Insurance Claims

Filing an insurance claim for roof damage can feel overwhelming, especially after a storm or unexpected event. Understanding the process helps protect your home and ensures you get the coverage you’re entitled to. The process typically involves inspection, documentation, communication with your insurance company, and working with a qualified roofing contractor to complete repairs.

Overview

1. Assess the Damage

After a storm or suspected roof damage:

  • Safely check for visible signs like missing shingles, leaks, dents, or debris.

  • Avoid climbing the roof yourself—call a professional for a full inspection.

2. Schedule a Roof Inspection

Contact a licensed roofing contractor to perform a detailed inspection.

  • They will document all damage with photos and notes.

  • You’ll receive a report or estimate you can provide to your insurance company.

3. Review Your Insurance Policy

Before filing:

  • Check your deductible, coverage limits, and what’s included (e.g., hail, wind, fallen trees).

  • Make sure the damage qualifies under your policy.

4. File Your Insurance Claim

Contact your insurance provider and file the claim:

  • Provide the date of the damage.

  • Share any inspection reports or evidence collected.

  • The insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to evaluate the situation.

5. Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

  • Your roofing contractor can attend this inspection to advocate for you and ensure all damage is properly documented.

  • The adjuster will create a damage assessment report and submit it for approval.

6. Receive the Claim Decision

  • Your insurance provider will issue a claim decision and send a scope of loss.

  • If approved, you’ll receive a check for the actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV), depending on your policy.

7. Choose a Contractor & Begin Repairs

  • Select a reputable, licensed, and insured roofing contractor.

  • Use the claim funds to begin work—your contractor should work within the insurance budget.

  • After work is completed, a completion invoice may be sent to your insurance to release any remaining funds (like depreciation holdback if you have RCV coverage).

8. Final Inspection & Documentation

  • Once repairs are complete, perform a final walkthrough with your contractor.

  • Submit any final documents your insurer requires.

  • Keep copies of all paperwork for your records.

Quick Tips

  • Always work with a local, trusted roofer experienced in insurance claims.

  • Avoid storm chasers or door-to-door salespeople with no local presence.

  • Don’t delay—most policies have time limits on filing a claim after the damage occurs.

Claim Process

 FAQs

  • File a claim as soon as possible after you notice damage, especially after a storm. Most insurance policies have strict time limits, often ranging from 6 to 12 months.

  • Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover:

    • Storm damage (hail, wind, lightning)

    • Falling objects (tree limbs, debris)

    • Fire or vandalism

    • Water damage caused by a covered peril

    Wear and tear, age-related damage, or lack of maintenance are not covered.

  • You’ll typically pay a deductible, which varies by policy. Some areas also have percentage-based deductibles for wind or hail.

    • ACV (Actual Cash Value): Pays for the current value of your roof, factoring in depreciation.

    • RCV (Replacement Cost Value): Covers the full cost to replace your roof with similar materials, minus your deductible.

  • Not necessarily. One detailed inspection report from a reputable roofing contractor is usually enough. Your insurance adjuster will do their own assessment.

  • Your contractor can negotiate directly with your insurance adjuster to review the scope and get approval for any needed adjustments.

  • Yes! A qualified contractor can advocate on your behalf and help make sure all damage is properly identified and documented.