What Is a Roofing Insurance Claim?
A roofing insurance claim is a formal request submitted to your homeowner’s insurance company asking for coverage and compensation for roof damage caused by a covered peril. These perils typically include hail, wind, fire, falling objects, and other sudden, accidental events outlined in your insurance policy.
Filing a claim initiates a process where your insurance company investigates the damage, determines coverage, and calculates what they’ll pay toward repairs or replacement. Understanding this process helps you navigate it effectively and ensures you receive fair compensation for legitimate damage.
When to File a Roof Claim
Covered Events
Most homeowner’s policies cover roof damage from:
Storm damage:
- Hail impact causing shingle bruising or punctures
- Wind damage (typically winds over 50-60 mph)
- Tornado or hurricane damage
- Lightning strikes
Sudden accidents:
- Fallen trees or large branches
- Fire or smoke damage
- Aircraft or vehicle impact
- Vandalism or malicious acts
Related damage:
- Ice dam formation causing water infiltration
- Weight of snow or ice causing structural damage
- Water damage from covered roof failures
When NOT to File a Claim
Understanding when not to file saves you from potential rate increases and claim denials:
Normal wear and tear: Gradual aging, weathering, and deterioration aren’t covered. Insurance protects against sudden, accidental damage, not maintenance issues.
Pre-existing damage: Damage that existed before your policy began or before the claim event won’t be covered.
Damage below your deductible: If repairs cost less than your deductible (commonly $1,000-$5,000), paying out of pocket makes more financial sense.
Maintenance issues: Leaks from poor installation, inadequate ventilation, or neglected repairs are your responsibility.
Cosmetic damage: Some policies exclude purely cosmetic issues that don’t affect roof function (check your policy’s cosmetic damage clause).
The Claim Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Document the Damage
Immediate actions after discovering damage:
Take photographs and videos: Capture damage from multiple angles, including:
- Close-ups of damaged shingles, flashing, or vents
- Wide shots showing the extent of damage
- Interior damage (water stains, ceiling damage)
- Damaged gutters, siding, or other property elements
Note the date and conditions: Document when you discovered damage and any weather events that likely caused it.
Make temporary repairs: Your policy requires you to prevent further damage. Tarp obvious leaks or openings, but avoid permanent repairs before the adjuster’s inspection.
Collect evidence: Save damaged shingles, take photos of hail on the ground, and note any witnesses to the storm event.
Step 2: Review Your Insurance Policy
Before filing, understand your coverage:
Deductible amount: How much you’ll pay out of pocket before insurance coverage begins.
Coverage type:
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Pays full replacement cost without depreciation
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): Pays replacement cost minus depreciation
- Stated Value: Pays a predetermined amount
Coverage limits: Maximum amounts your policy will pay for roof damage.
Exclusions: Specific types of damage or circumstances not covered.
Claim filing deadlines: Time limits for reporting damage (often within one year of the event).
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the claim promptly:
Gather necessary information:
- Policy number
- Date and time of damage
- Description of what happened
- Contact information
Call your agent or insurer’s claims hotline: Provide initial details and ask about the next steps.
Request clarification: Ask about your deductible, coverage type, timeline expectations, and what documentation they’ll need.
Get a claim number: Keep this number handy for all future communications.
Step 4: Schedule an Adjuster Inspection
The insurance company assigns an adjuster to inspect your damage:
Prepare for the inspection:
- Be present if possible
- Have your documentation ready (photos, videos, contractor estimates)
- Consider having your roofing contractor present
- Prepare a list of questions
During the inspection:
- Point out all areas of concern
- Ask the adjuster to explain their findings
- Request access to the roof surface (not just ground or ladder inspection)
- Take notes on what the adjuster examines and their comments
After the inspection:
- Request a copy of the adjuster’s report and estimate
- Understand the timeline for receiving their determination
- Ask how you’ll receive payment if the claim is approved
Step 5: Get an Independent Assessment
Hire a qualified roofing contractor:
Having your own professional assessment protects your interests:
Compare estimates: Your contractor’s assessment may reveal damage the adjuster missed.
Technical expertise: Contractors understand roofing systems better than most adjusters and can identify hidden damage.
Documentation support: Professional contractors provide detailed reports that support your claim.
Negotiation assistance: Many contractors will communicate directly with adjusters about discrepancies.
Step 6: Review the Settlement Offer
Once the adjuster completes their evaluation:
Examine the estimate carefully:
- Does it include all damaged areas?
- Are material costs accurate for your market?
- Is the scope of work complete?
- Does it account for code upgrades if required?
Compare with your contractor’s estimate: Significant differences warrant discussion with your adjuster.
Check depreciation calculations: If you have ACV coverage, verify the depreciation is calculated correctly.
Understand payment structure:
- Initial payment (often ACV amount minus deductible)
- Recoverable depreciation (paid after work completion with RCV policies)
- Withheld amounts for mortgage company (if applicable)
Step 7: Negotiate if Necessary
If the settlement seems inadequate:
Request a supplement: Submit additional documentation showing damage or costs the adjuster missed.
Provide contractor expertise: Have your contractor explain technical issues or code requirements.
Request a re-inspection: If significant damage was overlooked, a second inspection may be warranted.
Consider a public adjuster: For complex or disputed claims, hiring a public adjuster (who works for you) may increase your settlement.
Understand the appeals process: Your policy outlines how to formally dispute claim decisions.
Step 8: Complete the Repairs
Once you accept the settlement:
Choose your contractor carefully: You’re not required to use any contractor the insurance company suggests.
Get everything in writing: Contracts should specify scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and warranties.
Coordinate with your mortgage company: If your lender is named on the settlement check, they’ll need to endorse it.
Document the work: Take photos before, during, and after repairs.
Submit final documentation: Provide completion certificates, final invoices, and photos to receive any withheld depreciation or recoverable amounts.
Common Claim Mistakes to Avoid
Delaying the Claim
Why it hurts: Insurance companies may deny claims filed long after the damage-causing event, arguing you can’t prove when damage occurred.
Best practice: File within 30-60 days of known storm events, even if you’re still assessing the full extent of damage.
Making Permanent Repairs Too Soon
Why it hurts: Fixing damage before the adjuster inspects prevents them from seeing the original condition, potentially reducing your settlement.
Best practice: Make only temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Document everything before making permanent fixes.
Accepting the First Offer Without Question
Why it hurts: Initial estimates are often conservative and may miss hidden damage or undervalue work.
Best practice: Have a qualified contractor review any settlement offer before accepting it.
Not Reading Your Policy
Why it hurts: Misunderstanding your coverage can lead to surprises about deductibles, depreciation, or exclusions.
Best practice: Review your policy before filing and ask your agent to explain anything unclear.
Inadequate Documentation
Why it hurts: Without proper evidence, adjusters may dispute damage or attribute it to normal wear.
Best practice: Over-document rather than under-document. Photos, videos, and professional assessments strengthen your claim.
Signing a Contract Too Quickly
Why it hurts: Some contractors pressure homeowners to sign before the claim is approved, potentially committing you to unfavorable terms.
Best practice: Wait until your claim is settled to sign contracts, and never sign agreements that waive your right to dispute the contractor’s work.
Overlooking Matching Requirements
Why it hurts: If your damaged roof section can’t be matched with existing materials, you may need larger repairs than initially estimated.
Best practice: Address matching issues early and document if replacements require more extensive work.
Understanding Claim Denials
Insurance companies may deny claims for several reasons:
Common Denial Reasons
Insufficient damage: The adjuster determines damage doesn’t meet the threshold for coverage.
Pre-existing conditions: Damage existed before the policy period or the claimed event.
Wear and tear: Damage resulted from age and deterioration, not a covered peril.
Improper maintenance: Neglected maintenance contributed to or caused the damage.
Policy exclusions: The damage type is specifically excluded in your policy.
Late reporting: You filed the claim outside the allowed time frame.
Uncovered peril: The cause of damage isn’t included in your covered perils.
Appealing a Denial
If your claim is denied:
Request a detailed explanation: Get the denial in writing with specific policy language cited.
Gather additional evidence: Professional assessments, photos, weather reports, or expert opinions may counter the denial.
File a formal appeal: Follow your policy’s appeals process exactly as outlined.
Consider professional help: Public adjusters or attorneys specializing in insurance claims can assist with complex denials.
Contact your state’s insurance department: If you believe the denial is unfair, your state insurance regulator can investigate.
Types of Claim Settlements
Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
What it means: Insurance pays the full cost to replace damaged materials with new equivalents, without deducting for depreciation.
How it works:
- Initial payment: ACV (RCV minus depreciation and deductible)
- Final payment: Recoverable depreciation paid after repairs are completed
- You must complete repairs to receive full RCV
Advantages: Full replacement without out-of-pocket costs beyond your deductible.
Requirements: You typically must complete repairs within a specified timeframe (often 180-365 days).
Actual Cash Value (ACV)
What it means: Insurance pays replacement cost minus depreciation based on the roof’s age and condition.
How it works:
- Single payment: Current value of damaged materials minus deductible
- No additional payments after repairs
Disadvantages: You’ll likely pay more out of pocket since depreciation can significantly reduce payouts on older roofs.
Example: A 15-year-old roof with a 25-year lifespan might be depreciated by 60%, meaning a $10,000 replacement gets valued at $4,000 (minus your deductible).
Stated Value / Agreed Value
What it means: You and the insurer agree on the roof’s value when purchasing the policy.
How it works: If damage occurs, the insurer pays the agreed-upon amount without arguing about depreciation or replacement costs.
Rarity: Less common for residential roofs, more typical for commercial or specialty properties.
Special Claim Situations
Total Loss vs. Partial Repair
Partial repair: Damage is limited to specific sections, and the rest of the roof remains serviceable.
Total loss: Damage is widespread enough that full replacement is necessary or cost-effective.
Challenges: Insurance companies prefer partial repairs; contractors and homeowners often advocate for total replacement when damage is extensive. Code requirements, matching issues, and warranty considerations support total replacement arguments.
Matching and Code Upgrades
Matching problems: If your shingle style or color is discontinued, insurance may need to cover larger sections to achieve uniform appearance.
Code upgrades: If current building codes require improvements beyond simple replacement (enhanced ventilation, upgraded decking, etc.), some policies cover these “ordinance or law” costs. Check if your policy includes this coverage.
Multiple Claims on the Same Roof
Concurrent damage: If a second storm damages your roof before you’ve repaired the first claim, file a new claim for the additional damage.
Sequential claims: Document that new damage is distinct from previous claims to avoid disputes.
Impact on rates: Multiple claims may affect your premiums or even your ability to maintain coverage, so weigh the benefits of filing against potential consequences.
Working with Contractors During Claims
Choosing the Right Contractor
Red flags to avoid:
- “We’ll waive your deductible” (insurance fraud)
- Requiring full payment upfront
- Pressure to sign immediately
- No local references or physical address
- Offering to act as a public adjuster without proper licensing
Green flags to seek:
- Licensed and insured
- Established local presence
- Willing to work with your insurance company
- Provides detailed written estimates
- Offers references from recent projects
- Explains the process without pressure
Contractor’s Role in the Claim
Legitimate services contractors provide:
- Initial damage assessment
- Detailed written estimates
- Attendance at adjuster inspections
- Communication with adjusters about technical issues
- Supplement preparation for missed damage
- Expert documentation and photography
What contractors should NOT do:
- Guarantee claim approval (only the insurance company decides)
- Offer to “handle” your claim entirely (unless they’re licensed public adjusters)
- Waive your deductible or inflate claims
- Pressure you to assign insurance proceeds to them
- Begin work before claim approval
Claim Timeline Expectations
Understanding typical timelines helps manage expectations:
Claim filing to adjuster assignment: 1-7 days (longer during catastrophic events)
Adjuster inspection scheduling: 3-14 days (CAT events can extend this to weeks)
Adjuster report and initial determination: 5-15 days after inspection
Settlement offer delivery: 7-30 days after determination
Supplement requests: Add 7-21 days for review
Payment processing: 5-10 days after acceptance
Total timeline (straightforward claims): 3-8 weeks from filing to payment
Complex or disputed claims: Can extend to 3-6 months or longer
Note: Catastrophic events (hurricanes, widespread hail) create backlogs that can extend every stage of this timeline significantly.
Financial Considerations
Deductibles
Flat amount: You pay a specific dollar amount (e.g., $1,000, $2,500) regardless of claim size.
Percentage: You pay a percentage of your dwelling coverage (e.g., 1%, 2%), which can be substantial on high-value homes.
Wind/hail deductibles: Some policies have separate, higher deductibles for wind or hail damage (often 1-5% of dwelling coverage).
Best practice: Know your deductible before filing. Claims just above your deductible may not be worth filing due to potential rate increases.
Payment Distribution
Mortgage holder endorsement: If you have a mortgage, your lender may be named on settlement checks and require endorsement before you can access funds.
Initial vs. final payment: RCV policies often pay a portion upfront and the remainder after completion.
Depreciation holdback: The difference between ACV and RCV is held until you prove repairs are complete.
Contractor payment: Never pay your contractor more than you’ve received from insurance unless you’ve agreed to cover additional costs out of pocket.
After the Claim Is Settled
Completing Repairs
Timeline requirements: Most RCV policies require repairs within 180-365 days to receive recoverable depreciation.
Quality standards: Ensure all work meets manufacturer specifications and local building codes.
Warranty documentation: Keep copies of material and workmanship warranties.
Final inspection: Many jurisdictions require permits and final inspections for roof replacements.
Closing Out the Claim
Submit completion documentation:
- Final invoice marked “paid in full”
- Completion certificates
- Photos of completed work
- Permit sign-offs (if applicable)
Request recoverable depreciation: If you have RCV coverage, submit your documentation to receive the withheld depreciation.
Update your insurance: Inform your insurer about the new roof, which may qualify you for discounts (especially if you installed impact-resistant materials).
Keep records: Maintain all claim documentation, contracts, warranties, and receipts indefinitely.
Claim Impact on Future Coverage
Rate Increases
Claim frequency: Multiple claims within 3-7 years can significantly increase premiums or lead to non-renewal.
Claim severity: Large claims impact rates more than small ones.
Catastrophic vs. individual events: Some insurers treat widespread catastrophic events (hurricanes, wildfires) differently than individual property claims.
State regulations: Some states limit how much insurers can increase rates after weather-related claims.
Insurability Concerns
CLUE reports: The Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange tracks your claim history and is reviewed by insurers when you apply for coverage.
Multiple claims: Too many claims can make it difficult to find coverage or force you into higher-cost assigned risk pools.
Roof age: After a claim, insurers may scrutinize roof age more carefully at renewal, potentially requiring replacement before renewing coverage.
Related Roofing Terms
- Adjuster: Insurance professional who evaluates your claim and determines coverage
- Bruising (Shingle): Impact damage from hail that’s often the basis for claims
- Depreciation: Reduction in value based on age and condition
- RCV vs. ACV: Different methods of calculating claim settlements
- Deductible: Amount you pay before insurance coverage begins
- Supplement: Additional claim for damage discovered after initial inspection
- Public Adjuster: Licensed professional who represents policyholders in claims
Professional Claim Assistance
Navigating insurance claims can be overwhelming, especially when adjusters undervalue damage or deny legitimate claims. As professional roof consultants, we provide:
- Free post-storm damage assessments
- Detailed documentation to support your claim
- Adjuster inspection attendance and advocacy
- Supplement preparation for missed damage
- Expert technical explanations of roofing issues
- Guidance through the entire claims process
Need help with a roof insurance claim? Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll assess your damage, review your policy, and ensure you receive fair compensation for legitimate storm damage.
Last Updated:11/20/2025
