When a storm damages your roof, the insurance claim can feel more stressful than the damage. Policies use confusing words. Adjusters are busy after big storms. It can be hard to know what to expect. The good news is that the process is easier when you know the steps.
This guide walks Birmingham and New Orleans homeowners through a roof insurance claim, from the first phone call to the finished roof. Every policy is different. Always read your own policy, and ask your insurance company or agent if you are not sure what is covered.
Step 1: Read Your Policy Before You File
Before you call your insurance company, take a few minutes to look over your policy. Pay attention to these things:
- Your deductible. This is the amount you pay before insurance pays. In Louisiana, many policies have a separate hurricane deductible. It is often a percent of your home’s value, not a set dollar amount.
- Replacement cost or actual cash value. A replacement cost policy usually pays to replace your roof with similar materials. An actual cash value policy takes off money for the age and wear of your roof, so you may get less.
- Roof limits. Some policies pay less for older roofs. Some do not pay for damage that only changes how the roof looks, like small hail dents in metal.
- Deadlines. Most policies say you must report damage quickly, within a set amount of time after the storm.
Step 2: Get a Roof Inspection First
It is often smart to have a trusted roofer look at your roof before you file. A professional roof inspection tells you if there is real storm damage and how bad it is. If the damage is small and the repair costs about the same as your deductible, you may decide not to file at all.
Capstone Roofing takes photos and notes of any damage. This gives you a clear record to share with your insurance company. For tips on what to look for yourself, read our guide on what to do after storm and hail damage.
Step 3: Take Pictures and Stop More Damage
- Take photos and videos of damage to your roof, gutters, siding, windows and ceilings
- Write down the date of the storm
- Make quick, temporary repairs, like putting up a tarp, to keep water out. Save the receipts.
- Wait to make permanent repairs until your insurance company has seen the damage
Most policies say you must take simple steps to protect your home from more damage. The cost of temporary repairs is often included in the claim.
Step 4: File the Claim
Call your insurance company or agent to start your claim. Many companies also let you file online or in an app. Have your policy number, the date of the storm, a short description of the damage and your photos ready. Write down your claim number and the name of each person you talk to.
Step 5: Meet the Insurance Adjuster
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to look at the damage. After big storms, this visit may take a while to set up.
It is a good idea to have your roofer there when the adjuster comes. Your roofer can point out damage the adjuster might miss and make sure it all gets written down. At Capstone Roofing, we are glad to meet your adjuster and walk the roof together.
Step 6: Check the Estimate
After the visit, your insurance company will send you a written estimate. Go over it with your roofer. Make sure it includes everything needed to fix or replace your roof the right way, such as:
- Removing and hauling away the old roof
- The layer under the shingles, metal trim and roof vents
- Damaged gutters and other parts
- Any wood under the shingles that needs to be replaced
- Upgrades required by local building codes, if your policy covers them
If something is missing, or the estimate does not match the real damage, your roofer can help you ask for a review. This is often called a supplement. It includes photos and notes that show what was missed.
Step 7: Know How You Get Paid
Roof claims are often paid in more than one check:
- The first check is usually the current value of the work, minus your deductible.
- The second check, if your policy includes it, pays back the money that was held for age and wear. It is usually sent after the work is done and you send the final bill to your insurance company.
If you have a mortgage, your lender’s name may be on the check. They may need to sign it before you can use the money. Ask your insurance company and lender how this works so there are no surprises.
Step 8: Schedule the Work
Once your claim is approved, schedule your roof repair or roof replacement with a roofer you trust. Get the work plan, materials, schedule and warranty in writing before work starts.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long. Report damage quickly. Waiting can make your claim harder and let more damage happen.
- Signing too fast. Read every contract before you sign it. Make sure you understand what you are agreeing to.
- Taking deals to skip your deductible. Paying your deductible is your job. Be careful of any roofer who offers to pay it, skip it or “cover” it. Deals like this can get you in trouble. Learn more in our article on “free roof” deals.
- Hiring the first person who knocks. After big storms, out-of-town crews often show up fast. Choose a local roofer who can show you their license and insurance.
Thinking About a Stronger Roof?
If your roof is being replaced, ask about stronger options. These include impact-resistant shingles, metal roofs, or a roof built to the FORTIFIED standard. Alabama (Strengthen Alabama Homes) and Louisiana (the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program) both have grant programs that help some homeowners pay for a FORTIFIED roof. Some insurance companies also give discounts for them. Visit each program’s website for details, and ask your agent how an upgrade could change your policy.
Let Capstone Roofing Help With Your Claim
Capstone Roofing helps homeowners in Birmingham, AL, New Orleans, LA and nearby areas through the whole process. We check and photograph the damage, meet with your adjuster and do the repair or replacement the right way. Learn more on our Insurance Claims Made Simple page.
Contact us today for a free inspection. Or call 205-453-1803 (Birmingham) or 504-302-0204 (New Orleans).
This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Every policy is different. Always check your policy and talk with your insurance company or agent about your situation.