When Patricia and John Daniel braced for Hurricane Irma, they never expected the real storm to come long after the winds died down. More than a year after the hurricane battered their neighborhood, they were still fighting to get their roof repaired—a battle not with Mother Nature, but with their insurance company.

 

The Aftermath: A Neighborhood in Ruins

Hurricane Irma left its mark across the Southeast, with winds reaching 60 to 65 mph in the Daniels’ neighborhood. As shingles flew from rooftops and debris littered the streets, entire blocks were transformed into construction zones. Nearly a third of the homes in their area needed full roof replacements.

 

Like many others, the Daniels turned to their insurance provider, The Hartford, expecting swift action. They reported the damage and waited. And waited. But after ten days of silence, they decided to take matters into their own hands. They hired the same roofing company their neighbors were using, hoping to speed up the process. Instead, their insurance nightmare was just beginning.

 

The Insurance Stalemate: A Battle of Persistence

When the Daniels realized how extensive the damage was, they asked The Hartford to reopen their claim, hoping for a proper assessment. What followed was a frustrating cycle of delays, multiple inspections, and unsatisfactory solutions. Instead of approving a new roof, The Hartford suggested a patchwork fix—harvesting old shingles from the back of their house and repositioning them on the front.

 

“It makes no sense to take those damaged thirteen-year-old roof shingles and move them to the front,” John Daniel said. “It doesn’t make any sense.”

 

As seniors, the Daniels saw their home as their most valuable asset, and The Hartford’s handling of their claim shattered their trust.

 

“They’ve taken away any sense of security that I have with them,” Patricia said. “I have no faith in them.”

 

The Game-Changer: Bringing in a Public Adjuster

At their wits’ end, the Daniels turned to TrustDALE, where they were introduced to Tim Varga, a public adjuster with Catastrophic Consulting. Unlike insurance company adjusters, public adjusters work exclusively on behalf of homeowners, negotiating fair settlements and ensuring policies are followed correctly.

 

“Public adjusters represent the insured in negotiating with the insurance company, both on the policy’s coverage language and in determining fair values for the necessary repairs,” Varga explained. His expertise became the turning point in the Daniels’ fight.

 

Resolution at Last: A New Roof and a Hard Lesson Learned

With a knowledgeable advocate in their corner, the Daniels finally made progress. The Hartford, in response to media inquiries, stated, “Generally speaking, when wind damage requires a roof to be replaced, we estimate the cost based on providing new roofing materials of the same type and quality to those that were damaged.” They also emphasized their commitment to working with the Daniels and their public adjuster to resolve the issue.

 

After countless emails, phone calls, and inspections, the battle finally ended in victory—the Daniels got their brand-new roof. The exact terms of the settlement remain confidential, but one thing is certain: persistence, the right resources, and professional help made all the difference.

 

Takeaways for Homeowners Facing Insurance Battles

If you find yourself in a similar situation, here’s what you can learn from the Daniels’ experience:

  • Don’t accept the first offer. Insurance companies may try to settle for the cheapest fix possible.
  • Get a second opinion. Bringing in a public adjuster or independent inspector can expose overlooked damage.
  • Document everything. Keep records of all communications, estimates, and inspections.
  • Know your rights. Review your policy carefully and understand what coverage you’re entitled to.

Navigating an insurance claim can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you're struggling with a claim, consider seeking help from a trusted public adjuster or consumer advocate.

 

For more expert advice and vetted professionals, visit TrustDALE.com.