Simplify It Using Our Roof Insurance Claims Guide

Most insurance policies require you to file a claim within 1 year of the storm date. However, it’s best to file as soon as possible after discovering damage. Michigan weather can cause further damage if leaks develop, so we recommend scheduling an inspection immediately after any major storm to begin your storm damage roof insurance claim.

Storm damage claims are typically considered “act of God” events and shouldn’t directly raise your individual rates. Insurance companies set rates based on regional risk, so if an entire area is hit by a major storm, rates may rise for everyone regardless of who files a claim. It is almost always in your best interest to file a legitimate claim for significant damage rather than paying out of pocket.

We have extensive experience with claim denials and can help you appeal the decision. Often, denials occur due to insufficient documentation, a missed deadline, or the adjuster believing the damage is from wear and tear. As your local roofer for insurance claims, we can provide a second opinion, gather additional evidence, and guide you through the appeals process to fight for a fair outcome.

While you have the right to get multiple estimates, your insurance company typically only requires one from a qualified contractor. We provide detailed, line-itemized estimates using industry-standard software that insurance companies recognize and accept. Our comprehensive estimates ensure the entire scope of work for your wind damage roof repair insurance or hail claim is covered.

The roofing insurance claim process is much smoother when you partner with an experienced contractor. After our initial free inspection, we document all storm damage with photos and detailed notes. We then help you file the claim with the correct information. The most critical step is when we meet your insurance adjuster on-site. As your advocate, we walk the roof with the adjuster, pointing out every detail to ensure nothing is missed. Once the scope of work is approved, we review it to make sure it covers all necessary repairs to local code. We then schedule the work, complete the repairs or replacement, and provide your insurance company with the final invoice. A good local roofer for insurance claims handles the complexity so you don’t have to.

Assessing a hail damage roof insurance claim is a detailed process. Our certified inspectors look for more than just obvious dents. We typically mark off a 10×10 foot “test square” on different slopes of your roof to count the number of hail impacts per square. We check for bruising, which is when hail strikes have fractured the shingle matting beneath the granules. We also inspect soft metal components like roof vents, flashing, and gutters, as damage to these items is a strong indicator of the storm’s intensity. This thorough documentation is critical because hail damage can void your shingle’s manufacturer warranty, making a successful insurance claim essential for protecting your investment long-term.

For a wind damage roof repair insurance claim, coverage depends on the extent of the damage. At a minimum, your policy should cover the replacement of all missing shingles. More importantly, it should also cover shingles that have been lifted or creased by the wind, as their sealant strip has been broken, leaving them vulnerable to future leaks. If the damage is widespread (often over 25-30% of the roof), or if the specific shingle is discontinued and cannot be matched, your insurance may approve a full roof replacement. The settlement should always cover the cost to restore your roof using materials of “like kind and quality,” such as premium shingles from trusted brands like Owens Corning.

It’s wise to have an expert review the insurance adjuster’s initial scope of work. While adjusters are knowledgeable, they can sometimes miss key items that are crucial for a proper, code-compliant roof replacement. This can include things like the replacement of ice and water shields, drip edges, valley metal, or specific ventilation components. As your local roofer for insurance claims, we review the adjuster’s report line-by-line against our own detailed assessment. If we find discrepancies, we file a supplement with the insurance company to ensure every necessary component is included in the claim. This ensures you receive a complete roof system that meets all local codes and manufacturer specifications from brands like CertainTeed, not just what was initially offered.