Most homeowners have never filed a roof insurance claim. The process is not complicated once you understand it, but a lot of people leave money on the table by going through it without a contractor who knows what adjusters look for.
Here is how it works.
WHAT IS COVERED AND WHAT IS NOT
Standard homeowner’s insurance policies in Maryland cover sudden, accidental damage (insurance policy overview: https://www.iii.org/article/homeowners-insurance-guide). For roofs, that typically means storm damage wind, hail, falling trees, and ice dams (storm-related damage info: https://www.fema.gov). What policies generally do not cover is normal wear and aging.
The line between storm damage and normal wear is not always obvious. A 20-year-old roof that loses shingles in a windstorm has both storm damage and age-related wear. How that gets categorized on the claim matters. An experienced contractor can help document the storm-caused damage specifically and clearly.
STEP 1: GET AN INSPECTION BEFORE YOU CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
This is the step most homeowners skip. They call their insurance company first and schedule an adjuster visit before they know what is actually wrong with the roof.
The problem with this approach: the adjuster works for the insurance company. Their job is to assess the damage accurately, but their definition of ‘accurately’ may not include everything that is visible to someone who has been on thousands of roofs.
Call a roofing contractor first. Get an independent assessment of the damage with photos. Know what you are dealing with before the adjuster shows up.
STEP 2: FILE YOUR CLAIM
Once you have documentation of the damage, call your insurance company to file the claim. They will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster visit. The timeframe varies by company and season after a major storm, adjusters can be backed up for weeks.
STEP 3: THE ADJUSTER VISIT
The adjuster will come to your property, inspect the roof, and document what they find. This is where having a roofing contractor present makes a significant difference.
We will meet the adjuster at your property during this visit. We have done this enough times to know the specific types of damage adjusters look for, the language that shows up in successful claims, and the areas that are easy to miss from a quick inspection. If something is overlooked, we can point it out on the spot.
STEP 4: THE ESTIMATE AND APPROVAL
After the adjuster visits, your insurance company will send you an estimate of the covered repair costs. Review it carefully. If the number seems low or if items are missing, you have the right to dispute it.
We have helped many Southern Maryland homeowners negotiate revised estimates after the initial assessment came in short. If the estimate does not reflect the full scope of the damage, we can provide documentation to support a revised claim.
STEP 5: CHOOSING YOUR CONTRACTOR
Once the claim is approved, you are free to choose any licensed contractor. Your insurance company may suggest names you are not required to use them. You are always entitled to choose a contractor you trust.
We are MHIC licensed (#162131) and GAF Certified (see certification details: https://www.gaf.com). We carry full documentation to every estimate and are happy to provide it to your insurance company or adjuster.
HAVE A STORM-DAMAGED ROOF?
Call us at (443) 219-7323. We do free inspections, we will document everything we find, and we can be at your property during the adjuster visit if you want someone in your corner. No obligation after the inspection.
