Filing a Roof Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step Guide

Florida's severe weather means roof damage is a question of when, not if. When that storm finally causes damage, your homeowner's insurance should cover repairs or replacement—but navigating the claims process can be complex and frustrating. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters, inspectors, and lawyers protecting their interests. You need to protect yours. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of filing a successful roof insurance claim, from initial damage through final payment.

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

Time is critical after a storm. Begin documentation as soon as it's safe to do so:

Exterior Documentation

Take Comprehensive Photos and Videos: Document from multiple angles and distances. Capture:

• Overall roof views from all sides of the house
• Close-ups of damaged shingles, tiles, or panels
• Missing or lifted materials
• Damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys
• Granule loss in gutters and downspouts
• Dented or damaged gutters, downspouts, and fascia
• Any debris that caused damage (tree limbs, etc.)

Include something for scale in photos (a dollar bill, measuring tape, or your hand) to show damage size.

Date and Time-Stamp Everything: Ensure your phone or camera date/time settings are correct. This establishes when damage occurred relative to the storm date.

Document the Storm: Take photos of storm conditions if safe to do so. Save local weather reports showing wind speeds, hail size, and storm timing. The National Weather Service provides detailed storm reports for significant events.

Interior Documentation

Look for Signs of Water Intrusion:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Dripping or active leaks
• Moisture in attic spaces
• Damaged insulation
• Mold or mildew growth (may develop days after storm)

Document with photos and videos, noting which rooms are affected.

Temporary Repairs and Protection

You have a duty to prevent further damage. Make temporary repairs like:

• Tarping damaged areas to prevent water intrusion
• Placing buckets under active leaks
• Moving belongings away from affected areas

Save all receipts for temporary repair materials and services. These are reimbursable under most policies. Take photos of temporary repairs showing what you did to protect the property.

Step 2: Review Your Insurance Policy

Before contacting your insurance company, review your policy to understand coverage:

Key Policy Components to Identify

Dwelling Coverage Amount: This is the maximum the policy will pay for home structure repairs including the roof. Ensure it's adequate for current replacement costs—construction costs have risen significantly in recent years.

Deductible Type and Amount: Florida policies may have:

• Flat deductible: Fixed amount ($1,000, $2,500, $5,000, etc.)
• Percentage deductible: Percentage of dwelling coverage (often 2%, 5%, 10%)
• Hurricane deductible: Separate higher deductible for named storms (often 2-10%)

Understand which applies to your situation. Hurricane deductibles trigger when damage occurs during an officially named storm period.

Actual Cash Value (ACV) vs. Replacement Cost Value (RCV): This is crucial:

• ACV: Pays current value minus depreciation. For a 15-year-old roof, you might only receive 50% of replacement cost.
• RCV: Pays full cost to replace with new materials. Most policies pay ACV initially, then RCV after work completes.

Recoverable Depreciation: The difference between ACV and RCV. You receive this after completing repairs and submitting proof.

Exclusions and Limitations: Some policies exclude or limit:

• Cosmetic damage (dents that don't affect function)
• Wear and tear or lack of maintenance
• Specific roof materials or ages (some insurers won't cover roofs over 15-20 years old)

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly

Most policies require "prompt" notification of claims. While exact timeframes vary, contact your insurer within 24-48 hours of discovering damage.

Information to Provide

When filing the claim, have ready:

• Policy number
• Date and time of loss
• Description of damage
• Whether temporary repairs were made
• Your contact information and availability for inspection

What to Say (and Not Say)

Do say: "My roof sustained damage during the storm on [date]. I've documented the damage and taken steps to prevent further loss."

Don't say: "I'm not sure if there's enough damage to file a claim" or "I might just pay for this myself." These statements can be used to minimize or deny your claim.

Don't speculate about damage extent or costs. Stick to factual observations.

Get a Claim Number and Adjuster Assignment

Write down your claim number immediately—you'll need it for all future communications. Ask when an adjuster will be assigned and when you can expect inspection.

Step 4: Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Before the insurance adjuster arrives, have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof. This is one of the most important steps many homeowners skip.

Why You Need Your Own Inspection

Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not you. Their job is to minimize claim payouts. A professional roofer works for you and will:

• Identify all damage, including hidden issues not visible from the ground
• Assess whether repair or replacement is appropriate
• Provide detailed estimates for proper repairs
• Document damage the adjuster might miss or minimize

Choosing the Right Contractor

Work with contractors experienced in insurance restoration. They understand:

• What adjusters look for
• How to document damage for claims
• Insurance company tactics and negotiations
• Proper claim scope and pricing

At Pro Specialty Services, we provide free insurance claim inspections and work directly with homeowners and adjusters to ensure fair settlements. We document damage thoroughly and advocate for our clients throughout the process.

The Inspection Report

Your contractor should provide:

• Detailed damage description with photos
• Itemized estimate including materials, labor, and permits
• Recommendation for repair vs. replacement with justification
• Code upgrade requirements if applicable

Step 5: Meeting with the Insurance Adjuster

The insurance adjuster will schedule an inspection of your property. This meeting is critical to your claim outcome.

Before the Adjuster Arrives

• Have your contractor present if possible. Two sets of professional eyes are better than one, and your contractor can point out damage the adjuster might overlook.
• Organize your documentation (photos, videos, prior inspection reports)
• Make a list of all damaged areas you've identified
• Have your policy handy for reference

During the Inspection

Be Present: Walk with the adjuster and contractor. Point out damage you've identified. Ask questions if the adjuster dismisses damage you believe is legitimate.

Take Notes: Write down what the adjuster says, what areas they inspect, and any comments about damage extent or coverage.

Get Contact Information: Ensure you have the adjuster's direct contact info and know when to expect their report.

Don't Sign Anything Yet: Adjusters may ask you to sign forms. Read carefully and never sign a settlement or release without reviewing the full estimate and potentially consulting an attorney.

Common Adjuster Tactics to Watch For

Minimizing Storm Damage: Claiming damage is from wear and tear or pre-existing conditions rather than the storm. Your pre-storm documentation and professional inspection counter this.

Lowball Estimates: Using below-market labor or material costs. Your contractor's detailed estimate establishes appropriate pricing.

Partial Coverage: Claiming only part of the roof needs replacement when the entire roof shows storm damage. If the storm damaged multiple areas, full replacement is often warranted.

Cosmetic Damage Exclusion: Dismissing visible damage as "cosmetic only." While some dents may not affect function immediately, they can compromise roof integrity and warrant coverage.

Step 6: Review the Adjuster's Estimate

The adjuster will send an estimate (often called a "scope of loss") detailing covered damage and payment amount.

Compare to Your Contractor's Estimate

Review line by line. Common discrepancies:

• Missing items: Did the adjuster include all damaged components your contractor identified?
• Quantity differences: Do square footage calculations match?
• Price differences: Are material and labor costs realistic for your market?
• Code upgrades: Florida often requires upgrades to current code during repairs. Are these included?

Understanding the Payment

Most insurers issue two payments:

1. Initial payment (ACV): Replacement cost minus depreciation, minus your deductible. This covers immediate repair needs.
2. Recoverable depreciation: Paid after repairs complete and you submit proof of work and payment. Can be 30-50% of total claim value.

Example: $20,000 replacement cost, $5,000 depreciation, $2,500 deductible:

• Initial payment: $20,000 - $5,000 - $2,500 = $12,500
• After completion: $5,000 recoverable depreciation
• Your total cost: $2,500 (deductible only)

Step 7: Negotiating Your Claim

If the adjuster's estimate is inadequate, you have the right to negotiate.

Supplemental Claims

If additional damage is discovered during repairs, file a supplemental claim. This is common—hidden damage only becomes visible after removing roofing materials.

Requesting Re-Inspection

If the adjuster missed damage your contractor documented, request a re-inspection with your contractor present. Provide detailed photos and explanations of what was missed.

Getting a Second Opinion

Some policies allow you to hire an independent adjuster (public adjuster) who works for you. They charge a percentage of the claim (typically 5-20%) but can increase settlements significantly if you're being lowballed.

Appraisal Clause

If you and the insurer can't agree on damage extent or value, most policies include an "appraisal clause." Each party hires an appraiser, and if they disagree, an umpire makes the final decision. This is less formal and expensive than a lawsuit.

When to Consult an Attorney

Consider legal help if:

• Your claim is denied and you believe it's valid
• Settlement is grossly inadequate for obvious damage
• Insurer is acting in bad faith (unreasonable delays, false statements, etc.)

Many insurance attorneys work on contingency (paid from settlement increase).

Step 8: Choosing a Contractor

Once your claim is approved, select a contractor carefully. Don't feel obligated to use any contractor suggested by your insurance company.

Red Flags to Avoid

Storm Chasers: Out-of-state contractors who flood Florida after storms, do subpar work, and disappear. Use local, established contractors.

Offers to Waive Deductibles: It's illegal for contractors to waive or pay your deductible. This is insurance fraud and can void your claim.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Legitimate contractors don't pressure you to sign immediately. Take time to review contracts.

Cash-Only Deals: Reputable contractors accept various payment methods and provide detailed contracts and invoices.

What to Look For

• Local company with permanent address and verifiable history
• Proper Florida state licensing and insurance
• Experience with storm damage restoration and insurance claims
• Detailed written contract specifying materials, timeline, and warranty
• Good reviews and references

Step 9: Completing the Work and Receiving Final Payment

Once work begins, stay involved:

During Construction

• Verify contractor is using materials specified in estimate
• Check that work matches insurance scope
• Document progress with photos
• Address concerns immediately

After Completion

Final Inspection: Have the contractor walk you through completed work. Ensure everything is finished to your satisfaction before making final payment.

Document Completion: Take photos of finished work from same angles as damage photos. This shows the repair was completed properly.

Obtain Certificates: Get:

• Certificate of completion from contractor
• Warranty documentation
• Permits and final inspection approval from local building department
• Detailed invoice showing payment for all work

Submit for Recoverable Depreciation

Send your insurer:

• Contractor's final invoice showing full payment
• Photos of completed work
• Certificate of completion
• Proof of payment (cancelled checks, credit card statements, etc.)

The insurer will then issue payment for the recoverable depreciation amount.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Pitfall 1: Delaying the Claim

Problem: Waiting weeks to file allows insurers to question whether damage is storm-related.

Solution: File within 48 hours of discovering damage, even if you haven't assessed full extent yet.

Pitfall 2: Inadequate Documentation

Problem: Poor photos or missing documentation weakens your claim.

Solution: Photograph everything from multiple angles. Over-document rather than under-document.

Pitfall 3: Not Reading Your Policy

Problem: Misunderstanding coverage, deductibles, or exclusions leads to surprise denials or low payments.

Solution: Read your policy before you need it. Ask your agent to explain unclear provisions.

Pitfall 4: Accepting First Offer Without Question

Problem: Initial estimates are often conservative. Accepting without review leaves money on the table.

Solution: Have a professional contractor review the adjuster's estimate and identify gaps.

Pitfall 5: Choosing the Wrong Contractor

Problem: Poor workmanship or incomplete repairs mean you're still dealing with damage after the claim closes.

Solution: Vet contractors thoroughly. Use licensed, insured, local companies with proven track records.

Pitfall 6: Making Final Payment Before Work is Complete

Problem: Some disreputable contractors take final payment and never finish work.

Solution: Standard payment schedules are: deposit (often covered by insurance initial payment), progress payments, and final payment only after 100% completion and your satisfaction.

Timeline: What to Expect

Understanding typical timelines helps manage expectations:

• Claim filing to adjuster assignment: 1-5 days
• Adjuster scheduling inspection: 3-14 days (longer after major storms)
• Inspection to estimate: 7-14 days
• Estimate review and approval: 7-21 days if no disputes
• Initial payment: 7-14 days after approval
• Repairs completion: 1-10 days depending on scope
• Final payment (recoverable depreciation): 14-30 days after submitting completion documents

After major hurricanes, these timelines can double or triple due to volume. Be patient but persistent.

Protect Your Investment and Your Rights

Filing a roof insurance claim doesn't have to be adversarial, but it does require diligence. Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts. You must be equally focused on documenting damage and ensuring fair compensation.

At Pro Specialty Services, we guide Lake County homeowners through the entire insurance claim process. We provide free claim inspections, document damage thoroughly, attend adjuster meetings, and negotiate on your behalf. We work with all major insurance companies and know how to present claims for maximum approval.

If you've experienced storm damage, don't go it alone. Contact us for a free claim consultation and inspection. We'll help you understand what you're entitled to and ensure your roof is properly restored. For related information, see our guides on emergency roof repair, preparing your roof for hurricane season, documenting storm damage, and post-storm inspection checklist.