How to File a
Roof Insurance Claim
After storm, hail, or wind damage — here's exactly what to do, in order, to maximize your claim and avoid the mistakes that result in denials and underpayment.
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Document Everything Before Touching Anything
Your documentation is the foundation of your entire claim. Adjusters who assess claims weeks later are relying on your photos to establish what the damage looked like immediately after the event.
⚠️ Do Not Start Any Repairs Yet
Beginning permanent repairs before your adjuster inspects eliminates their ability to verify the damage. Emergency tarping to prevent further water entry is acceptable — document the tarping as a protective measure.
Why Should You Get a Written Contractor Assessment Before Filing?
This is the step most homeowners skip — and it's the most important one. A licensed contractor's written damage assessment — identifying the cause and extent of each item of damage — gives your adjuster a professional scope to compare against, preventing underpayment from a desk review.
FindMeARoofer partner contractors provide written storm damage assessments that document hail impact patterns, granule loss measurements, flashing failures, and structural damage in the format that insurance adjusters use to scope repair work.
How Do You File Your Claim With Your Insurance Company?
Contact your insurance company's claims department directly. Have the following ready when you call.
❌ Do Not Accept a Desk-Review Estimate Only
Always request an on-site adjuster inspection. Adjusters who assess from satellite imagery or photos consistently miss hail impacts and flashing damage that require roof-level examination. You have the right to request a physical inspection in every Midwest state.
Why Should Your Contractor Be Present at the Adjuster Meeting?
This is the most consequential step of the entire process. When your adjuster arrives, your contractor should be present on the roof walking through the documented damage point by point. Adjusters who inspect alone routinely miss damage that an experienced contractor catches and documents in real time.
How to Dispute a Roof Insurance Claim
A first-round denial or underpayment is not final. You have multiple options.
State Department of Insurance — Consumer Complaint Lines:
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