Hail claims continue to rise, so a clear plan for handling this peril is essential. Carriers can start with industry-leading forensic weather intelligence from DamageRecon™ — featuring the only hail fall analysis based on ground truth. DamageRecon's event maps and address-specific reports are an important tool for adjusters looking to understand the likelihood of damage in the wake of a hail event.

Even best in class data doesn't preclude the need for boots on the ground forensic investigation. Whether hail impact causes damage depends on a number of factors including the size of the hailstone, the hail's velocity, the angle at which it strikes a surface, and the makeup of the material it impacts. Experience and expertise are required to distinguish between the shared properties of hail damage and other common types of damage, especially to roofs, and to determine whether hail impact has caused functional damage or aesthetic blemishes.

Lightning

It's rarely a good time, weather wise, for an HVAC unit to fail, but knowing whether it was lightning or power surge and the extent of damage is valuable. Today's forensic experts can conclusively diagnose the cause of failure and accurately estimate the cost of returning a unit to pre-loss condition. That intelligence, when delivered quickly, can help carriers and their policy holders avoid overpayment. So as these claims pile up this spring, it may be wise to call in an expert who can diagnose what happened and offer insight into the extent of damages.

Flood/Water Intrusion

A rainy spring can cause a multitude of problems for property owners, ranging from leaky roofs or water in the basement to catastrophic flooding. Questions related to duration and cause of loss may require further investigation. A professional engineer can provide answers to flood and water intrusion matters, as well as diagnose a number of other water-related concerns such as mold, foundation issues, and other structural damages that may appear once the water recedes.

Tornadoes

Since 2012, the U.S. tornado count has been well below the yearly average. That could change in 2015; forecasters are predicting more tornadoes in the southeast, particularly in April and May. It takes a coordinated effort between carriers and their vendors to ensure tornado claims are handled carefully and quickly. Professional engineers can assess structural integrity and provide repair protocols, utilizing their expertise to increase the safety and efficacy of post-storm rebuilding.

Choosing the right forensic partner can make a big difference in how insurance carriers weather the upcoming storm season. Donan takes an integrated approach to forensic investigation, utilizing experts across disciplines and providing them with innovative tools and technology. The third-generation, family-owned firm has been helping carriers "to be sure" for decades by delivering unbiased and accurate conclusions as quickly as possible. No matter what happens in the sky this storm season, Donan is ready to help carriers determine what really happened on the ground.