How to File a Roof Insurance Claim (Insider Steps Homeowners Miss)
GET A FREE INSPECTIONHow do I file a roof insurance claim after storm damage?
To file a roof insurance claim, document the damage, prevent further water intrusion, get a professional roof inspection report, and follow your insurer’s claim steps and timelines. A clear photo record and repair estimates help support a fair review, but claim outcomes depend on your policy and insurer decision.
If you suspect storm damage or hail damage or a sudden roof issue, the first goal is simple: protect the home and document what happened then follow a clean, organized claim process.
The first step after discovering storm roof damage. Call for the roof inspection. RoofClaim provide free storm damage roof inspection all over USA.
Should you call insurance company or a roofer first for roof damage? 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.
Step-by-step roof insurance claim process
Step 1) Safety first + stop active leaking
If water is entering the home, take temporary measures to reduce additional damage (buckets, tarps if needed, safe interior protection). If emergency help is required, prioritize that before paperwork.
Step 2) Document damage immediately
- exterior photos from the ground (and safe angles)
- interior water stains, ceiling bubbles, wet insulation evidence
- record date/time of storm and what you observed
Step 3) Get a professional inspection + report
Your current page already emphasizes contractor inspection before contacting the insurer.
A professional inspection helps:
- document roof condition with photos and measurements
- identify storm-related patterns vs aging/wear
- create a clear repair/replacement scope
Step 4) Review your policy and deductible
Your page notes deductibles and that some wind/hail exclusions may apply keep this clearly stated.
Step 5) File the claim with your insurer
Follow your insurer’s process; keep claim numbers, adjuster name, dates, and all communication logged.
Step 6) Prepare for the adjuster visit
Have:
- inspection report
- photo documentation
- repair/replacement estimate
- list of interior damage areas
Step 7) Understand supplements (when needed)
If additional damage is discovered later, ask about supplement procedures (without promising outcomes).
Why was my roof insurance claim denied?
5 Common reasons why roof claims get delayed or denied:
- filing late
- missing documentation
- damage caused by wear and tear or poor maintenance (often excluded)
- making permanent repairs before documentation
- unclear cause-of-loss info
Note: RoofClaim is not a licensed public adjuster in Florida and does not provide public adjuster services for insurance claims.
RoofClaim can help homeowners understand next steps and provide documentation, but does not guarantee claim approval.
Do you have a valid roof insurance claim?
Before filling stop and ask yourself, do I 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 roof damages are covered by homeowners insurance?
Many policies cover sudden, accidental damage like wind, hail, or falling objects, but coverage depends on your policy language.
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 roof damages are not covered by homeowners insurance?
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.
What happen 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:
- 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.
- Your roofing contractor will schedule the work and order the materials. Pre-project materials will be delivered to your home.
- 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.
- 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.
File Roof Insurance Insider Info
1. How do I properly file a roof insurance claim?
Start by contacting RoofClaim for a professional roof inspection. We’ll document storm damage with photos, measurements, and weather data. This detailed report gives your insurance company everything they need to approve your claim quickly.
2. What types of roof damage are covered by insurance?
Insurance usually covers sudden, accidental damage — such as from wind, hail, debris, or falling trees. It typically doesn’t cover normal aging or lack of maintenance.
3. How soon should I file after a storm?
File as soon as possible. Most insurance providers require claims to be submitted within 6–12 months of the event, and faster filing increases your chances of full approval.
4. What if the adjuster underestimates my damage?
RoofClaim® can meet your adjuster on-site, present additional evidence, and file a supplemental claim if their initial report misses damage. Our team ensures nothing gets overlooked.
5. Do I need multiple estimates for my insurance claim?
Not necessarily. RoofClaim® provides one comprehensive estimate that includes photos, measurements, and code-compliant pricing accepted by major insurers.
6. How much will my deductible be?
Most homeowners pay between 1–2% of their home’s insured value. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000, your deductible might be $3,000–$6,000.
7. Can my premiums increase after filing a roof claim?
It depends on your insurer and region. Many policies won’t penalize you for weather-related claims since those are considered “acts of nature.”
8. What documents do I need when filing?
You’ll need your inspection report, photos of damage, weather reports if available, and the estimate from your contractor. RoofClaim prepares these for you at no cost.
9. Should I repair my roof before filing the claim?
Avoid full repairs before the adjuster visit. Temporary emergency tarping is fine to prevent further damage, but permanent fixes should wait until your claim is approved.
10. How does RoofClaim simplify the insurance process?
We manage every step — inspection, documentation, adjuster communication, claim submission, and roof replacement. You focus on your home while we handle the paperwork and construction.
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.
