Recently, the southern Ontario region was hit with a large windstorm which affected many residents in the GTA and surrounding areas. Many homes were left with fallen tree branches and even more with missing shingles.
Since then, many residents have reported claims to their insurance companies. So many in fact, that most insurance companies are experiencing an unprecedented number of incoming calls from customers reporting damage to their roofs.
We have received responses from the many insurance company partners we work with. Each has responded that they are increasing their capacity and mobilizing their resources to best meet the needs of homeowners who are missing parts of their roofs. While their response times are still delayed from their usual targets, it seems that the limiting factor in attending to the concerns of their clients is finding a roofer who isn’t already on someone’s roof. As insurance companies respond to as many clients as they can, there are still only so many contractors and more importantly, roofers available in each area. Many roofers have traveled to the GTA from other regions in Ontario to provide support. Insurance companies have brought in appraisers from out of province to help write estimates. Still, many home owners have yet to receive any emergency services or temporary measures to secure their homes.
If you have exposed areas of your roof where shingles are missing and it’s started raining in your area, you may now be experiencing water coming in from your ceiling. Not to worry, water that enters your dwelling through an opening that was created by wind is covered by most, if not all insurance policies.
There are some steps that you may want to initiate to protect yourself while the insurance companies continue to respond as quickly as they can:
If you have missing shingles and are not sure what to do, please have a look at recommended steps you can take.
Remember that your we’re here to help you navigate this process. If you have any questions about your coverage or need some advice on what to do next, contact your broker.
Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments below! Mitchell & Whale is a fast-growing insurance brokerage in Ontario, striving to make insurance _not suck_ one customer at a time. Give us a call today to discuss any of your insurance needs at 1.800.731.2228.
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