How a roof insurance claim works, start to finish
Claims go smoother when you know the order of events and what each person is looking for.
Before anything: read your policy
Look at the declarations page and the sections on wind and hail. In North Carolina, wind and hail coverage isn't always part of a standard homeowners policy in the same way other perils are, and deductibles for those perils can be different. Knowing this early saves surprises.
Step 1: Protect the house
If the roof is open, get it tarped. Most policies expect you to prevent further damage. Keep receipts for the tarp and any emergency work.
Step 2: Document
Take photos from the ground: missing shingles, dents on gutters and vents, debris, ceiling stains. Note the date and time of the storm. A roofer's inspection adds photos of each slope and test areas where hail hits are marked in chalk.
Step 3: Call your insurer
File the claim and get a claim number. Ask what your deductible is for this type of damage.
Step 4: The adjuster visit
The insurer sends an adjuster to inspect. They look for functional damage: hail bruises that crack the mat, granules knocked away, creased or missing shingles, damage to soft metals. Having your roofer there helps make sure nothing is missed.
Step 5: The estimate and payment
The insurer issues an estimate. Payment often comes in stages, depending on the policy. Compare the insurer's scope with your roofer's written quote and ask about any differences.
Step 6: The work
The roofer completes the repair or replacement, pulls the permit when one is needed, and provides the paperwork the insurer requires.
Things to avoid
- Anyone who offers to waive or cover your deductible.
- Signing over claim rights before you understand the scope.
- Paying large sums upfront before work begins.
Quick questions
How long do I have to file a roof claim?
Policies set their own deadlines. File promptly after the storm.
Will a claim raise my premium?
It can; ask your agent. That's one reason to have damage inspected before filing.
Can the roofer talk to my insurer for me?
A roofer can provide documentation and meet the adjuster. Decisions about the claim stay with you.
What if the insurer denies the claim?
Ask for the reason in writing, review your policy, and consider a re-inspection.