Quick answer
To file a roof insurance claim, document the damage with photos, have a roofer inspect and confirm storm damage, then report the claim to your insurer promptly. An adjuster will inspect the roof and write an estimate. Review it against your roofer’s findings, ask for a supplement if items were missed, complete the work, and submit final invoices to collect any held-back payment.
Key takeaways
- Get a roof inspection before you file, so you know whether the damage is likely to be covered.
- Report damage promptly. Policies set deadlines, and older damage is harder to tie to a specific storm.
- Have your roofer at the adjuster meeting so all of the damage gets documented.
- Insurance checks are often split into payments and may be made out to your mortgage company too.
Filing a roof claim isn’t complicated, but a few steps make a big difference in how smoothly it goes and whether all of the damage gets covered. This is general guidance, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy and your insurer’s process come first.
Step 1: Make sure the roof is safe and protected
If water is coming in, stop it first. Move belongings, catch drips, and have the roof tarped if needed. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, and the cost of emergency tarping is often covered. See emergency roof repair: when to call a professional.
Step 2: Document what you can see
Before anything is cleaned up or repaired:
- Write down the date and time of the storm
- Take photos and video of damage you can see from the ground: missing shingles, dents in gutters and vents, fallen limbs
- Photograph interior damage, such as stains, wet insulation, or damaged belongings
- Keep receipts for anything you spend to protect the home
Don’t climb onto the roof yourself. Leave that to a roofer.
Step 3: Get a professional roof inspection
Have a roofer inspect the roof before you file. A good inspection tells you whether the damage looks storm-related, how widespread it is, and roughly what repairs will involve. That helps you avoid filing a claim that’s likely to be denied or that falls under your deductible. Learn how to tell if your roof has hail damage and what a roof inspection includes.
Step 4: Check your policy
Pull up your declarations page and look for:
- Your deductible, including any separate wind/hail deductible, which may be a percentage of your dwelling coverage
- Replacement cost (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV) coverage for the roof
- Any cosmetic damage exclusions, especially for metal roofs
- Reporting deadlines for storm damage
Our article on whether insurance covers roof damage explains these terms.
Step 5: File the claim
Contact your insurance company or agent by phone, app, or website. Give them the date of loss, a short description of what happened, and your photos. Write down your claim number and the name of anyone you speak with. Keep all communication in one place.
Step 6: Meet the adjuster
The insurer will send an adjuster to inspect the roof. This is the most important step.
- Have your roofer there. They can walk the roof with the adjuster and point out damage that’s easy to miss, like hail hits on every slope, damaged vents and flashing, and soft metal dents.
- Ask questions. Find out what the adjuster is seeing and when you’ll get the estimate.
- Don’t sign anything you don’t understand.
Step 7: Review the adjuster’s estimate
You’ll receive an estimate, often called the scope of loss. Compare it line by line with your roofer’s findings. Common missed items include:
- Drip edge, starter shingles, and ridge caps
- Pipe boots, vents, and flashing
- Replacement decking
- Code-required items
- Gutters, screens, or siding damaged in the same storm
If items are missing, your roofer can submit a supplement with photos and measurements. If the claim is denied or the estimate seems far too low, you can ask for a re-inspection or review your policy’s appraisal process.
Step 8: Get paid and complete the work
On a replacement cost policy, insurers usually pay in two parts:
- An initial payment, the actual cash value minus your deductible
- The recoverable depreciation, released after the work is done and you send the final invoice
If you have a mortgage, the check may be made out to both you and your lender. Call your lender early to learn their endorsement process.
Your deductible is your responsibility. Be wary of any contractor who offers to cover or waive it.
Get help with your roof claim
Boxwood provides free roof inspections and insurance claim assistance for homeowners in Hartselle, Decatur, and across Morgan County. We document the damage with photos, meet your adjuster on site, and help make sure nothing is missed before the work begins.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a roof insurance claim take?
It varies. A straightforward claim can move from inspection to approval in a few weeks. Claims after a widespread storm, or ones that need a supplement or re-inspection, can take longer. Responding quickly to your insurer’s requests helps.
Why is my insurance check made out to my mortgage company too?
If you have a mortgage, the lender usually has a financial interest in the home, so insurers often list them on the check. You’ll need to work with the lender to endorse or release the funds. Call them early, because each lender has its own process.
What is a supplement on a roof claim?
A supplement is a request to add items the original estimate missed, such as drip edge, extra decking, code-required items, or damage found once the old roof was removed. Your roofer documents the items and submits them to the insurer for review.
Do I have to use the roofer my insurance company recommends?
Generally, no. You can usually choose your own licensed contractor. Check your policy and ask your insurer if you’re unsure.
About the author
Jon Berry owns Boxwood Roofing & Restoration, a licensed, family-owned roofing contractor in Hartselle, AL, serving Morgan County homeowners since 2017.
