Insurance Claim for New Roof: Your Complete Guide from a 20-Year Roofing Contractor

My name is Michael, and I've been installing and repairing roofs across Texas for over two decades. I've personally supervised more than 3,000 roofing projects and hold certifications from GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning. I've helped hundreds of homeowners navigate insurance claims after storms, hail damage, and wind events. This article exists because I've seen too many good people get overwhelmed by the insurance process. They don't know what to look for, what their policy covers, or how to work with contractors and adjusters. My goal is simple: to give you the knowledge I share with my own customers, so you can approach your roof insurance claim with confidence and get the quality roof your home deserves.

The information here comes directly from my field experience on actual job sites. I've reviewed thousands of insurance estimates, worked alongside adjusters from every major company, and installed every major roofing material. I've compiled insights from completed customer projects, manufacturer installation specifications, Texas building codes, and insurance industry data. My recommendations are based on what actually works in real-world situations, not just theory. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from spotting damage to final inspection, with practical tips you won't find in your policy documents.

Understanding Your Roof Insurance Coverage: What's Really Covered?

Most homeowners don't read their insurance policy until disaster strikes. This is a big mistake. Your policy is a contract with specific terms and conditions. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers sudden, accidental damage from specific causes called "perils." These usually include wind, hail, falling objects (like trees), and the weight of ice or snow. It does not cover damage from normal wear and tear, poor maintenance, or intentional acts. The amount you receive depends on your policy type: Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV).

Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost: The Critical Difference

An ACV policy pays you the current value of your roof, minus depreciation for its age. If your 15-year-old roof needs replacement, the insurance company calculates what a 15-year-old roof is worth today. You get that amount, which is often far less than the actual replacement cost. An RCV policy is much better for homeowners. It pays the full cost to replace your damaged roof with a new one of similar kind and quality, up to your policy limits. You usually receive the first check for the ACV amount. After the roof is replaced and you provide proof, you get a second check for the recoverable depreciation. Always know which type you have.

Common Exclusions and Limitations You Must Know

Insurance policies have exclusions. Cosmetic damage from hail is a major one. Some policies exclude cosmetic damage entirely, meaning if hail dents your metal roof or bruises your shingles but doesn't cause leaks, you get nothing. Wind-driven rain is another tricky area. If wind damages your roof and rain gets in, the water damage inside is usually covered. But if rain gets in through a worn-out, old seal, it might be denied as maintenance. Code upgrades are also important. If your local building codes have changed since your roof was built, bringing it up to code (like adding ice and water shield) may be an extra cost. Some policies include ordinance or law coverage for this; others do not.

Step-by-Step: How to File a Roof Insurance Claim Successfully

Filing a claim is a process, not a single event. Doing it correctly from the start prevents delays and denials. First, document everything. After a storm, safely take clear photos and videos of any visible damage from the ground. Include damaged shingles, dented gutters, granules in downspouts, and any interior water stains. Do not get on the roof yourself; it's dangerous. Contact a reputable, local roofing contractor for a professional inspection. A good roofer will provide a detailed, written report with photos. This report is your evidence.

Contacting Your Insurance Company: The Right Way

Call your insurance agent or company's claims department. Have your policy number ready. Report the date of loss (the storm date) and the type of damage (hail, wind, etc.). Be factual, not emotional. Do not say "I think my roof is old and leaking." Say "A severe hail storm occurred on [date], and I now have visible granule loss and suspected damage." They will assign you a claim number and an adjuster. Write down the claim number and the adjuster's name and contact information. Ask for an expected timeline for the adjuster's inspection.

Working with the Insurance Adjuster: A Contractor's Perspective

The adjuster works for the insurance company. Their job is to assess the damage and determine what the company is obligated to pay under your policy. It is highly beneficial to have your roofing contractor present during the adjuster's inspection. A professional roofer can point out damage the adjuster might miss, like soft spots in the decking or subtle hail hits. They can also discuss repair methods and material costs knowledgeably. This meeting is crucial for getting a complete and accurate estimate. Be polite and cooperative, but let your contractor be your technical advocate.

Reading and Understanding Your Insurance Estimate (The Xactimate)

The adjuster will create an estimate, often using software called Xactimate. This document is confusing for most homeowners. It's a line-item list of everything needed to repair your roof. It includes quantities of materials (squares of shingles, sheets of plywood), labor costs, and waste removal. The prices are based on regional pricing databases. Your roofing contractor will review this estimate line by line. Common discrepancies include insufficient quantities of materials, missing necessary items like ice and water shield or proper ventilation, and labor rates that are too low for your area. Your contractor will prepare a "scope of work" to compare with the insurance scope.

Negotiating Supplementals: Getting What You Need

If the insurance estimate is missing items or underpriced, your contractor will file a "supplement." This is a formal request for additional funds. Supplements are normal and expected on most claims. They might be needed for hidden damage discovered during tear-off, like rotted wood decking that must be replaced. They are also needed for code-required upgrades or if the initial material count was wrong. A good contractor handles this process with the insurance company directly. They provide photos, measurements, and manufacturer specifications to justify every request. Do not let a contractor tell you to pay the "deductible difference" or waive your deductible; this is insurance fraud.

Choosing Materials: What Your Insurance Covers and Smart Upgrades

Your insurance company is obligated to pay to replace your roof with materials of "like kind and quality." If you had a standard 3-tab asphalt shingle roof, they will pay for a new 3-tab shingle roof. However, this is often an opportunity to upgrade. You can use your insurance settlement as a base payment and pay the difference to upgrade to better materials. For example, upgrading from 3-tab to architectural shingles adds durability, curb appeal, and often a better warranty. Discuss options with your contractor.

• Asphalt Shingles: The most common. Insurance typically covers standard architectural shingles. Brands like GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning offer quality options with wind warranties.
• Metal Roofing: More expensive but lasts 40-70 years. Great for hail-prone areas. Insurance may only cover a metal roof if you had one before, but you can supplement.
• Synthetic Slate/Tile: A lightweight, durable alternative to heavy natural slate or clay tile. Good for achieving a high-end look without structural reinforcement.
• Underlayment: Don't overlook this! Upgrading from standard felt paper to a synthetic underlayment or self-adhering ice and water shield (required by code in eaves and valleys in many areas, like Texas) adds crucial protection.

The Installation Process: What to Expect from Start to Finish

A proper roof replacement is a major project. A professional crew will arrive early, usually for 1-3 days depending on the roof's size and complexity. They will lay tarps to protect your landscaping and use a magnetic roller to pick up nails. The old shingles and underlayment are torn off and hauled away. This is when hidden damage to the wood decking is revealed. All rotten or soft wood must be replaced. The crew will then install new underlayment, flashings around chimneys and vents, and then the new shingles. Proper ventilation (soffit intake and ridge vent exhaust) is critical for roof longevity and is often included in the insurance scope.

Inspections and Final Walkthrough

After installation, the city or county building inspector will visit to ensure the work meets local codes. Your contractor should handle scheduling this. Once it passes, you do a final walkthrough with the contractor. Check for cleanliness, proper shingle alignment, and that all old materials are removed. Ask any final questions. The contractor will then provide you with the manufacturer's warranty paperwork and their workmanship warranty. You need to send the certificate of completion and final invoice to your insurance company to receive your final depreciation payment if you have an RCV policy.

Real Project Case Studies: Lessons from the Field

Case Study 1: The Hail Storm in Kingwood. A homeowner had severe hail damage to their 20-year-old roof. The initial ACV payment was low due to high depreciation. We presented evidence of functional damage (cracked shingles) not just cosmetic. We supplemented for full decking replacement and code-upgrade underlayment. The homeowner upgraded to impact-resistant shingles, paying the difference. Total project: $28,500. Insurance paid $22,000. Homeowner paid $6,500 plus their deductible for a superior, Class 4 impact-resistant roof.

Case Study 2: Wind Damage and Hidden Rot. High winds tore shingles off a section of roof. The adjuster's initial scope was for a partial repair. During tear-off, we found widespread rotten decking from a long-term, slow leak. We documented it with photos and measurements. We filed a supplemental claim to replace all compromised decking, turning it into a full roof replacement. The insurance company approved it because the damage was directly related to the covered peril (wind). The homeowner only paid their deductible.

Homeowner Action Plan: Your Checklist for Success

1. Before the Storm: Know your policy type (ACV/RCV), your deductible amount, and any hail/wind exclusions. Take "before" photos of your roof in good condition.
2. After Damage: Document from the ground. Call a trusted local roofer for a free inspection. Get their detailed report before calling insurance.
3. Filing the Claim: Report facts, not guesses. Get your claim number. Schedule the adjuster meeting when your contractor can be there.
4. Reviewing Estimates: Have your contractor compare the insurance scope with their scope. Understand what supplements are needed and why.
5. Choosing a Contractor: Select a licensed, insured, local company with strong references. Get everything in writing. Never pay the full amount upfront.
6. During Installation: Expect noise and debris. Protect valuables in the attic. Be available for questions but let the crew work.
7. Closing the Loop: Do the final walkthrough. Get all warranty documents. Send proof of completion to your insurer for final payment.

Frequently Asked Questions from Real Homeowners

Will filing a claim make my insurance rates go up? Possibly, but not always. Rate increases are often based on widespread catastrophic events in your area that affect many policies, not just your individual claim. However, multiple claims in a short period can label you as high-risk. It's generally advisable to file a claim for significant, covered damage. For a small repair, paying out-of-pocket might be wiser.

Can I keep the insurance money and not fix the roof? Technically, the money is yours. However, if you have a mortgage, your lender is listed on the check and must endorse it. They will require the repair to be completed to protect their asset. Also, if you don't fix the damage and have another claim later, the insurance company could deny it due to pre-existing, unrepaired damage.

What if my claim is denied? First, get the denial in writing with the specific reason. Common reasons are "wear and tear" or "cosmetic damage only." You have the right to appeal. You can hire a public adjuster (who works for you, not the insurance company) for a percentage of the settlement. You can also contact your state's department of insurance to file a complaint. A reputable roofing contractor can often advise you on the best next step based on the denial reason.

How long does the entire process take? From inspection to completed roof, plan for 4-8 weeks on average. The timeline depends on the insurance company's schedule, weather, material availability, and contractor backlog. The supplement negotiation can add 1-2 weeks. Be patient but proactive in following up.

Should I get multiple roofing estimates before filing? Yes, but for the inspection only. Get 2-3 professional inspections. This helps confirm the damage is real and widespread. However, you do not need multiple estimates to give to the insurance company. They use their own software (Xactimate) to determine pricing. Your choice is which contractor to hire to perform the work for the approved insurance amount.

What is "matching" and what if my shingles are discontinued? Insurance policies often have a "matching" provision. If an undamaged section of your roof doesn't match the new replacement shingles in color or style, they may pay to replace those sections too. This is common when shingles are faded or the original product is no longer made. This can turn a repair into a full replacement.

Industry Statistics and Important Data

According to the Insurance Information Institute, wind and hail losses account for the largest portion of homeowners insurance claims. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes that proper roof construction and materials are critical for wildfire protection. Data from roofing manufacturers shows that a properly installed architectural shingle roof should last 25-30 years, but severe weather can cut that lifespan significantly. Always reference your local building codes, such as the International Residential Code (IRC), which sets the minimum standards for roofing installation.

Conclusion: Your Path to a Secure Home

Navigating a roof insurance claim can feel daunting, but you are not alone. Arm yourself with knowledge about your policy and the process. Partner with a professional, local roofing contractor who can be your guide and advocate. Remember, the goal is not just to get a check, but to restore the integrity and safety of your home with a quality, long-lasting roof. Use this guide as your roadmap. Take it one step at a time: document, inspect, file, review, and install. Your home is your biggest investment. Protecting it with a sound roof, backed by a fair insurance process, is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner.

Your next step is simple. If you suspect storm damage, start by calling a reputable roofer for an inspection. Do not climb on your roof. Do not ignore missing shingles or leaks. Proactive attention saves you money and stress in the long run. A good roof over your head means peace of mind for you and your family for years to come.