What does a real property damage claims adjuster handle?

Real property vs personal property

Real property is the land and what is permanently attached to it. In a homeowners claim, the real property side covers the roof, framing, drywall, flooring, cabinets, windows, siding, gutters and structures like fences, sheds and detached garages. Personal property, usually Coverage C, is your belongings. A roof leak that soaks a ceiling and ruins a couch produces both: the roof and ceiling under dwelling coverage, the couch under contents.

Why it matters to you

• Different settlement terms. The dwelling may be paid at replacement cost while contents are paid at actual cash value, or the reverse, depending on the policy.
• Sometimes different adjusters. On larger losses, an insurer may assign a separate contents specialist. Ask who is handling each part.
• Other structures have their own limit. A fence or shed damaged in the same storm is paid from Coverage B, which on standard forms is often 10 percent of the dwelling limit.
• Usually one deductible. A single storm event generally carries one deductible across the claim, but check your policy, especially with a percentage wind and hail deductible.

Make the real property list complete

List everything the storm touched, not just the shingles. Hail often dents gutters, downspouts, screens, siding, AC units and fences, and wind can loosen soffit and fascia. A complete list up front avoids reopening the claim later. If water came inside, see interior water damage from a roof leak, and for the overall flow, how to file a roof insurance claim.