How does a roof insurance claim work?
You report the storm damage to your insurance company, and they send an adjuster to inspect the roof. The insurance company decides whether the damage is covered and how much it will pay, minus your deductible. On a replacement cost policy, payment is often made in two parts. Documenting the damage before the adjuster visits helps you show what happened to your roof.
The steps in a roof claim
A claim starts when you report the damage to your insurance company, along with the date of the storm.
The insurance company assigns an adjuster, who inspects the roof and writes up an estimate of the damage. If the damage is covered, the insurance company pays based on that estimate.
Once the claim is approved, the repairs or replacement can be scheduled. Have your roof inspected and documented before any work is done, since damage that has already been repaired is difficult to claim.
Actual cash value and replacement cost
A replacement cost value policy pays the cost to replace your roof. The insurance company usually pays part of the claim first and releases the rest, known as recoverable depreciation, after the work is complete.
An actual cash value policy pays the depreciated value of the roof. On an older roof, that amount can be much lower than the cost of a new roof.
You can find which type of coverage you have on your policy declarations page.
What a roofing contractor can do
A roofing contractor can inspect your roof, document the damage with photos and complete the repairs once your claim is approved.
In Texas, only a licensed public adjuster can negotiate an insurance claim on your behalf. A contractor also cannot waive, rebate or pay your deductible, because that is against Texas law.
Be careful with anyone who promises your claim will be approved. That decision belongs to your insurance company.
If the adjuster misses damage
Adjusters can miss damage, especially after a large storm when they have many claims to inspect.
You can ask your insurance company for a re-inspection. Photos of the damage taken before the first visit are helpful when you do.
Related questions
Will filing a claim raise my premium?
It depends on your policy and your insurance company. Ask your insurance agent how a claim may affect your premium.
Do I have to use the roofer my insurance company recommends?
No. You can choose the contractor who does the work on your home.
What if my claim is denied?
You can ask your insurance company for a re-inspection or to review the decision. Photos of the damage are helpful in either case.
Can a roofer pay my deductible for me?
No. In Texas, it is illegal for a contractor to waive, rebate or pay a homeowner's insurance deductible.
