Roof Insurance Claim Assistance
A roof insurance claim can feel overwhelming, especially right after a storm. This guide walks you through how the process usually works, what the terms on your estimate mean and how to protect yourself. When you’re ready, Emergency Roofing Solutions can inspect your roof for free, document the damage and meet your adjuster on site.
Or call 404-474-4222 — 24/7
How a roof insurance claim usually works
1. Protect your home and document the damage. Take photos inside and out, and get any openings tarped to prevent more damage. Keep every receipt.
2. Get a professional inspection. A roofer can find hail and wind damage you can’t see from the ground and tell you whether it’s worth filing.
3. File the claim with your insurer. Call your insurance company or agent, report the date of the storm and write down your claim number.
4. Meet the adjuster. Your insurer sends an adjuster to inspect the roof. Having your roofer there helps make sure all the damage is seen and noted.
5. Review the estimate. Your insurer sends a written estimate (often called the scope of loss). Read it carefully and ask questions about anything that looks missing.
6. Complete the repair and close the claim. After the work is done, some policies release a second payment once you send proof of completion.
Insurance terms, in plain English
Deductible: the amount you pay toward the claim before insurance pays the rest. It’s set by your policy.
Replacement cost value (RCV): what it costs to replace your roof today with similar materials.
Actual cash value (ACV): replacement cost minus depreciation for the roof’s age and wear.
Depreciation and recoverable depreciation: on many replacement-cost policies, insurers first pay the ACV, then release the held-back depreciation after the work is finished.
Supplement: a request to the insurer to add items that were missed in the original estimate, such as damage found once old shingles are removed.
Ordinance or law coverage: coverage some policies include for upgrades required by current building codes.
Every policy is different. Your agent or insurer can explain exactly what yours covers.
Insurance claim FAQs
What should I keep on file?
Your claim number, the adjuster’s name and contact information, photos of the damage, the insurer’s estimate, all receipts (including tarping) and copies of every contract you sign.
How do I avoid storm chasers?
Be cautious of contractors who show up uninvited after a storm, pressure you to sign right away or ask for large payments up front. Choose a local roofer with a real address and reviews you can check.
Can a contractor cover my deductible?
Be wary of anyone who offers to waive or absorb your deductible. Your deductible is your responsibility under your policy, and offers like that can cause problems with your claim.
Do you handle the claim for me?
You stay in charge of your claim. We’re roofers, not public adjusters or attorneys. We inspect, document the damage with photos, meet your adjuster on site and do the work. For more on how we help, see our Insurance Claims page.
Is water coming in right now?
Call 404-474-4222 any time, or see Emergency Roof Tarping.