The Roofer's Guide to Insurance Claims
Over my 18 years in the roofing industry, I've walked the roof with hundreds of insurance adjusters. Most of them are good people trying to do their jobs, but remember: they work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to minimize the payout.
My job is to advocate for the homeowner. Here is the exact playbook I give my clients to ensure they get every penny they are owed.
Step 1: I Need You to Document Everything
Before you even call me, start taking pictures. Take wide shots of your yard, hail stones next to a tape measure, and water stains on your ceiling. The more evidence we have, the harder it is for them to deny the claim.
Step 2: Let Me Do the Temporary Repairs
Do NOT climb on your wet, damaged roof with a blue tarp from the hardware store. Every year, people fall and get seriously injured doing this. My crew can safely tarp your roof, and we will invoice the insurance company directly for the emergency mitigation.
Step 3: The Adjuster Meeting (My Secret Weapon)
When the adjuster comes to your property, I want to be there. When an adjuster knows a Master Roofer is on the roof with them, pointing out the soft metal damage, the exact hail impacts, and quoting local building codes, they are far less likely to "overlook" damage. I provide them with a full scope of work and a line-item estimate.
Don't Take No For An Answer
If your claim gets denied, don't panic. I've successfully overturned many denials by calling for a re-inspection with an engineer or a different adjuster. The key is persistence and having a knowledgeable roofing partner in your corner.