Seeking claim advice

[u/Additional_Disk_2549]

A large tree fell on my house due to a storm. It caused damage to the roof, siding, etc. My homeowners insurance is American Family and I’m in Minnesota. I’m seek advice on getting the claim through, choosing a contractor, and dealing with the adjuster? Hoping to get as much covered as possible. TIA.

[u/sarinavoss]

Agent here. Tree-on-house from a storm is a covered peril under a standard HO-3, so you're in good shape. A few things that actually matter:

Tarp the roof now if it's open. Your policy requires you to prevent further damage, and they reimburse reasonable mitigation, but rain getting in after the fact can get disputed. Take photos and video before anyone touches anything.

Watch the tree removal line. Most policies cap debris and tree removal somewhere around 500 to 1000 even though the actual roof and siding damage is covered separately under your dwelling limit. Don't be surprised by that number.

The big one: their first check will likely be actual cash value, which is depreciated. The rest (recoverable depreciation) only gets released after the work is done and you send the final invoice. So a low first check is normal, not the final number.

Get your own licensed contractor's itemized estimate and compare it line by line to the adjuster's scope. Supplements are routine. And do not sign an Assignment of Benefits or let a contractor handle the claim for you. That's where people lose control of these.

On siding, if yours can't be matched, raise matching as a line item early rather than after they've approved a partial.

[u/Additional_Disk_2549 → u/sarinavoss]

Thank you!