Small business w/ a hail storm

In '09 we went through a serious hailstorm/inline winds and we just smashed and grabbed. Didn't do exactimate, hardly ever dealt with insurance except for here and there throughout the years. I charged what I wanted, had to fight insurance quite often. Sometimes unsuccessfully.

Now, I'd like to be more informed if this comes up again. My main inquiry would be regarding these companies that offer to write up an estimate for you. Any comments?

I've been eyeballin certain contractors who are at the end of their career to sell for me. Once again, crossing my fingers that we don't have a huge storm.

It does not make sense to do this in-house if you are small and do not chase storms

That is all true natty. I'm not great at asking to see the paperwork.

I'm just trying to think about how to be the most efficient I can be BEFORE the next time we get overwhelmed with calls. Now that I know about Eagleview, that will really help speed up sales on the cutup jobs. I also have an answering service(guy) now whereas I didn't have before.

The biggest problem I have in situations like this is getting the homeowner to let me see how much the insurance company is giving them. Few can understand the paper work the insurance company gave them. Nevertheless, they think they can make some money if I give them a lower estimate than the insurance company.

clvr83 Said: The line items they miss. Or whatever reason it is they come in below my price too often.

The line items they miss. Or whatever reason it is they come in below my price too often.

Adjustor has already paid for the satellite view. They have diagram with all dimensions, the exactimate with all particulars, and they have given a copy to the homeowner. Why pay to have it all done again?