Choose The Right Tree Care Company For Your Tree Claim
The company you select to perform services for your insurance claim should be able to show proof of insurance, give you real-time updates, install roof tarp or board up to protect your home from additional damage, and more.
Sometimes trees fall. Sometimes they fall where they are unwanted – like on your roof or car. If this happens, the next few steps you take will be to ensure everyone is safe, the area is secure, and your insurance company has been notified. But immediately after, you must choose who will assist with the emergency tree removal process.
Below is a list of important factors to weigh when searching for a tree care company to perform emergency tree services for your insurance claim.
Has Proof of Insurance
First, the company must be insured and licensed to work in your area, and they need to be able to provide you with said documents upon request (and the documents’ validity should be verified). If no to any of the above, that’s a red flag – imagine the headaches if they were to cause additional damage. Not to mention, the possible trouble brought on by the city.
Is Certified With Leading Industry Organizations
Preferably, the company would be associated with the International Society of Arboriculture and/or Tree Care Industry Association. These organizations provide certification, training, educational opportunities, and more. So a company intertwined with ISA or TCIA is likely one who wants to put their best foot forward.
Works With Insurance Carriers, Regularly
Since you’ll have an insurance claim open, it is important that the prospective company works with insurance carriers regularly, thus knows what steps and documentation your adjuster will require, as well as what services will be covered insurance, if applicable.* These will affect the timeliness of your claim.
The two industries are entirely different. So, if the tree care company is unfamiliar with the insurance industry, problems are likely to arise. Not only do the two think differently, but they each speak a different language.
Knows How To Bill The Insurance Carrier
It is equally as important that the company knows how to properly arrange for payment. This too affects the timeliness of your claim, but more importantly, it assures you won’t be footed with the entire bill on what would have been a covered claim.* There are several things that could cause this result, one example is that your insurance carrier does not approve the contracted tree company.
Is Approved By The Insurance Carrier
Which brings us to our next point. Ensure that your adjuster approves of the tree care company who claims to work for insurance carriers. It is a two-way street.
Sends You Need-To-Know Information, Instantly
Because you have a complex situation on your hands, not only is it important that the company be willing and able to do as much leg work as possible, but that they have the ability to instantly provide you with the information and documentation you have a right to.
Operates On An Accommodating, Emergency-Like Schedule
Ideally, the company would operate 24/7. If not, select one that has the most accommodating hours. When you’re in an emergency, you should not have to put your questions on hold for several hours.
Can Do The ‘Immediately-After-Removal’ Work
It is important to think ahead. What is going to happen once the company removes the tree? Depending on the extent of the damage, it is possible you will need a temporary roof tarp and/or board up to ensure that your home is protected from the elements. You should select a company that is qualified to perform such service.
If they are not, you will need to find a separate, qualified contractor who is and make sure they are there immediately after the tree is removed.
In the end, the best thing you can do is consult with your adjuster often, request that the tree care company show proof of insurance, associations, or involvement with insurance carriers before you proceed.
Get Social