Chapter 1: Homeowners Claiming Damage by
Themselves
When homeowners try to make an insurance claim on their own, one of the biggest hurdles is that they often don’t fully understand the nature of the damage they’re reporting. For instance, they might just say, “I have storm damage” or “I have hail damage,” but they’re not pinpointing the specifics. They’re
not identifying exactly what’s wrong—like missing shingles, dents in specific areas, or where the leaks are coming from. And because they’re vague, insurance adjusters can end up feeling like the homeowner is just throwing out a general claim and expecting the insurance company to do all the
legwork. Another major issue is that adjusters might perceive the homeowner as not being serious about actually fixing the damage. When a homeowner hasn’t brought in a contractor or even gotten a professional opinion, the insurance company might think the homeowner isn’t prepared to follow
through. Some adjusters, especially those looking to simplify their workload, may take advantage of this lack of preparation. They might think: “No contractor involved, no public adjuster, no extra documentation. Easy to deny.” In short, the less serious the homeowner appears, the more likely the
adjuster is to dismiss the claim quickly. This puts the homeowner in a vulnerable position, with little chance of a fair outcome.

Chapter 2: Hiring a Contractor
When a homeowner hires a contractor, the dynamic of the claim process changes. Contractors often identify storm damage and encourage the homeowner to file a claim. They can point out physical issues during the inspection with the adjuster, but legally, they cannot represent the homeowner in
negotiations or coverage disputes. Many contractors use contingency contracts, documents that state if the claim is approved, the contractor gets the job. However, these contracts are not legally enforceable. While contractors rely on them to secure work, insurance adjusters know they don’t hold weight,
making it easy to disregard contractor input during the claim process. If the claim is only partially approved, homeowners may be left covering deductibles and uncovered portions of the job out-of-pocket. In worse cases, when contractors discover additional damage (like multiple layers of
roofing or rotten wood) after the project begins, they must fix it to meet code. The homeowner is then responsible for paying those extra costs upfront and must later try to recover them from the insurance company. Hiring a contractor helps identify damage, but it also introduces the risk of unexpected costs
and leaves the homeowner handling negotiations alone when extra work arises.

Chapter 3: Hiring a Public Adjuster
Hiring a public adjuster is often the most effective way to navigate an insurance claim because they are licensed to work directly with insurance companies. This license allows them to argue on your behalf and ensure that all aspects of the damage are covered under your policy. However, it's crucial to
choose a truly competent public adjuster, as not all adjusters have the same level of expertise. A good public adjuster will maximize your claim's potential and ensure that you get the full benefit of your coverage. One potential pitfall is when a public adjuster offers their services without any upfront fee.
While this might sound attractive, it often means they steer homeowners toward contractors who may not be the best in quality. These contractors can cut corners with poor workmanship, like improper flashing, overdriven nails, or inadequate water shield installation. Such mistakes may not show
immediately but can cause major problems later. In summary, a skilled public adjuster is a powerful ally, but homeowners must do their due diligence to make sure they choose one with a solid track record and proven commitment to quality results.

Chapter 4: Who We Are and Why We Are So Much
Better
At The Hammer Crew and Spartan Adjusters, we bring a unique advantage to the table. Our founders have extensive experience working directly for major insurance companies, including Liberty Mutual, Farmers, State Farm, and Allstate, adjusting claims for them. This insider knowledge gives us a
significant edge over most other public adjusting firms, as we understand the insurance claims process from the inside out. In addition to our insurance expertise, we are licensed roofers. This combination of roofing certification and insurance experience allows us to identify poor roofing practices and
understand why roofs fail—whether it's due to improper flashing, overdriven nails, or inadequate installation methods. We’ve seen these mistakes firsthand, and we know how to make sure they don’t happen on our projects. This dual expertise ensures that homeowners receive the best possible
outcome, both in terms of claim results and construction quality. So after you sign with The Hammer Crew and Spartan Adjusters, you nailed it.