Understanding the Roof Insurance Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Storm damage can leave homeowners with a lot of questions. Is the roof actually damaged? Who should you call first? What happens when an insurance adjuster comes out? And where does your roofing contractor fit into the process?
At MVP Roofing, our role is to help you understand the roofing side of an insurance-related project. We inspect and document roof damage, answer technical roofing questions, provide estimates and scopes of work, and communicate about the repairs or replacement your home needs.
Your insurance company determines whether a loss is covered under your policy and what it will pay. Questions about your policy, coverage, deductibles, or claim decisions should always be directed to your insurance carrier or another appropriately licensed professional.
With that distinction in mind, here's what homeowners can generally expect when storm damage leads to an insurance-related roofing project.
Step 1: Have Your Roof Inspected
After a significant hailstorm, wind event, or other severe weather, the first step is understanding the condition of your roof.
A professional roofing inspection can identify visible damage, areas of concern, and signs that may be consistent with a recent storm.
At MVP Roofing, we'll inspect your roofing system and document what we find. We'll explain the condition of the roof, show you areas of concern when possible, and discuss any roofing repairs or replacement that may be needed.
If storm-related damage is present, you can use that information when deciding whether to contact your insurance company.
Important: A roofing contractor can identify and document damage, but your insurance company determines whether that damage is covered by your policy.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company
If you decide to file a claim, you'll contact your homeowners insurance company directly.
Your insurer can explain your policy, deductible, claim procedures, deadlines, and any documentation it requires. The insurance company will typically assign a claim number and arrange for an adjuster to inspect the property.
Keep your claim number and your adjuster's contact information somewhere accessible. You'll likely refer to both throughout the project.
If you have questions about what your policy covers or how filing a claim could affect your insurance, those questions are best directed to your insurance carrier or agent.
Step 3: The Insurance Adjuster's Inspection
Your insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the reported damage.
When possible, your roofing contractor may also be present during this inspection.
Why?
Your roofer can point out documented areas of damage and answer technical questions about the roof, including materials, construction methods, measurements, accessibility, and the work that may be necessary to properly repair or replace damaged roofing components.
The adjuster evaluates the loss on behalf of the insurance company. Your roofing contractor evaluates the roof from a construction standpoint.
Those are different roles, and both can be important to the process.
Step 4: Review the Insurance Scope and Roofing Work
After its evaluation, your insurance company may provide documentation describing the work and costs it has included in the claim.
Your roofing contractor can review that information as it relates to the roofing project and prepare an estimate or scope of work based on the actual construction needs of your home.
Sometimes the insurer's scope and the contractor's scope don't initially match. That doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. There may be differences in measurements, materials, building-code requirements, or damage that wasn't visible during the initial inspection.
When technical roofing questions arise, MVP Roofing can provide measurements, photographs, estimates, invoices, or other construction documentation when appropriate.
Questions about why something is or isn't covered under your policy should be directed to your insurance company.
Step 5: If Additional Damage or Work Is Identified
Not every roofing issue is visible before work begins.
Once old roofing materials are removed, a contractor may discover damaged decking or another condition that affects how the new roofing system must be installed.
In other situations, there may be differences between the work identified by the contractor and the work listed in the insurer's initial scope.
When that happens, your roofing contractor can document the condition and provide information about the additional work that may be necessary from a construction standpoint.
The insurance company determines whether additional work or costs qualify for coverage under your policy.
If something isn't covered, MVP Roofing can still explain your roofing options and associated costs so you can decide how you'd like to proceed.
Step 6: Choose Your Roofing Contractor
An insurance claim doesn't change the importance of choosing a qualified roofing contractor.
Look for a company that:
Is properly insured and established in your area
Provides clear, written information about the proposed work
Explains materials, warranties, and installation practices
Communicates clearly throughout the project
Understands local building requirements
Documents the condition of your roof
Doesn't promise or guarantee insurance coverage
Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to sign immediately, promises that insurance will "pay for everything," or claims to know what your insurer is legally required to cover.
A roofing contractor's expertise should be focused on your roof and the work required to repair it properly.
Step 7: Schedule Your Roof Replacement
Once you've selected your contractor and you're ready to move forward, the roofing project can be scheduled.
Before installation, MVP Roofing will review the project with you, including your roofing materials, colors, anticipated timeline, property preparation, and what to expect on installation day.
If your project involves insurance, we'll also make sure we have the roofing-related documentation necessary for our portion of the project.
Then our focus becomes what it should be: building your roof correctly.
Step 8: Installation, Documentation and Cleanup
During installation, the old roofing materials are removed, the underlying roof deck is inspected, and the new roofing system is installed according to the project's specifications and applicable requirements.
If previously unseen conditions are discovered, we'll document them and explain what they mean for the roofing work.
Once construction is complete, we'll perform our final cleanup and inspection and provide the appropriate project documentation.
If your insurance company requests roofing-related invoices, photographs, completion documentation, or other construction information, we can provide applicable records from our work.
Common Terms You May Encounter During an Insurance-Related Roofing Project
Adjuster
The insurance professional who inspects your property and evaluates your claim.
Deductible
The portion of the claim you're responsible for paying according to your insurance policy.
Scope of Loss
A detailed document describing the repairs your insurance company has approved.
Supplement
Occasionally, additional damage is discovered after work begins. When this happens, your roofing contractor may submit additional documentation to your insurance company for review.
Recoverable Depreciation
Depending on your policy, a portion of the claim may be paid after the roofing project has been completed and the required documentation has been submitted.
Common Questions About Roof Insurance Claims
Should I call my insurance company or a roofer first?
Many homeowners choose to start with a professional roof inspection so they understand the condition of their roof before deciding whether to contact their insurance company.
Will filing a claim automatically raise my insurance premiums?
Insurance companies consider many factors when determining premiums. If you have questions about how a claim may affect your policy, it's best to speak directly with your insurance provider.
Can my roofer talk to my insurance company?
Yes. With your permission, your roofing contractor can often communicate with your insurance company regarding your roofing project and help answer technical questions related to the roof.
What if additional damage is discovered during the project?
If hidden storm-related damage is uncovered after work begins, your roofing contractor can document the findings and communicate with your insurance company as needed.
Understanding Everyone's Role
Insurance-related roof replacements can feel complicated partly because several people may be involved.
The homeowner makes decisions about their property and communicates with their insurance company.
The insurance company interprets the policy, evaluates the claim, determines coverage, and makes payment decisions.
The roofing contractor evaluates the physical roof, documents damage, recommends appropriate roofing work, provides construction estimates and performs the repair or replacement.
At MVP Roofing, we believe homeowners are better served when those roles stay clear.
We won't interpret your insurance policy or tell you what your insurance company is legally required to cover.
We will make sure you understand what's happening with your roof.
Local Help After the Storm
If your home has been through hail, high winds, or severe weather, you don't have to guess about the condition of your roof.
MVP Roofing provides professional roof inspections throughout the Kansas City Metro, Southwest Missouri, and surrounding service areas. We'll inspect your roof, document what we find, explain your roofing options, and provide the information you need to make an informed decision about your home.
Have questions about your roof after a storm? Contact MVP Roofing to schedule a free roof inspection.
This article provides general information about the roofing and construction process and is not legal, insurance, or coverage advice. Insurance policies and claims vary. Contact your insurance carrier, agent, or an appropriately licensed professional with questions regarding your policy, coverage, or claim decisions.
