Roofing Storm Damage: Insurance Claims Do’s and Don’ts

Your roof takes a beating–and it may show after a severe summer storm. If you believe your roof needs replacement or repair, here are do’s and don’ts for filing an insurance claim for roofing storm damage.

Don’t dismiss minor damage.

Shingle damage from hail can be hard to detect, particularly if you’re trying to assess the damage from the ground. Even minor damage can allow water to get under the shingles and into your home. Always schedule a professional roof inspection after a serious hail storm. Another indication that your roof may have sustained damage: your neighbors’ roofs. If they were damaged in the storm and are being repaired or replaced, there’s a good chance your roof was impacted too.

Remember, unless you’re experienced in working on a roof yourself, the safest way to inspect a roof after a storm is to have a professional roofer perform the inspection. They’ll have the expertise and equipment to do the inspection safely and thoroughly.  

Do contact a roofing storm damage expert to perform the inspection.

Not all roofing contractors are qualified to make a thorough inspection for storm damage. Less experienced roofers may miss important but subtle signs the roof requires repair or replacement. In contrast, a roofer trained to identify damage properly can diagnose issues in a way that’s in line with insurance company guidelines. That means you may have a better chance of filing a successful claim. Consider calling a Haag-certified roofer, which indicates the contractor has completed a comprehensive training program to ID storm damage.

Do arrange for the roofer to be present during the adjuster’s inspection.

This is essential! An experienced roofer will work with the adjuster to make sure your roof is properly assessed. For example, during major storm events, insurance companies sometimes bring in out-of-state adjusters to handle the additional workload. These adjusters may not be familiar with local building codes; a local storm damage roofer will be familiar with these guidelines and help ensure that your roof is repaired or replaced to code.

Don’t get lost in the paperwork of a claim.

Keep careful track of all claim-related information, including dates and claim number. Also ask lots of questions to make sure you understand the payout process. Some insurance adjusters will write a check immediately after the assessment. Others may put the claim to review and then issue a check later.

An experienced roofing storm damage contractor will have the expertise to work with the insurance company. In some cases, the roofing company’s office can handle much of the paperwork for you, eliminating the stress and time involved in handling everything yourself.

Let Best Contracting assess your storm damage.

Our Haag-certified inspectors will assess your home and work with your insurance company to ensure the roof is repaired or replaced quickly and properly. Get in touch with us for a free storm damage roof inspection in areas like Lancaster, Coatesville, Reading, plus parts of NJ, MD, and DE.