Filing a roof insurance claim, end-to-end
This is the complete walkthrough of what happens from the moment you suspect damage to the moment your new roof is on. Most homeowners only file one or two roof claims in their lifetime — this guide makes sure the first one goes well.
Step 1: Document the storm event
Before you do anything else, write down (or note in your phone):
- The exact date of the storm
- The type of storm (hail, wind, tornado, fallen tree)
- Any photos you took of the storm or aftermath
Insurance carriers cross-reference your claim with weather data for the date you give them. If the date is wrong, the claim can be questioned. Use the National Weather Service archive to verify the exact date if you’re not sure.
Step 2: Inspect the damage from the ground
Walk around your house and look for visible signs of damage:
- Shingles in the yard or driveway
- Dents in gutters, downspouts, or siding
- Bent or loose flashing visible from the ground
- Missing patches of shingles on the roof
- Leaks or water stains inside the house
Do not climb on your roof yourself. Insurance won’t cover injuries to you, and damage assessment requires training to do properly. This is what contractors are for.
Step 3: Get a contractor inspection (free)
Call a licensed roofing contractor for a free damage assessment. They’ll climb the roof safely, document damage with photos, and give you a written report. This step matters: contractors find damage adjusters miss, especially hail damage that’s hard to see from below.
Choose a contractor that:
- Is licensed in your state
- Carries general liability and workers comp insurance
- Has a verifiable physical address (not just a P.O. box)
- Has been in business in your area for years (not weeks — storm-chasers move into damaged areas after every major event)
Step 4: File the claim
Call your insurance carrier’s claims line. The phone tree will direct you to a claim filing rep. You’ll need:
- Your policy number
- The storm date
- A description of what was damaged
- Any contractor reports or photos you have
The carrier will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster to inspect within 5-15 business days. The adjuster is a representative of the insurance company, not an independent third party.
Step 5: The adjuster meeting
Have your contractor present at the adjuster meeting if possible. The adjuster will:
- Climb the roof and document what they see
- Take photos of damage
- Sometimes use chalk to mark hail strikes
- Discuss findings with your contractor (if present)
The adjuster’s scope of loss determines how much your carrier will pay. Having a contractor at the meeting reduces the chance of damage being missed.
Step 6: Receive the scope of loss
Within 5-10 business days, the adjuster issues a written scope of loss. This document lists:
- The work approved (full replacement, partial repair, etc.)
- The dollar amount approved
- Your deductible (subtracted from the payout)
- Any “recoverable depreciation” held back until work is complete
Step 7: Sign with your contractor
Once you have an approved scope, sign a contract with your roofing contractor. Your out-of-pocket cost is your deductible. The contractor invoices the carrier directly for the rest.
Watch out for “deductible waiving”
It is illegal in Illinois (and most states) for a contractor to waive, rebate, or otherwise cover your deductible. If a contractor offers this, walk away — it’s insurance fraud and can void your claim.
Step 8: Work begins
Most roof replacements take 1-3 days from start to finish. The contractor coordinates with you on the start date. During tear-off, hidden damage often appears (rotted decking, ice damage). When that happens, the contractor files a supplemental claim with photos, and the carrier typically approves within 5-7 days.
Step 9: Recoverable depreciation release
Most insurance policies hold back “recoverable depreciation” until the work is actually completed. After work is done, your contractor sends final documentation to the carrier (photos, invoice, completion certificate). The carrier issues a final payment for the depreciation amount within 7-30 days. This payment goes to you (or to the contractor if you’ve assigned it).
Total timeline expectations
- Storm to claim filing: 0-7 days
- Claim filing to adjuster meeting: 5-15 business days
- Adjuster meeting to scope of loss: 5-10 business days
- Scope to contract signing: 1-7 days (your decision)
- Contract to work start: 1-4 weeks (depends on contractor schedule)
- Work duration: 1-3 days
- Work completion to final payment: 7-30 days
Total: typically 6-12 weeks from storm to fully completed and paid.