Guide for roofing contractors
The roof insurance claim process for contractors, step by step.
Ten steps from the storm to the final check. Miss one and the claim stalls.
Short answer
Find a verified storm. Map it. Knock it. Inspect and document. The homeowner files the claim. Get ready for the adjuster meeting. Send a recap after it. Follow up with the carrier in writing. Supplement what was missed. Close out and collect the depreciation.
1. Find the storm
Work only where a verified hail or wind event hit. A storm report with a date and a size is the first piece of every file.
2. Map it
Turn the storm path into streets and doors. Start where the storm hit hardest.
3. Knock it
Offer a free inspection. No pressure and no promises. You are there to look, document and let the homeowner decide.
4. Inspect and document
Storm proof, collateral damage, a test square on every slope, close ups and repairability evidence. See how to document hail damage.
5. File the claim
The homeowner files with their carrier. It is their policy. You can be there when they call. Have the date of loss ready and get the claim number. Use an agreement that follows your state rules for insurance work.
6. The adjuster meeting
Be there 90 minutes early, have your squares chalked and walk the collateral first. See the adjuster meeting checklist.
7. After the meeting
Send the adjuster a short, factual recap within one hour. Update the homeowner in plain words. Log it.
8. Carrier follow up
Claims stall when nobody chases them. Follow up on a schedule, in writing, and log every touch.
9. Supplements and escalation
If the estimate missed items, send a supplement. See roofing supplements. If the claim was denied, see what to do when a roof claim is denied or underpaid.
10. Close the claim
Build the roof. Send the final invoice and the certificate of completion so the carrier can release the recoverable depreciation. If a mortgage company is on the check, start the endorsement early.
Words you will see on every claim
- Date of loss
- The date of the storm the claim is tied to.
- Scope
- The list of work and materials needed to fix the damage.
- ACV
- Actual cash value. Replacement cost minus depreciation. Usually the first check.
- RCV
- Replacement cost value. The full cost to replace what was damaged.
- Recoverable depreciation
- The amount the carrier holds back until the work is done.
- Deductible
- The part the homeowner pays. In many states a contractor cannot waive it or cover it.
- Supplement
- A request to add items the first estimate missed.
Questions roofers ask
Who files the roof insurance claim, the roofer or the homeowner?
The homeowner. It is their policy. The roofer documents the damage and can be there for the call.
How long does a roof insurance claim take?
It depends on the carrier, the state and how complete the file is. A clean file with steady follow up moves faster than a thin one.
When does the homeowner get the depreciation check?
On a replacement cost policy, the carrier usually releases the recoverable depreciation after the work is done and it has the final invoice.
Can ClaimClosed work a claim for a contractor?
Members can hand a claim to ClaimClosed. A claim coordinator does the estimate, the paperwork and the carrier follow up inside the contractor company. The staffing fee is 7% on Premium and VIP and 10% on Free, only when the claim is approved. It starts with the free Closability Score. Join free at claimclosed.com/join and you get 97 free scores a month.
Know where the claim stands.
Ten quick questions. Get a Closability Score on the claim you are working now.
General information for contractors. Not legal or insurance advice. Rules differ by state and by policy. A Closability Score is not a guarantee of approval. The carrier decides the claim.