How to File a Roof Insurance Claim: Insider Info

Have you noticed damage to your roof? Do you have a roof leak? Your first instinct should be to call a reputable roofing company to do a proper inspection and prepare a claim. Here's how to file an insurance claim the right way.

Before you contact your insurance company or schedule roof repairs or a replacement, there are steps you need to take to ensure you get the most out of your insurance claim quickly. We’ve outlined the steps you need to take from start to finish.       

First, do you have a valid roof insurance claim?

If your roof or home is currently covered by an existing policy, then you need to understand how much protection it gives you. In other words, you need to know what your insurance covers and what it does not. 

What’s covered by your insurance?

If you are a homeowner, there are many insurance policies for you to choose from. Most insurance providers will cover the cost of roof repairs or replacement as long as the damage was caused by an event out of your control.

Below is a list of what most insurers will cover:

• Fire
• Hail Damage
• Wind
• Vandalism
• Lightning strikes
• Falling objects
• “Acts of God”  

Remember, your roof insurance may require a deductible before it will help pay for roof repairs or roof replacement. Read your policy to find your deductible and coverage limits. Also, wind and hail damage may be excluded from some homeowners insurance policies, so double check that as well.

If you’re unsure about your coverage, but you know you have a roof problem, you can schedule a free inspection and we’ll help you determine your coverage once we understand the extent of the damage.

What’s not covered?

While most home insurance policies will cover the repair or replacement of roofs damaged by nature, there are a few cases where you will have to pay out of your own pocket. Depending on the policy or provider that you got, your roof may not be covered under the following circumstances:

• Your roof is too old
• The damage to the roof was caused by poor maintenance 
• The damage was intentional or accidental but caused by the homeowner

Homeowners in areas where there is more risk for severe weather events often have to pay for higher deductibles before the policy kicks in. In some cases, they have to buy a separate policy, such as a windstorm or hurricane insurance.

Before you file a roof insurance claim

Let’s say you're concerned your roof might be damaged. Here are some things you should be aware of before you think about filing a roof insurance claim for the damage to your property.

Choose a trusted roofing contractor to do an inspection

It’s beneficial to have a roofing contractor do a professional inspection on your roof prior to contacting your insurance company. 

As roofing contractors, we’re able to document the extent of the damage and make sure all bases are covered prior to a claim being filed. This gives you the best possible chance of your claim being accepted and paid out.

Additionally, when you hire a roofing company who are committed to consumer advocacy, like RoofClaim, you’ll have an expert consultant on your side throughout the claims process. 

Homeowners tend to have much better success with their claims when they have an expert on their side.  

Find out your deductible

Deductibles are the amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket for repairs before your insurance company covers the rest of the cost. In some states, insurers can charge a higher deductible for hurricane-related wind and hail damage than they would otherwise. 

Get a copy of your policy and scan through it until you locate the section about deductibles. Or, if you have an insurance agent, you can contact them. You can also contact the customer service line for your insurance company and give them your details so they can access your policy.

Just make sure you don’t file a claim until you’ve consulted with your roofing contractor.

Steps to filing a roof insurance claim

Your claim will impact your chances of being approved by your insurance company. However, filing it can be complicated and time-consuming. To make your life easier, we have outlined the process step by step. 

1. Get damage assessed immediately when you notice it or immediately after an inclement weather event

The best time to act is immediately after a storm or severe weather event. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will get and waiting too long will reduce your chances of getting approved once you decide to submit a claim. 

We do not recommend that you attempt to do the roof inspection yourself. Your best option is to schedule a free roof inspection with roofclaim.com so we can come out and thoroughly assess any damage with an expert lens.    

2. Ensure proper documentation

The success or failure of your claim will depend largely on how well you record the damages on your roof. This is another reason why it is best to trust professionals. 

At roofclaim.com, we provide the necessary documentation that will put your claim in the best position to succeed. If you end up using someone else for your roof inspection, make sure they’ve created thorough documentation, else your insurance company is less likely to accept your claim.

3. File your roof insurance claim

Once everything is in order, you can file your claim. At RoofClaim we’ll serve as an advocate for you throughout the process to make sure you get the best possible outcome. Our convenient homeowner login site helps make this process as easy and painless as possible. 

4. Prepare to meet with the insurance adjuster

Your insurance company will send out an adjuster to assess the damage to your roof. No matter how well documented the damage is in your claim, they’ll want to see it for themselves and verify that everything is as claimed.

If you choose roofclaim.com as your roofing contractor, we’re happy to be present when you’re meeting with the insurance adjuster. This way, if you have any questions, there’s something you don’t understand, or there’s something the adjuster objects to, we can step in and help.

In any case, make sure you record the adjuster's name, the date and time of the visit, and the claim number.

After your roof insurance claim is filed

In the case of a natural disaster, claim processing times vary depending on how quickly you file your claim, how severe the damage is, and when an adjuster is available to assess it. After the claim is settled, it can take 30-60 days to receive the claim check, though some states require it to be received within 30 days.

Below is the sequence of what happens after your roof claim is filed:

1. The insurance company approves a roof repair after an adjuster inspects your property. Your contractor works with the insurance company to ensure everyone is on the same page.

2. Your roofing contractor will schedule the work and order the materials. Pre-project materials will be delivered to your home.

3. If you have a mortgage on your home, the insurance company will typically pay both you and the lender. Mortgage lenders are entitled to insurance checks. They do this to ensure the property is adequately repaired. After all, your mortgage company owns your home. The mortgage company or bank must endorse the check. Lenders usually escrow the funds and pay for the repairs as they are completed.

4. Invoice your insurer for any additional funds owed for work completed on your behalf. You will receive these funds from your insurer and pay them to your contractor.

Final thoughts on filing a roof insurance claim

To maximize the potential and benefits of your claim, you need a solid partner who looks out for our best interests. In other words, you need a consumer advocate. This is where we come in. 

At Roofclaim, we are with you every step of the way from start to finish as you navigate the complex process of recovering from roof damage. There's no guesswork when you choose us – we have a stellar reputation and an industry-leading guarantee. Schedule a free roof inspection today to explore your options.