If a severe storm just swept through and left your roof looking worse for wear, you’re probably gearing up to file an insurance claim to get it repaired or replaced. And if your insurance agent or adjuster casually mentioned that you need to run out and grab three different roof estimates, you might be wondering:
Is that really necessary?
First off, let’s acknowledge something: nobody wants to deal with storm damage. Especially when it’s the roof that’s supposed to protect everything inside your home. Filing an insurance claim after storm damage can feel overwhelming, even if you’ve been through it before.
At RoofCrafters, we totally get it. Many of our clients come to us with the same questions after a storm. With over 30 years of experience helping homeowners through roof insurance claims, we’ve learned a thing or two. Our goal here is to make the process easier for you, and help you get your life back on track without all the unnecessary stress.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- The first steps to filing a roof insurance claim
- What to expect once you file
- Why you do not need to provide three estimates
By the end, you’ll feel a lot more confident navigating your storm-damaged roof repair. Let’s dive in!
First Steps to Filing a Roof Insurance Claim After Storm Damage
If your home just took a hit from a major windstorm, hail, tornado, or hurricane, take a breath, and hold off before you immediately call your insurance company. Here’s what should happen first:
- Make sure your home is safe. If you’re unsure, have a professional assess the situation.
- Secure the property to prevent further damage. As a policyholder, you’re responsible for mitigating any additional damage, especially from water intrusion.
Pro tip: Call a licensed roofing contractor right away. A professional will document the storm damage with detailed photos and help temporarily protect the roof (like installing a tarp) without disturbing the damage. This helps the insurance adjuster later on and ensures your claim is well-documented from the start.
It’s also smart to have your homeowner’s insurance policy handy during the inspection. Why?Roofers are often called out for storm damage repairs, only to discover that the damage isn’t severe enough to exceed the homeowner’s deductible.
Meanwhile, the homeowner may have already filed a claim, which still gets counted against their insurance history, even if no payout happens. The bottom line? Always get a professional inspection first. That way, you’ll know whether it makes sense to file a claim in the first place.
Navigating the Roof Insurance Claim Process: What to Expect
Once you file a roof insurance claim, here’s how the process usually unfolds:
- Your insurance company assigns a field adjuster.
- The adjuster contacts you (typically within 72 hours) to schedule an inspection.
- The adjuster inspects your roof, takes measurements, photos, and documents all the damage.
- They write an estimate using a program called Xactimate (the industry standard for insurance claims).
- Their supervisor (the desk adjuster) reviews the estimate and either approves or denies the claim.
- If approved, the final estimate gets sent back to you.
Pretty standard stuff, although timelines may vary slightly depending on the insurance carrier.
Now here’s where things can get tricky.
If you didn’t have a trusted roofing contractor assist with your claim early on, you might get stuck trying to find someone to do the work based on the insurance company’s estimate.
For example, if the insurance adjuster estimates $20,000 to replace your roof, but the real cost (to meet proper building codes and material specifications) is $25,000, guess who’s left making up the difference? You.
And guess what else? It’s estimated that over 85% of storm-related insurance claims are underfunded. Whether it’s intentional or not, many adjusters aren’t roofing experts, meaning crucial components could be left off your estimate.
That’s why you want an experienced roofing contractor working for you, not just relying on the insurance company’s numbers.
Why You DON’T Need to Provide 3 Estimates to Your Insurance Company
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Do you really need to get 3 roof estimates? Short answer: No, you don’t. Let’s say you shop around and get three estimates:
- Contractor A: $26,000
- Contractor B: $21,000
- Contractor C: $17,500
Which one do you think your insurance company is going to go with? Yep, the cheapest one. But cheaper doesn’t mean better. It doesn’t guarantee that:
- Your storm-damaged roof will be restored to pre-storm condition
- Local and state building codes will be properly met
- The correct materials will be used per the manufacturer's guidelines
When you have an RCV policy (Replacement Cost Value), your insurance company is obligated to pay for your roof to be restored fully, not just patched up cheaply. You only need one roofing contractor who knows the local codes, uses the correct materials, and understands the insurance claims process inside and out.
That contractor will create an estimate using Xactimate, (the same software the insurance companies use) and work with your insurance provider directly. Meaning, you’ll only be responsible for paying your deductible. No games. No headaches.
Save yourself the time and hassle. Find a trusted roofing company experienced with storm damage and insurance claims. When your adjuster asks for three estimates, you can confidently say, “No thanks, I’ve already chosen my contractor.”
Ready to Hire a Roofing Company Experienced in Insurance Claims?
Now that you know the first steps to take, what to expect during the claims process, and why you don’t need three estimates, you’re ready to move forward with confidence.
To make it even easier, we’ve put together a Roofing Contractor Hiring Checklist, including must-ask questions and what to look for when choosing the right contractor for your storm-damaged roof repair. Download it below!
And if you happen to live in one of RoofCrafters’ service areas, we’d be happy to save you even more time and stress. Our expert storm damage estimators can come out, inspect your property, and walk you through the entire roof insurance claim process step by step. Schedule your inspection today and let’s get your home protected again!
