Filing a roof insurance claim feels overwhelming the first time. There are adjusters, estimates, depreciation checks, supplements, and deadlines. Here’s the complete walkthrough from storm event to final payment.
Before You File: The Contractor Inspection
Before calling your insurance carrier, get a licensed contractor to inspect your roof. This gives you an independent professional assessment, documentation you can use if the adjuster’s scope differs from reality, and a realistic expectation of what your claim should include. It’s free.
Step 1: Call Your Insurance Carrier
Call the claims number on your policy — not your agent’s office. Have your policy number ready.
What to say: “I’m calling to report storm damage to my roof at [address]. The damage occurred on [date]. I’ve had a roofing contractor inspect and there is [hail/wind/impact] damage. I’d like to open a claim and schedule an adjuster inspection.”
What to get: Your claim number, the adjuster’s direct contact, expected timeline for inspection.
What not to say: Don’t estimate costs. Don’t characterize severity beyond what you’ve observed. Don’t accept settlement offers at this call.
Step 2: Prepare for the Adjuster Visit
Gather before the adjuster arrives:
- Your contractor’s inspection report and photos
- Your policy documents (know whether you have ACV or RCV)
- Photos you took immediately after the storm
- NOAA weather documentation for the storm date
- Records of any previous roof work
Notify your contractor of the appointment and ask them to be present. This is your right and standard industry practice.
Step 3: The Adjuster Inspection
The adjuster uses Xactimate to prepare their estimate. Their scope determines what insurance will pay.
Common items adjusters miss:
- Overhead and profit (O&P) — typically 10-20% owed when a general contractor coordinates the job
- Code upgrade requirements — local codes often require upgrades not in the original roof
- Drip edge and flashing replacements when existing material is damaged
- Interior damage resulting from the roof breach
- Full replacement vs. repair when partial repair would cause visible mismatch
Your contractor should be pointing these out in real time.
Step 4: Receive the Initial Estimate
The carrier sends an estimate. Read it carefully. Look for:
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV) — what the job costs new
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) — RCV minus depreciation
- Depreciation amount — often called withheld or recoverable depreciation
- Your deductible
- Net claim payment — ACV minus deductible
On an RCV policy, you receive ACV first. Once work is completed, you submit proof and receive the withheld depreciation.
Step 5: Review for Missed Items
Compare the adjuster’s scope to your contractor’s assessment. Common gaps:
O&P: If your contractor coordinates multiple trades, O&P (typically 20%) is standard. Many carriers leave it out initially. Your contractor can request it via supplement.
Code upgrades: Local building department requirements (ice and water shield, drip edge, ventilation) often get omitted. These are covered under code upgrade provisions.
Pitch premium: Steep roofs (7:12 pitch or above) should have a steep slope surcharge in the estimate.
Step 6: The Supplement Process
Your contractor prepares a supplement — a line-item additional scope document for missing work. This goes to the carrier’s supplement department.
Supplements are normal and common. Most claims have at least one. Resolution takes 1-3 weeks. Approval rates are high for well-documented supplements from licensed contractors.
Step 7: Work Authorization and Scheduling
Once scope is agreed upon, you sign the work authorization, materials are ordered, and you’re scheduled. Most full replacements complete in one day.
Step 8: Receiving the Final Payment
After work is completed: 1. Your contractor provides a completion certificate 2. You submit proof of completion to your carrier 3. The carrier releases withheld depreciation 4. You pay the contractor; insurance payments go to you (unless there’s a mortgage company on the check)
Mortgage company endorsement: If your home has a mortgage, the insurance check is typically made out to both you and your mortgage servicer. Contact your servicer’s insurance claims department for endorsement — it’s standard but takes time.
The Bottom Line
A well-handled claim with an experienced contractor typically results in a full replacement at no out-of-pocket cost beyond your deductible. The difference between a handled claim and an unhandled one can be $3,000-$8,000 or more.
Atlanta Roofing Experts handles the entire claims process for Atlanta and outlying area homeowners. Start your free claim consultation →