SUN CITY – On Aug. 24 a violent hailstorm struck Sun City, denting or ripping open shingles on roofs, denting gutters and downspouts, and tearing holes in screens.
Dozens, possibly hundreds of homes in the community were damaged, often randomly. It’s the nature of hailstorms to cause damage in widely separated locations. One particularly hard-hit area was one block on Rock Springs Lane in Neighborhood 10, where more than a half-dozen homes in one block became construction zones in recent weeks.
The storm and its aftermath has kept area insurance companies, roofing contractors, homeowners, and the community association staff very busy in pursuing repairs and replacement programs. The Sun Day talked to a few area insurers about the replacement process.
“After a hail storm or high winds, check your roof, gutters, downspouts, and screens,” Rick Witt, State Farm insurance agent, said. “You don’t have to climb on your roof, but you usually can detect damaged shingles and gutters from a ladder, and it isn’t difficult to spot holes in your window screens.”
“You need to be careful how you pursue a claim,” Witt said. “You may be approached by a contractor, who may tell you he’ll inspect your home at no cost and then he’ll negotiate with your insurance company. Avoid this approach. It’s best to protect your interests and deal with your insurance agent first to determine your coverage benefits. Ask your insurer to conduct an inspection of your house, and then talk to a contractor. Better yet, ask your insurance company to recommend contractors to you.
“Above all, do not sign anything or agree to anything a contractor brings to you. Make any insurance arrangements directly with your insurance company.”
The Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce suggested that the Chicago Better Business Bureau (chicago.bbb.org) may be helpful in finding reputable contractors. Neighbors who have recently replaced a roof may want to pass along information on quality contractors.
“Claims should be filed in a timely manner after a storm,” Witt said. “This will ensure that the claim is related to a specific incident and not to general depreciation.” He said his company estimates the actual replacement cost of the repairs and then subtracts applicable depreciation amounts and deductibles specified in a homeowner’s policy.
Sun City residents must obtain a permit from the association staff before replacing a roof or other exterior facilities on a house because they are considered a modification or exterior improvement.
Application forms are available at the CAM desk in the Fountain View Center. There is no fee involved. Because of the high volume of replacement approval requests, the staff is expediting requests, which often can be obtained at the same time they are submitted.
