Top 10 Roof Insurance Claim Questions Answered
When dealing with roof damage, understanding the insurance claim process can feel overwhelming. Many homeowners aren’t sure where to start or how to ensure they receive proper coverage. At Restoration Roofing, we have helped countless homeowners through this process and boast a 95% success rate for storm damage insurance claims. Below, we answer the top 10 most common questions homeowners have when filing an insurance claim for roof damage.
1. Is My Roof Damage Covered by My Insurance?
The answer depends on your insurance policy and the cause of the damage. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover storm-related damage, including: ✅ Wind damage ✅ Hail damage ✅ Fallen debris (such as tree branches) ✅ Severe weather events
However, insurance does NOT cover: ❌ Normal wear and tear ❌ Neglect or lack of maintenance ❌ Pre-existing damage
If you suspect storm damage, it’s important to act quickly and document the condition of your roof.
2. Should I Call My Insurance Company or a Roofer First?
Always call a roofer first for a free inspection. Here’s why: ✔ A roofer can determine if the damage is severe enough to justify a claim. ✔ If there’s no major damage, filing a claim could negatively impact your claims history. ✔ A trusted roofer can provide documentation to support your claim if you do decide to file.
At Restoration Roofing, we provide detailed inspections and expert guidance to help homeowners decide whether to file a claim.
3. How Does the Insurance Claims Process Work?
The typical insurance claim process involves these steps:
1️⃣ Get a roof inspection from a qualified contractor. 2️⃣ If damage is found, file a claim with your insurance company. 3️⃣ An insurance adjuster will visit to assess the damage. 4️⃣ If approved, your insurance company issues a settlement (usually in two payments). 5️⃣ Your contractor completes the repairs or replacement. 6️⃣ You send proof of completion to your insurance company for the final payout.
Understanding this process can help avoid unnecessary delays.
4. What Does ACV vs. RCV Mean on My Claim?
Insurance policies fall under two main types:
✔ RCV (Replacement Cost Value): Covers the full cost of replacing your roof, minus your deductible. The first check covers the depreciated value (ACV), and the second check is released after work is completed. ✔ ACV (Actual Cash Value): Covers only the depreciated value of your roof. Homeowners must pay the remaining balance out-of-pocket.
If you have an ACV policy, you may need to explore financing options for the remaining costs.
5. What is My Deductible, and Do I Have to Pay It?
Yes, you must pay your deductible. A deductible is the amount you must pay before insurance covers the remaining costs. For example:
Roof Replacement Cost: $15,000 Deductible: $2,000 Insurance Pays: $13,000
Waiving deductibles is illegal in most states and could lead to fraud charges.
6. How Long Does the Claims Process Take?
The timeline varies based on the complexity of your claim, but typically: ✔ Inspection & Filing a Claim: 1–2 weeks ✔ Insurance Adjuster Visit: 1–2 weeks ✔ Claim Approval & First Payment: 2–4 weeks ✔ Roof Replacement: 1–5 days ✔ Final Payment: 1–3 weeks after completion
Total Time: 4–8 weeks, though disputes or re-inspections may cause delays.
7. What If My Insurance Company Denies My Claim?
If your claim is denied, you have options: ✔ Request a reinspection with your roofer present to provide evidence. ✔ File an appeal with your insurance company. ✔ Hire a public adjuster or attorney if needed.
Having a knowledgeable roofing contractor can significantly increase your chances of approval.
8. Can I Choose My Own Roofing Contractor?
Yes! Homeowners are not required to use the contractor suggested by their insurance company. Choosing your own contractor allows you to: ✔ Work with a local, trusted roofing company. ✔ Ensure high-quality materials and installation. ✔ Have a roofer who will advocate for you during the claims process.
9. What If My Insurance Payout Isn’t Enough to Cover the Cost?
If the initial insurance payout is too low, you have options: ✔ Supplemental Claim: Your contractor can submit additional documentation to request more funds. ✔ Out-of-Pocket Payment: If insurance won’t approve more funds, you may need to cover the difference. ✔ Financing Options: Some contractors offer flexible payment plans to help homeowners manage costs.
10. Can I Keep the Insurance Money and Not Fix My Roof?
Technically, yes, but it’s risky: ❌ If you have a mortgage, lenders require repairs to protect the home’s value. ❌ Neglecting repairs could lead to policy cancellation or higher premiums. ❌ Future claims could be denied due to failure to maintain your roof.
It’s always best to use the insurance funds for their intended purpose—to restore your home’s protection and value.
How Restoration Roofing Can Help
At Restoration Roofing, we make the insurance claims process easy by: ✔ Providing free, detailed roof inspections. ✔ Helping you file your claim and communicate with your insurance company. ✔ Meeting with adjusters to ensure all storm damage is properly documented. ✔ Offering 95% success rate for storm damage claims. ✔ Completing high-quality repairs and replacements with premium materials.
For all your roofing needs, trust the experts at Restoration Roofing. We’re more than just a Collierville TN roofing company; we’re your partners in home protection. Contact us today!
Give us a call at 901-854-3402 or fill out our Contact Us form and we will reach out to you with our next available inspection. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on finding the best roofing contractor for you.
Need help with a roof insurance claim? Call us today for a FREE inspection! (901) 854-3402
