Filing a Roof Damage Insurance Claim

Step 1: Assess and Temporarily Protect the Damage

After a storm or other event, your first obligation under most policies is to prevent further damage. This means:

• Installing tarps over damaged areas to prevent additional water intrusion
• Covering broken skylights or damaged vents temporarily
• Keeping all receipts for emergency protective measures — most policies reimburse these costs

Do not make permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects. Doing so may give the insurer grounds to reduce or deny your claim.

Step 2: Document Everything Before Touching It

Before any cleanup or protective work, photograph and video every affected area. Good documentation is the foundation of a successful claim:

• Shoot wide-angle photos showing the overall damage area, then close-ups of individual damaged shingles, dents, missing pieces, and water staining
• Photograph interior damage — ceiling stains, wet insulation, damaged drywall
• Note the date and time on your photos or use your phone\'s location-tagged metadata
• Save all weather reports, NOAA storm data, or local news coverage confirming the storm event
• Make a written inventory of damaged property if any interior contents were affected

See our full guide: How to Document Storm Damage for a Roof Claim

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

File your claim as soon as possible. Most policies have a "prompt notice" requirement, and delays can complicate your claim:

• Call your insurer\'s claims hotline or file online through their portal
• Have your policy number ready
• Write down the claim number, adjuster\'s name, and expected inspection timeline
• Ask specifically what documentation they need and what the deadlines are

Step 4: Get a Contractor Estimate Before the Adjuster Visit

Having an independent contractor estimate before the adjuster arrives puts you in a much stronger position. A licensed roofer can:

• Identify damage that may not be visible from ground level
• Document items adjusters frequently miss — underlayment, flashing, gutters, ventilation components
• Provide a line-item estimate that matches industry pricing rather than adjuster software rates
• Be present during the adjuster\'s inspection to point out all damage

Step 5: The Adjuster Visit

The adjuster works for your insurance company. Their job is to document damage, but also to manage the company\'s exposure. Be prepared:

• Be present during the inspection — do not let them inspect without you or your contractor
• Walk the roof with them (or have your contractor do so) to point out every area of damage
• Do not agree to a scope of loss on the spot — review it carefully
• If the adjuster misses items, document this in writing and submit a supplemental claim

Step 6: Review the Claim Settlement

After the inspection, you\'ll receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) or claim settlement letter. Review it carefully:

• Compare the insurer\'s scope of loss against your contractor\'s estimate line by line
• Note any items included in your contractor\'s estimate but missing from the settlement
• Understand whether you have ACV or replacement cost coverage — this significantly affects the payout
• If you disagree with the settlement, request a re-inspection or file a supplemental claim

Step 7: Completing the Repair and Recovering Holdback

If you have replacement cost coverage, you typically receive an initial ACV payment upfront. The remaining "recoverable depreciation" (holdback) is paid after the work is complete:

• Get your contractor to complete the repairs and provide a final invoice
• Submit the invoice to your insurer to release the holdback payment
• Most policies require repairs to be completed within a specific window (often 180-365 days)

Find a Roofer to Help With Your Insurance Claim

An experienced local roofer can document damage, attend the adjuster inspection, and help you get a fair settlement:

• Lexington, KY — Roof Repair
• Nashville, TN — Roof Repair
• Memphis, TN — Roof Repair

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