pro rate the roof replacement based on
the age of the roof?? Why in the world would they replace all the siding
with such little damage. Or maybe there is more to it than that and the home
owners are picking up a percentage of the repairs?

As for me I don't like to mess with insurance companies as they always seem
to have a way [individually or as a group] to get their money back
particualry if you look like the type of client that is going to call them
for every little thing. I basically want to be covered in case of a fire,
car theft, or something like that.

Thanks for any advice, input, experiences, or opinions.

Steve

"Steve" wrote in message
...
I have noticed that in the last three or so years that about 20 percent of
the houses in my subdivision in northwest suburban Chicago have gotten new
siding and roofs. The houses here are about 15 years old. Almost all have
been done by the same company that scours the neighboorhood after storms
looking for any type of damage.

My wife said they stopped by our house the other day and wanted to know if
we wanted our roof and siding replace because of hail and wind damage and
that it would cost us nothing more than our deductible or something like
that (my wife often does not get the whole story or ask a lot of
questions) and that they would do most the talking with the insurance
company. I said what damage. She showed me a piece of loose siding by the
side of the garage on the top row. I said that has been like that for
years and I intend to fix it someday - really. Then she showed me about 10
shingles that were elevated ever so slightly which I said that I can fix
that in about an hour with some roofing cement like I used to do on my
first house back in more lean times.

So my question is this legit in that these companies can get the insurance
companies to pay for almost all costs with only what I would call very
minor damage that a handy man would probably fix for $100 ?? Wouldn't the
insurance companies at least want to pro rate the roof replacement based
on the age of the roof?? Why in the world would they replace all the
siding with such little damage. Or maybe there is more to it than that and
the home owners are picking up a percentage of the repairs?


I and several neighbors have had our roofs replaced twice. We live in the
middle of North Carolina. One time was after a hurricane that came way
inland and about 2 years due to hail. I have a $ 500 deductiable and that
was what it cost both times.

"Ralph Mowery" wrote in
:


"Steve" wrote in message
...
I have noticed that in the last three or so years that about 20
percent of the houses in my subdivision in northwest suburban Chicago
have gotten new siding and roofs. The houses here are about 15 years
old. Almost all have been done by the same company that scours the
neighboorhood after storms looking for any type of damage.

My wife said they stopped by our house the other day and wanted to
know if we wanted our roof and siding replace because of hail and
wind damage and that it would cost us nothing more than our
deductible or something like that (my wife often does not get the
whole story or ask a lot of questions) and that they would do most
the talking with the insurance company. I said what damage. She
showed me a piece of loose siding by the side of the garage on the
top row. I said that has been like that for years and I intend to fix
it someday - really. Then she showed me about 10 shingles that were
elevated ever so slightly which I said that I can fix that in about
an hour with some roofing cement like I used to do on my first house
back in more lean times.

So my question is this legit in that these companies can get the
insurance companies to pay for almost all costs with only what I
would call very minor damage that a handy man would probably fix for
$100 ?? Wouldn't the insurance companies at least want to pro rate
the roof replacement based on the age of the roof?? Why in the world
would they replace all the siding with such little damage. Or maybe
there is more to it than that and the home owners are picking up a
percentage of the repairs?


I and several neighbors have had our roofs replaced twice.

Just curious. Totally replaced all the shingles? How bad was the damage?
I mean repair was not considered?

We live in
the middle of North Carolina.

Where? I'm in FAY.

One time was after a hurricane that
came way inland


and about 2 years due to hail. I have a $ 500
deductiable and that was what it cost both times.


Surprised they did not want to prorate age, especially the first time.

"Red Green" wrote in message
...
"Ralph Mowery" wrote in
:


"Steve" wrote in message
...
We live in
the middle of North Carolina.

Where? I'm in FAY.

One time was after a hurricane that
came way inland


and about 2 years due to hail. I have a $ 500
deductiable and that was what it cost both times.


Surprised they did not want to prorate age, especially the first time.



The house the shingles were replaced in was in China Grove, South of
Salisbury. I now live abouth halfway between Rockwell and Granet Quarry.

Al the shingles on all the houses were replaced. They probably could not
match the blown off shingles due to the hurricane, not sure. Also they had
to replace two storm windows that were broken during the hurricane. The
hail dammage was to way too many shingles to just repair them.
They did not send out an inspector the first time, but they did for the
hail dammage.I was just told to get an estiment and send it to them. They
sent me a check back for the dammages minus the deductiable. I think it was
about $ 250 teh first time and $ 500 the second time.The first time it was
made to me and the bank as I still owed some on the house. The second time
it was made to me as I had payed off the house.

It might be the kind of insurance you have if it is prorated or not.

On Jun 3, 10:09*am, wrote:
On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 02:31:47 -0500, "Steve"
wrote:

I have noticed that in the last three or so years that about 20 percent of
the houses in my subdivision in northwest suburban Chicago have gotten new
siding and roofs. The houses here are about 15 years old. Almost all have
been done by the same company that scours the neighboorhood after storms
looking for any type of damage.

Insurance companies are like bookies. They don't mind paying out claim
money as long as the premiums cover it and they get to tack on their
hefty profit. Just remember, the more claims they pay the more you
pay. Pretty soon you will be like Florida where we are paying $4000 a
year for insurance and have a 4-5% deductible.

In the OP's example, he has one piece of loose siding and a few
shingles barely lifted up, and none of it attributable to a specific
storm. I'd be very suprised if the insurance company would pay out
on that and even if they did, it would not be worth it, because they
aren't going to pay for re-doing the whole house siding and roof.

I'd be particularly cautious in any companies that offer to do all the
dealing with the insurance company. You could wind up with them
telling you it's covered, only to be presented with a big bill, a
mechanics lien, and insurance coverage that only pays a part of it.

On Jun 3, 1:31*am, "Steve" wrote:
I have noticed that in the last three or so years that about 20 percent of
the houses in my subdivision in northwest suburban Chicago have gotten new
siding and roofs. The houses here are about 15 years old. Almost all have
been done by the same company that scours the neighboorhood after storms
looking for any type of damage.

My wife said they stopped by our house the other day and wanted to know if
we wanted our roof and siding replace because of hail and wind damage and
that it would cost us nothing more than our deductible or something like
that (my wife often does not get the whole story or ask a lot of questions)
and that they would do most the talking with the insurance company. I said
what damage. She showed me a piece of loose siding by the side of the garage
on the top row. I said that has been like that for years and I intend to fix
it someday - really. Then she showed me about 10 shingles that were elevated
ever so slightly which I said that I can fix that in about an hour with some
roofing cement like I used to do on my first house back in more lean times..

So my question is this legit in that these companies can get the insurance
companies to pay for almost all costs with only what I would call very minor
damage that a handy man would probably fix for $100 ?? Wouldn't the
insurance companies at least want to pro rate the roof replacement based on
the age of the roof?? Why in the world would they replace all the siding
with such little damage. Or maybe there is more to it than that and the home
owners are picking up a percentage of the repairs?

As for me I don't like to mess with insurance companies as they always seem
to have a way [individually or as a group] to get their money back
particualry if you look like the type of client that is going to call them
for every little thing. I basically want to be covered in case of a fire,
car theft, *or something like that.

Thanks for any advice, input, experiences, or opinions.

Steve

The insurance company will not accept the word of the company. The
company will have to notify the insurance company and they will send
out their own inspectors. Or you can call your insurance agent and
have an inspector.


Roof insurance is repacement of the roof regardless of age. If your
roof is indeed damaged the insurance company may just offer to repair
it. Sometimes it takes some argueing to get them to replace. I have
seen where every house in an area got a new roof but one. He had to
almost take the insurance company to court to get a new roof but he
finally got it.

And if the roof is to be replaced many if not most companies appraise
what it will cost to replace and what it is actually worth. You get a
check for what it is worth and they will pay the remainder, less your
deductable, when you actaully get it replaced.

In article 050620082255491585%dave@N_O_T_T_H_I_Sbalderstone. ca,
Dave Balderstone wrote:

In article , Steve
wrote:

My wife said they stopped by our house the other day and wanted to know if
we wanted our roof and siding replace because of hail and wind damage and
that it would cost us nothing more than our deductible or something like
that (my wife often does not get the whole story or ask a lot of questions)
and that they would do most the talking with the insurance company. I said
what damage

Why would you want someone you don't know talking to your insurance
company?

These kinds of "contractors" are good for only one thing.. reminding
you to call your insurance company to have them check. I wouldn't use
them even if needed a new roof. It is a trust (okay, frank paranoia)
issue.

On Jun 3, 2:31*am, "Steve" wrote:
I have noticed that in the last three or so years that about 20 percent of
the houses in my subdivision in northwest suburban Chicago have gotten new
siding and roofs. The houses here are about 15 years old. Almost all have
been done by the same company that scours the neighboorhood after storms
looking for any type of damage.

My wife said they stopped by our house the other day and wanted to know if
we wanted our roof and siding replace because of hail and wind damage and
that it would cost us nothing more than our deductible or something like
that (my wife often does not get the whole story or ask a lot of questions)
and that they would do most the talking with the insurance company. I said
what damage. She showed me a piece of loose siding by the side of the garage
on the top row. I said that has been like that for years and I intend to fix
it someday - really. Then she showed me about 10 shingles that were elevated
ever so slightly which I said that I can fix that in about an hour with some
roofing cement like I used to do on my first house back in more lean times..

So my question is this legit in that these companies can get the insurance
companies to pay for almost all costs with only what I would call very minor
damage that a handy man would probably fix for $100 ?? Wouldn't the
insurance companies at least want to pro rate the roof replacement based on
the age of the roof?? Why in the world would they replace all the siding
with such little damage. Or maybe there is more to it than that and the home
owners are picking up a percentage of the repairs?

As for me I don't like to mess with insurance companies as they always seem
to have a way [individually or as a group] to get their money back
particualry if you look like the type of client that is going to call them
for every little thing. I basically want to be covered in case of a fire,
car theft, *or something like that.

Thanks for any advice, input, experiences, or opinions.

Steve

When we had hail damage in chgo we called the ins co. Since yours
wasnt Hail damage I think you might end up paying it, I bet the pitch
they did 15% is their lie to make you think they are legit.
Questionable, or several claims can get you dropped, Just wait, a big
storm is comming for a real genuine claim.