How to File a Roof Insurance Claim After Storm Damage

Filing a Roof Insurance Claim After Storm Damage

Dealing with storm damage to your roof is stressful enough without the added complexity of navigating the insurance claims process. For homeowners in Saratoga Springs, where severe weather events are a regular occurrence, understanding how to file a roof insurance claim efficiently can make the difference between a smooth repair experience and a frustrating ordeal. This guide walks you through every step of the process.

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

The single most important thing you can do after discovering storm damage is to document everything thoroughly before making any temporary repairs. Your documentation will be the foundation of your insurance claim.

What to Document

Start by taking photographs and video from multiple angles, capturing both wide shots of the overall damage and close-ups of specific problem areas. Include images of damaged shingles, bent flashing, dented gutters, interior water stains, and any debris that fell from or onto your roof. Note the date and time of the storm and your documentation efforts.

Create a written inventory of all visible damage, including measurements if possible. If you have photos of your roof before the storm, these can be extremely valuable for comparison purposes. Save all documentation in multiple locations, including cloud storage, so it cannot be lost.

Step 2: Prevent Further Damage

Your homeowner’s insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage to your property. This is known as your duty to mitigate. Reasonable temporary measures include:

• Placing emergency tarps over exposed areas to prevent water infiltration
• Moving valuables away from areas where water is entering
• Placing buckets under active leaks
• Boarding up broken windows or damaged skylights

Save all receipts for temporary repair materials, as these costs are typically reimbursable through your insurance claim. Do not make permanent repairs until your insurance adjuster has inspected the damage.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the storm. Most policies have a time limit for reporting damage, typically within 30 to 60 days, though reporting sooner is always better. When you call, have the following information ready:

• Your policy number
• The date and type of storm (wind, hail, ice, etc.)
• A general description of the damage you have observed
• Whether anyone was injured
• Whether emergency repairs were needed

Your insurance company will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster to inspect your property. In the Saratoga Springs area after a major storm, adjusters may be dealing with a high volume of claims, so the inspection could take one to three weeks.

Step 4: Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Before the insurance adjuster arrives, we strongly recommend having a professional roof inspection performed by a licensed, independent roofing contractor. This gives you a professional assessment and detailed repair estimate that you can present during the adjuster’s visit. A contractor who specializes in storm damage can identify issues that might not be immediately obvious, such as hidden hail damage or compromised underlayment.

Many reputable roofing contractors in the Saratoga Springs area offer free storm damage inspections. They can provide a written report with photographs that supplements your own documentation.

Step 5: Meet With the Insurance Adjuster

When the insurance adjuster arrives, be present during the inspection if possible. Walk them through the damage you have documented and share your contractor’s inspection report. The adjuster will assess the damage, determine what is covered under your policy, and prepare an estimate of the roof repair or replacement cost.

Tips for the Adjuster Visit

• Have your documentation and contractor report organized and ready to share
• Point out every area of damage, no matter how minor
• Ask the adjuster to explain anything you do not understand
• Request a copy of the adjuster’s report and estimate
• Do not feel pressured to accept the initial assessment if you believe damage was missed

Step 6: Review Your Claim Settlement

After the adjuster completes their inspection, your insurance company will issue a claim settlement, which is their determination of what they will pay for repairs. Review this carefully and compare it to your contractor’s estimate. If there is a significant discrepancy, you have the right to negotiate or request a re-inspection.

Understanding Your Settlement

Your settlement will typically be broken into two payments. The first payment covers the actual cash value of the damage, minus your deductible. If you proceed with the full repair, you submit proof of completion to receive the second payment, which covers the depreciation amount. This two-payment structure is standard for most homeowner’s policies in New York State.

Step 7: Choose Your Contractor and Complete Repairs

Once your claim is approved, select a qualified roofing contractor to perform the repairs. Here are important considerations:

• Get multiple estimates to ensure fair pricing
• Verify licensing and insurance for all contractors you consider
• Ask about storm damage experience specifically
• Check references from recent storm damage repair projects
• Review the scope of work to ensure it matches the insurance approval
• Never pay the full amount upfront before work begins

Be cautious of storm chasers, which are out-of-town contractors who follow storms and solicit business door to door. While not all storm chasers are dishonest, many offer subpar work and disappear when warranty issues arise. Stick with established local contractors who have a reputation in the Saratoga Springs community.

Common Reasons Claims Are Denied

Understanding why claims are denied can help you avoid pitfalls:

• Pre-existing damage: The insurer determines the damage existed before the storm
• Lack of maintenance: Damage resulted from neglecting routine maintenance
• Late reporting: The claim was filed after the policy’s reporting deadline
• Excluded events: The specific type of storm damage is not covered by your policy
• Insufficient documentation: Not enough evidence to support the claimed damage

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

If your claim is denied or the settlement amount seems too low, you have several options. You can file a formal appeal with your insurance company, hire a public adjuster to re-evaluate the damage, or consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance claims. In New York State, you also have the option of filing a complaint with the Department of Financial Services.

Let Rooferly Saratoga Springs Help

Navigating the insurance claims process is much easier with an experienced roofing professional in your corner. Rooferly Saratoga Springs can connect you with contractors who regularly work with insurance companies and understand the claims process inside and out. Contact us today to get matched with a qualified contractor who can support you through every step of your storm damage claim.