On a nice August day in Bismarck, a call to a roofing company will likely result in a conversation with an answering machine. The roofers are not in the office. They are on roofs, repairing damage caused by the hailstorm that swept through Bismarck and Mandan on July 21.

That storm left a lot of homeowners with damaged roofs and headaches. Dealing with insurance companies and contractors can be stressful, and results often do not come as quickly as homeowners would like.

Officials say communication is the best way to avoid problems with insurance companies and contractors.

"It's a good idea to be present at the time of the adjustment," said Lori O'Brien, a licensed claims representative with American Family Insurance of Bismarck. "That way, everyone stays on the same page and the lines of communication stay open."

O'Brien said calls from people making claims have slowed down significantly.

"We get one or two calls now and then, but most homeowners have already been in touch with their adjusters," she said. Many have already received payment for damage.

State Insurance Commissioner