Terms of Service

2. Definitions

For purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply:

• "Company," "we," "us," "our": StormHelpLine.com and its affiliates, employees, contractors, and agents
• "Services": All services provided by the Company, including but not limited to storm damage assessment, emergency repairs, insurance claim assistance, contractor coordination, and website functionality
• "User," "you," "your": Any person or entity accessing or using our Website or Services
• "Property": Real estate, buildings, structures, and personal property subject to our Services
• "Contractor Network": Licensed, independent contractors working with or recommended by the Company
• "Insurance Services": Claims assistance, public adjusting, and related insurance support services
• "Emergency Services": Urgent storm damage mitigation and temporary repair services

3. Our Services

3.1 Storm Damage Assessment

We provide comprehensive storm damage evaluation services, including:

• Professional property damage assessment through our storm damage evaluation services
• Documentation and photography of damage
• Repair cost estimates and scope of work development
• Structural integrity evaluations
• Insurance claim preparation and support

3.2 Insurance Claim Assistance

Our insurance services include:

• Claim filing assistance and documentation through our insurance claims services
• Communication with insurance companies and adjusters
• Public adjusting services (where licensed)
• Settlement negotiation and advocacy through our legal settlement support program
• Claims monitoring and follow-up

3.3 Contractor Network Services

We coordinate with licensed contractors to provide:

• Emergency storm damage mitigation
• Temporary repairs and tarping services
• Complete restoration and reconstruction
• Roofing, siding, and exterior repairs
• Water damage restoration

4. User Eligibility

4.1 General Requirements

To use our Services, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have legal authority to make decisions regarding the property
• Provide accurate and complete information
• Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

4.2 Property Requirements

Our Services are available for:

• Residential properties (single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses)
• Commercial properties (subject to additional terms)
• Properties located within our service areas
• Properties with valid insurance coverage (for insurance-related services)

5. User Accounts

5.1 Account Creation

Creating an account with us requires:

• Providing accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintaining and updating your information as necessary
• Choosing a secure password and protecting your login credentials
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use

5.2 Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• All activity that occurs under your account
• Maintaining the security of your account information
• Promptly notifying us of any security breaches
• Ensuring all information provided remains accurate and current

6. Service Terms and Conditions

6.1 Service Scheduling and Availability

• Services are subject to availability and weather conditions
• Emergency services are prioritized based on safety and severity
• We reserve the right to reschedule services due to circumstances beyond our control
• Cancellation policies apply as outlined in service agreements

6.2 Property Access

You agree to:

• Provide safe and reasonable access to your property
• Ensure all necessary permits and approvals are obtained
• Remove or secure personal belongings as requested
• Disclose any known hazards or safety concerns

6.3 Service Standards

We strive to provide professional services that meet industry standards. However:

• Results may vary based on property conditions and damage severity
• Unforeseen conditions may require additional work or costs
• We cannot guarantee specific outcomes or timelines
• Force majeure events may affect service delivery

7. Insurance Claims Services

7.1 Claims Assistance

Our insurance claims assistance includes:

• Damage documentation and assessment
• Claims preparation and filing support
• Communication with insurance companies
• Settlement negotiation and advocacy

7.2 Public Adjusting Services

Where we provide licensed public adjusting services:

• We act as your representative with the insurance company
• Fees are typically based on a percentage of the settlement
• You retain the right to communicate directly with your insurer
• We must comply with state licensing and regulatory requirements

7.3 Your Insurance Responsibilities

You remain responsible for:

• Paying insurance deductibles and any uncovered costs
• Complying with your insurance policy requirements
• Providing accurate information about the loss
• Cooperating with insurance company investigations

8. Contractor Network Services

8.1 Independent Contractors

Our contractor network consists of independent, licensed professionals. Important points:

• Contractors are independent businesses, not our employees
• Each contractor is responsible for their own work quality and warranties
• We facilitate connections but do not directly perform construction work
• Separate contracts may be required with individual contractors

8.2 Contractor Selection and Vetting

We maintain standards for our contractor network:

• Verification of proper licensing and insurance
• Background checks and reference verification
• Ongoing performance monitoring and customer feedback
• Removal of contractors who fail to meet standards

8.3 Work Quality and Warranties

• Individual contractors provide warranties on their work
• We are not responsible for contractor work quality or defects
• Disputes with contractors should be addressed directly with them
• We may assist in resolving disputes but cannot guarantee outcomes

9. Payment Terms and Fees

9.1 Service Fees

Our fee structure varies by service type:

• Assessment Services: Fixed fees or hourly rates as quoted
• Insurance Claims: Percentage of settlement or fixed fees
• Emergency Services: Flat rates or time and materials billing
• Consultation: Hourly rates or project-based fees

9.2 Payment Methods and Terms

• Payment due as specified in service agreements
• Accepted payment methods: check, credit card, bank transfer
• Late payments may incur additional fees and interest
• Collection costs may be added to delinquent accounts

9.3 Insurance Claim Fees

For insurance-related services:

• Fees are typically deducted from insurance settlements
• You remain responsible for fees even if claims are denied
• Fee agreements must be signed before services begin
• Refund policies vary by service type and circumstances

10. Liability Limitations and Warranties

10.1 Service Warranties

We provide limited warranties on our assessment and consultation services:

• Services will be performed with professional care and skill
• Assessments will be based on industry-standard practices
• We will use reasonable efforts to provide accurate information
• Warranties do not extend to contractor work or insurance outcomes

10.2 Disclaimer of Warranties

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED, WE PROVIDE SERVICES "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING:

• IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
• GUARANTEES OF SPECIFIC RESULTS OR OUTCOMES
• WARRANTIES REGARDING INSURANCE CLAIM SUCCESS
• WARRANTIES OF UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE SERVICE

10.3 Exclusions

We are not liable for:

• Acts of independent contractors in our network
• Insurance company decisions or claim denials
• Weather delays or force majeure events
• Pre-existing property conditions or hidden damage
• Consequential, indirect, or punitive damages

11. Intellectual Property Rights

11.1 Our Intellectual Property

We own all rights to:

• Website content, design, and functionality
• StormHelpLine.com trademarks and branding
• Assessment tools, forms, and methodologies
• Software, applications, and proprietary systems

11.2 User-Generated Content

By providing content to us (photos, damage descriptions, etc.), you grant us:

• Right to use content for service delivery purposes
• Right to share with contractors, insurers, and relevant parties
• Right to retain records for legal and business purposes
• Right to use anonymized content for training and improvement

11.3 Restrictions

You may not:

• Copy, modify, or distribute our proprietary content
• Reverse engineer our software or systems
• Use our trademarks without written permission
• Create derivative works based on our intellectual property

12. Privacy and Data Protection

12.1 Data Collection and Use

We collect and use your personal information as described in our Privacy Policy, including:

• Contact and property information
• Insurance policy and claim details
• Photos and documentation of damage
• Communication records and service history

12.2 Data Sharing

Your information may be shared with:

• Licensed contractors performing work
• Insurance companies and adjusters
• Public adjusters and legal representatives
• Emergency services and government agencies
• Service providers and technology vendors

12.3 Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information, but cannot guarantee absolute security. You acknowledge the inherent risks of data transmission and storage.

13. Termination

13.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your use of our Services at any time by:

• Providing written notice of cancellation
• Paying any outstanding fees or costs
• Complying with cancellation terms in service agreements

13.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate or suspend your access if:

• You violate these Terms or applicable laws
• You provide false or misleading information
• You fail to pay required fees
• We determine termination is necessary for legal or business reasons

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to use our Services ends immediately
• Outstanding fees remain due and payable
• We may retain your information as required by law
• Ongoing service agreements may continue as separate contracts

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Informal Resolution

Before formal legal action, we encourage resolving disputes through:

• Direct communication with our customer service team
• Good faith negotiations between the parties
• Mediation with a mutually acceptable mediator

14.2 Binding Arbitration

If informal resolution fails, disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration:

• Conducted under rules of the American Arbitration Association
• Single arbitrator chosen by mutual agreement or AAA appointment
• Location determined by arbitrator considering convenience to parties
• Each party bears their own costs unless otherwise awarded

14.3 Exceptions to Arbitration

The following disputes are exempt from arbitration:

• Claims for injunctive or equitable relief
• Disputes involving intellectual property rights
• Small claims court matters within jurisdictional limits
• Criminal matters or regulatory violations

14.4 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive the right to participate in class actions, collective actions, or representative proceedings.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the state where our principal place of business is located, without regard to conflict of law principles.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15.3 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, labor disputes, or other force majeure events.

15.4 Assignment

We may assign these Terms and our rights and obligations without your consent. You may not assign your rights without our written consent.

15.5 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any service-specific agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and us regarding the subject matter herein.

15.6 Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated through our website or email notifications. Continued use constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

15.7 Contact Information

Questions about these Terms should be directed to: