Roof damage has a way of turning a good day upside down. One minute, everything’s fine—then a storm hits, and suddenly you’ve got missing shingles, a leak in your ceiling, or worse, a chunk of your roof sitting in the neighbor’s yard.
As if that’s not frustrating enough, now you have to deal with insurance claims—paperwork, phone calls, and adjusters who may or may not have your best interests in mind. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.
But here’s the thing—you don’t have to tackle it alone. At Black Hill Roofing, we’ve helped plenty of homeowners navigate the insurance process for roof damage, and we know how to cut through the confusion. We’ll walk you through what to do, what to say (and what not to say), and how to make sure you get the coverage you deserve—without all the headaches.
Let’s get started.
Roof Damage? Who to Call First—Your Roofer or Insurance?
After a storm or any event that damages your roof, the first question is usually:
“Who do I call first—my roofer or my insurance company?”
While it might seem logical to call your insurance provider right away, there’s a better way to go about it. Call a roofer first.
Why? Because an insurance adjuster (the person your insurance company sends to inspect the damage) works for the insurance company—not for you. Their goal is to minimize payouts, which means they may underestimate the damage or even deny your claim if they think repairs aren’t necessary.
By calling a professional roofing contractor first, you’ll have a trained eye inspecting the damage, documenting everything properly, and advocating for you. This makes your case much stronger when you file a roof damage claim.
Pro Tip: Choose a roofer with insurance claim experience—like us at Black Hill Roofing—to ensure the process goes smoothly from the start.
The Insurance Process for Roof Damage: Step-by-Step Breakdown
If this is your first time filing a roof damage insurance claim, you might not know what to expect. Here’s the step-by-step process to keep things moving smoothly:
1. Document the Damage
Before making any repairs, take clear photos of all visible damage. Get close-ups of missing shingles, dents from hail, leaks inside your home, and any other signs of roof damage.
2. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Having a roofer assess the damage before calling your insurance company strengthens your claim. We’ll provide a detailed report, including photos and a repair estimate, which can help prevent lowball estimates from your insurance provider.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company to File a Claim
Once you have all the necessary documentation, file your insurance claim. Be prepared to provide:
- The date of the damage
- A description of what happened (storm, hail, wind, fallen tree, etc.)
- Photos and the roof inspection report from your contractor
Your insurance company will schedule an adjuster to come out and inspect the damage.
4. Meet with the Insurance Adjuster
Your insurance adjuster will visit your home to assess the damage. This is a crucial moment in the roof damage claim process, so having your roofer present is highly recommended.
Why? Because adjusters may overlook or underestimate damage. With a professional roofer by your side, you have someone to point out hidden damage and make sure everything is properly documented.
Read more from TX Dept. of Insurance- Working with an insurance adjuster
5. Receive Your Insurance Estimate
After the adjuster’s inspection, you’ll receive an estimate detailing how much your insurance company is willing to pay for repairs or replacement.
6. Get the Work Done
Once your claim is approved, you can move forward with repairs or a full roof replacement. Your insurance will issue payment—usually in two parts: one upfront and another after the work is completed.
7. Final Inspection & Payment
After the work is finished, your insurance provider may do a final inspection before releasing the remaining funds.
And just like that, you’ve navigated the insurance claim process like a pro!
What Not to Say to a Roof Insurance Adjuster? Avoid These Costly Mistakes
Talking to an insurance adjuster is a little like talking to a lawyer—what you say can and will be used to determine your payout. Here are some things not to say:
1. “It’s Not That Bad.”
Even if you think the damage looks minor, don’t downplay it. What seems small now could turn into a major problem later.
2. “My Roof Was Already in Rough Shape.”
Insurance companies love to deny claims by saying the damage was due to pre-existing conditions. Stick to the facts about the recent event that caused the damage.
3. “I Don’t Know What Happened.”
If you’re unsure of the exact cause, don’t speculate. Let the roof inspection report speak for itself.
How Long Does It Take for Insurance to Approve a Roof Claim?
The insurance claim process isn’t instant, but the timeline can vary. Here’s a rough estimate:
- 24–48 hours – Initial contact with insurance and filing your claim.
- 1–2 weeks – Insurance adjuster schedules an inspection.
- 2–4 weeks – Insurance reviews the claim and issues an estimate.
- 1–2 months – Repairs are scheduled and completed.
If everything goes smoothly, you could have a new roof within a month or two. However, delays happen, especially after major storms when insurance companies are flooded with claims.
Can My Homeowners Insurance Pay for My Roof? Understanding Coverage
A big question homeowners ask is: “Will my insurance pay for my roof?”
The answer? It depends.
Most homeowners’ policies cover roof damage caused by sudden, uncontrollable events like:
- Hail
- Windstorms
- Falling trees or debris
- Fire
However, insurance won’t cover damage from:
- Normal wear and tear
- Lack of maintenance
- Pre-existing conditions
This is why regular roof inspections are key—if you wait too long and your roof deteriorates, insurance might not help when you need it most.
Roof Damage Claim Denied? Here’s What to Do Next
If your roof damage claim is denied, don’t panic—you have options:
- Review the Denial Letter – Understand why your claim was denied.
- Request a Second Inspection – If you believe the adjuster missed something, request another review.
- Get a Roofing Expert’s Opinion – A professional roofer can provide additional documentation to strengthen your case.
- File an Appeal – Most insurance companies allow you to challenge a denial if you have strong supporting evidence.
At Black Hill Roofing, we can help you navigate this process and fight for the coverage you deserve.
Final Thoughts: How to Make the Roof Damage Insurance Claim Process Stress-Free
Dealing with roof damage is stressful, but filing an insurance claim doesn’t have to be. By calling a roofer first, documenting everything properly, and knowing what to expect, you can avoid unnecessary headaches and get your roof repaired quickly.
If you think your roof may have damage, don’t wait—contact Black Hill Roofing today for a free inspection. We’ll help you through the insurance process for roof damage and make sure your home gets the protection it needs.
