Making an Insurance Claim on Your Roof: A 25-Year Roofer's Guide to Getting What You Deserve

I have been installing and repairing roofs across Texas for twenty-five years. My company has completed over 3,500 projects. We hold certifications from major manufacturers like GAF and CertainTeed. I have sat with hundreds of homeowners after storms. I have seen their confusion and stress. This article exists to solve that exact problem. It answers the question every homeowner asks after damage: "How do I navigate my roof insurance claim correctly?" My goal is to give you the knowledge I share with my own customers. This information comes from real project files, direct work with insurance adjusters, and decades of understanding building codes like the International Residential Code (IRC). I will be transparent about the process. I will explain the methodology behind every recommendation. Let's turn a stressful situation into a manageable project.

Understanding Your Roof Insurance Policy: The Foundation

Your insurance policy is a contract. You must understand its terms before you need it. Most homeowners insurance covers "sudden and accidental" damage. This typically includes wind, hail, and falling objects. It usually does not cover wear and tear or lack of maintenance. The two main types of coverage are Replacement Cost Value (RCV) and Actual Cash Value (ACV). RCV pays to replace your roof with materials of similar kind and quality. ACV pays the replacement cost minus depreciation. Depreciation is the loss in value due to age. Knowing your deductible is critical. This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance pays. A common mistake is not knowing if you have a percentage deductible for wind/hail. This is a percentage of your home's insured value, not a flat dollar amount. It can be much higher than you expect. Review your policy documents today. Call your agent with questions. Do not wait for a storm to learn what your policy says.

Key Policy Terms You Must Know

Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A) is the amount for which your home is insured. This number is crucial. Your roof is part of this coverage. Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C) is for items inside your home. Loss of Use (Coverage D) pays for additional living expenses if you must leave your home. The declarations page summarizes your coverages and limits. Endorsements are additions or changes to your standard policy. A common endorsement is for "Ordinance or Law" coverage. This pays for code upgrades required during repair. For example, if your roof needs new ice and water shield per current code, this endorsement helps cover it. Without it, you might pay that cost yourself. The Insurance Information Institute (III) is a great resource for understanding these basics.

Step-by-Step: The Insurance Claim Process from Start to Finish

Following a clear process protects you and your property. Do not rush. The first step is safety. If a tree is through your roof or there is active leaking, mitigate immediate danger. Place buckets and move valuables. You can make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep all receipts for these materials. Insurance should reimburse you for reasonable mitigation costs. The next step is documentation. Take clear photos and videos of all damage, both inside and out. Get wide shots of the entire roof and close-ups of specific issues. Document damaged personal property. Create a list of damaged items. Do this before any cleanup beyond what is necessary for safety. Your evidence is powerful. Now, contact your insurance company to file the claim. They will assign you a claim number and an adjuster. The adjuster will contact you to schedule an inspection. This is a key moment in the process.

Working with the Insurance Adjuster

The adjuster works for the insurance company. Their job is to assess the damage and write an estimate for repairs. Be present for the inspection if possible. Have your documentation ready. It is highly advisable to have a licensed, reputable roofing contractor present as well. A good roofer can point out damage the adjuster might miss. They understand construction details and code requirements. The adjuster will write an estimate, often using software like Xactimate. This estimate is not a check. It is a scope of work and a price list. You will receive this document, called a claim summary or estimate. Review it carefully. It should detail every item needed for repair: removal of old materials, disposal, underlayment, shingles, flashing, vents, and labor. Compare it to contractor estimates. If items are missing or underpriced, you can dispute the estimate. This is called a supplement. Your roofing contractor can help prepare this documentation for the insurance company.

Hiring the Right Roofing Contractor: Your Most Important Decision

After a storm, your neighborhood will be flooded with roofing salespeople. Some are honest. Many are storm chasers with no local presence. Your choice of contractor will make or break your experience. Always hire a local, established company. Check for a physical office address in your state. Verify they are licensed and insured. In Texas, check the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation. Get multiple estimates. A trustworthy contractor will provide a detailed, written estimate that aligns with the insurance scope. They should be willing to meet with your adjuster. Be wary of anyone who asks you to sign an "Assignment of Benefits" (AOB) form upfront. This form transfers your insurance rights to them. It can lead to problems. Also avoid contractors who offer to pay or waive your deductible. This is insurance fraud in most states, including Texas. A good contractor focuses on quality work, not shady deals.

Red Flags and Green Flags

Red flags include high-pressure sales tactics, requests for large upfront payments, and vague contracts. Green flags include professional presentation, willingness to provide references, and clear communication. Ask to see examples of previous insurance claim jobs. Ask how they handle supplements if the initial insurance estimate is low. A professional will have a process. They should be familiar with your specific shingle brand, whether it's Owens Corning or Malarkey. They should explain the installation process and warranty options. Your contractor is your advocate and guide. Choose wisely.

Understanding Depreciation and Recoverable Cash Value

If you have an RCV policy, your claim payment often comes in multiple parts. The first check is for the Actual Cash Value (ACV). This is the Replacement Cost Value minus your deductible and minus depreciation. Depreciation is calculated based on the age and expected lifespan of your old roof. For example, if a new roof costs $15,000 and your old roof was 10 years old out of a 25-year lifespan, the depreciation might be 40% ($6,000). If your deductible is $1,500, the ACV payment might be $15,000 - $6,000 - $1,500 = $7,500. This is the initial payment. The withheld depreciation (the $6,000 in this example) is called recoverable depreciation. You recover this money after the work is complete. Once the roof is replaced and the contractor is paid, you submit the final invoice to your insurance company. They then release the recoverable depreciation check to you. This two-payment system is standard. Understand it so you can plan your finances.

Common Disputes and How to Resolve Them

Disagreements between your contractor's estimate and the insurance estimate are common. The most frequent disputes are over the extent of damage and code upgrades. An adjuster may note "cosmetic" hail damage. A contractor may argue it compromises the shingle's integrity. This is a technical debate. Your contractor can provide manufacturer documentation. For instance, GAF's technical bulletins define functional hail damage. Another dispute involves matching. If you cannot find shingles to match your undamaged sections, you may need a full roof replacement for uniformity. Some policies have matching provisions. Disputes over code upgrades are also common. If local building code requires higher standards than your old roof had, the upgrade cost may be disputed. Your contractor can cite the specific code sections from the IRC Chapter 9. Resolution starts with your contractor submitting a detailed supplement with photos, measurements, and references. If the insurance company denies it, you can request a re-inspection with a different adjuster. The final option is hiring a public adjuster or seeking mediation.

Real Project Case Studies: Lessons from the Field

Case Study 1: The Hail Claim. A Kingwood homeowner had 20-year-old architectural shingles. A hailstorm caused widespread bruising. The insurance adjuster's initial estimate was for a repair of only the most visibly damaged slopes. Our inspection showed bruising on every slope, which reduces granule loss and shortens shingle life. We documented this with close-up photos and a hail damage map. We submitted a supplement with manufacturer guidelines on functional damage. The insurance company approved a full roof replacement. The key was detailed, technical documentation.

Case Study 2: The Wind and Water Claim. High winds lifted shingles on an older roof, allowing water intrusion. The interior ceiling was damaged. The insurance estimate covered the shingle repair and interior drywall. It missed the damaged roof decking (plywood) underneath. During the contractor's inspection, soft spots were found. We included the cost of decking replacement in our estimate. We explained that failing to replace rotted decking would void the new shingle warranty and cause future problems. The supplement was approved because we showed the cause-and-effect relationship between the wind event and the decking rot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim?

Most policies require you to file a claim promptly after discovering damage. Check your policy for specific timelines. For storm damage, it's best to file within one year. Delaying can give the insurance company grounds to deny your claim. They may argue the damage worsened due to your neglect.

Will filing a claim increase my insurance premiums?

It might, but not always. A single claim for a major, unpreventable event like a hailstorm may not raise your rate. Multiple claims or claims for maintenance issues likely will. You should file a claim for significant damage. That is what insurance is for. Discuss the potential impact with your agent before filing if you are concerned.

Can I keep the insurance money and not repair the roof?

If you have a mortgage, the check will likely be co-payable to you and your mortgage lender. The lender has an interest in the property. They will often hold the funds in an escrow account. They release money as repairs are completed. If you own your home outright, you may receive the funds directly. However, if you do not repair the damage and have another loss, the insurance company may deny the new claim. They could also cancel your policy.

What if my insurance company denies my claim?

First, get the denial in writing with the specific reason. Common reasons are "wear and tear" or "lack of maintenance." You can appeal. Gather more evidence. Have a licensed contractor provide a second opinion. You can also hire a public adjuster to represent you. Your state's department of insurance is a resource for filing a complaint. In Texas, that is the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).

Should I get my own estimate before the adjuster comes?

Yes. Having a professional roofing estimate from a trusted local contractor is very helpful. It gives you a baseline for what the repair should cost. You can share this with the adjuster. It shows you are informed and serious about a proper repair. It can help guide the conversation during the inspection.

What is a public adjuster and should I hire one?

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works for you, not the insurance company. They handle the entire claim process for a fee, usually a percentage (e.g., 10%) of the final settlement. They can be valuable for very large, complex claims. For a standard roof claim, a reputable roofing contractor can often provide sufficient advocacy without the extra cost.

How long does the entire insurance claim process take?

From filing to final payment, a typical roof claim can take 4 to 8 weeks. Factors include the adjuster's schedule, the complexity of damage, and whether supplements are needed. The actual roof installation might take 1-3 days once materials are ordered. Be patient but persistent. Keep a log of all calls and emails.

Conclusion: Your Path to a Successful Claim

Navigating a roof insurance claim is a process. Knowledge is your best tool. Start by understanding your policy. Document everything thoroughly. Hire a local, professional roofing contractor to be your partner. Be present for the adjuster's inspection. Review all estimates carefully. Do not be afraid to ask questions or dispute missing items. Remember, you have a contract with your insurance company. They owe you for covered damages. Your goal is a full and proper repair that restores your home. My goal in writing this was to give you the confidence to manage this process. You can do it. Take it one step at a time. Protect your biggest investment. If you are in the Kingwood area and have questions after a storm, reach out to local professionals. We are here to help you rebuild, not just sell you a roof.