A step-by-step playbook for contractors, from the first roof inspection to final approval. Follow it and plan for better results with MAX4 Claims Specialists on your team.
Eleven steps that take a storm-damaged commercial roof from the first photo to a fully funded restoration. MAX4 handles the documentation and negotiation; you keep the relationship and do the work.
Inspect the entire building for hail or wind damage. Hail damage shows up best when you rub bright sidewalk chalk across the impact on edge. Photograph all damage on the roof, exterior siding, and interior where it applies. Unsure whether it is wind or hail, or want a second set of eyes on the photo report? Email MAX4 at info@max4claims.com or call.
Take a few minutes to walk the insured through the damage you found and show them the photos. This is the moment to explain how the insurance process works. Have them sign your Letter of Intent and explain why. Do not give them an estimate.
Encourage the insured to file their insurance claim if they have not already. They can do this by asking their insurance agent for help or by calling their carrier directly.
Once the claim is filed, the insured receives a call or email from the insurance adjuster to set a date and time to view the damage. Ask the insured to tell you once the appointment is set so you can attend.
Be onsite for this. Quietly observe and become an ally. Do not challenge the adjuster at this stage.
The carrier sends the insured a copy of its estimate along with their first check for the "ACV," or actual cash value, of the repairs. This is usually around 50% of the total cost to repair the building.
Email or call MAX4. We send you a "Job Folder Link." Upload four items to the MAX4 job folder, then notify us once it is done: the insurance company's estimate, all damage photos taken, an Eagleview of the address, and the signed Letter of Intent.
We call you to discuss the damage, then go to work. We build a supplement estimate for the items missed or omitted, create a photo report, and email the documentation to the adjuster for review.
MAX4 negotiates with the insurance company through emails and phone calls. For the best results, we ask you and the insured to route all future communication with the carrier to MAX4.
Once MAX4 receives an approval, we contact you and detail the increase. At this point we invoice you 10% on the new money only, the amount the insurance company added to their estimate.
Once the work is complete, ask the insured to sign your Certificate of Completion. Have them send the signed COC and completion photos to their carrier. You then receive your final payment for the restoration, and the carrier releases the money it previously held back, known as "depreciation."
Get the LOI signed, send us the folder, and we take it from inspection to full approval. Tell us where your claim stands.
