6 Steps To Navigating The Roofing Insurance Claim Process

After a heavy storm has passed through town, it’s time to see how your roof fared in all the wind, rain, sleet, and snow. While we all hope there’s been no damage, it’s important to check so you can take the necessary steps to keep your roof in good shape.

One of these steps is the roofing insurance claim, which leads to your insurance reimbursement. While the roofing insurance claim is an important step, we can’t arrive at it and complete it successfully without working through the whole roofing insurance claim process.

To help you do so – and get you the proper reimbursement for your next roofing project – we’re outlining the six fundamental steps below.

6 Steps To Navigate The Roofing Insurance Claim Process

1. Inspect Your Roof for Storm Damage

After a storm, you should inspect your roof for any signs of damage. 

Look for missing or broken shingles, cracks or dents in metal roofing, or any other signs of damage. It's also a good idea to check your attic for leaks or water damage.

Don’t forget to:

• Take photos or videos of the damage as evidence for your insurance claim.
• Be sure to inspect the roof from the ground and use binoculars if necessary to spot any damage.

1. Contact Your Professional Roofers For Official Inspection

While it's helpful for you to inspect your roof for damage after a storm, it's also a good idea to have a professional roofing company conduct a thorough inspection. 

A professional will have the expertise to identify any damage that you may have missed and provide an estimate for repairs.

A professional roofing company will provide a comprehensive assessment of the damage and an accurate estimate for repairs. They can also advise you on whether the damage can be repaired, if it's necessary to even submit a claim, or if a full replacement is necessary.

Don’t forget to:

• Ask for references and check online reviews to ensure the company has a good reputation.
• Get a written estimate from the company that includes the cost of materials and labor.
• Keep a copy of the estimate for your records and to provide to your insurance company.
  
  

1. Contact Your Insurance Company

If you and your roofers agree that the damage is substantial, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. 

Be prepared to provide details about the damage, including the date and time of the storm, the location and extent of the damage, and any other relevant information.

Don’t forget to:

• Review your insurance policy to ensure you understand your coverage and deductible.
• Ask your insurance company about any deadlines for filing a claim.
  
  

1. Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

Once you've filed a claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and assess the cost of repairs or replacement. 

Be sure to point out any damage that you've found during your inspection.

Don’t forget to:

• Ask the adjuster for a detailed report of their assessment and keep a copy for your records.
• If you disagree with the adjuster's assessment, you can request a second inspection or hire a public adjuster to represent you.
  
  

1. Supplement The Claim, If Necessary

The insurance adjuster may not have covered every little detail necessary to restore the roof back to pristine condition. 

Sometimes adjusters can miss flashings, valley metal, and steep charges, among other items. 

Supplementing a project is the process of filling in these gaps by providing evidence and working with the insurance company to get the rest of the money required to fund the project.

Don’t forget to:

• Reach out to US Home Supplements to see how we can help support your insurance restoration pipeline
  
  

1. Complete the Repairs

Once you've received approval from your insurance company, you can begin the repair process. 

Be sure to keep all receipts and documentation related to the repairs, including any supplements that may be needed.

Don’t forget to:

• Keep a log of all communications with your insurance company and contractors.
• Before paying the contractor, ensure all repairs are complete and to your satisfaction.

What To Do If A Roofing Supplement Is Needed

While roofing supplements are not always a part of the roofing insurance claim process, it is important to be prepared. 

Here are a few more ideas to keep in mind: 

• How Roofing Supplements Work - A supplement is an additional payment from your insurance company that covers additional repairs or materials not included in the original estimate.
• Additional Estimates - If you receive a supplement, be sure to get an estimate from your roofing contractor that includes the additional repairs or materials.
• Supplement First, Repair Second - Make sure to submit the supplement estimate to your insurance company for approval before proceeding with any additional repairs.
• Document, Document, Document - Keep all documentation related to the supplement, including receipts and invoices for materials and labor.

Work With US Home Supplement On Your Next Roofing Insurance Claim

We hope this has been a useful primer on navigating the roofing insurance claim process. If you get to step 5 and need support supplementing your roofing claim, US Home Supplements has the experience and the expertise to guide you.

We’ve worked with hundreds of contractors on thousands of projects, and we’re for you. Get in touch with the US Home Supplements team today to get started.