After a severe storm, the damage to your roof is only the first source of stress. The second is often the confusing and intimidating process of filing an insurance claim. Homeowners rightfully worry about making a misstep that could lead to a delayed, undervalued, or even denied claim, forcing them to pay thousands out of pocket for what should be a covered event.
This uncertainty is a core problem in the contracting industry. At RocStout Roofing, our entire approach is designed to replace that chaos with a clear, predictable, and process-driven path. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to navigate your insurance claims process with confidence, ensuring it is handled correctly from the very first day.
Before You Call: The “No Surprises” Principles for Success
Before you even pick up the phone, understanding a few key principles is critical. Our experience managing hundreds of claims has shown that a successful outcome depends on a strategic, informed approach.
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File Directly with the Claims Department, Not Your Agent. Your agent’s role is primarily in sales and policy management. The claims department is responsible for processing the claim. Filing directly ensures your claim is officially logged and handled by the correct department from the start.
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Understand that a Storm Claim Should Not Raise Your Rates. Storm damage is legally considered an “Act of God.” Unlike an at-fault accident, a claim for storm damage should not be used as a reason to single you out for a premium increase.
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Always Get a Professional Assessment Before You File. This is the single most important principle. The insurance company will determine a payout based on their adjuster’s assessment. Arming yourself with a detailed, expert report of the damage beforehand is the best way to ensure their assessment is complete and accurate.
Our Step-by-Step Process for a Predictable Claim
Step 1: The Professional Damage Assessment
The foundation of a successful claim is irrefutable, expert documentation. Before you do anything else, it’s essential to have a professional evaluate the full extent of the damage.
Our process involves:
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A Thorough, On-Roof Inspection: We meticulously inspect every facet of your roofing system, from shingles and flashing to ventilation and underlayment.
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Comprehensive Photo Documentation: We take high-resolution photos of all damage, including subtle issues like hail bruising and broken shingle seals that are often missed by untrained eyes.
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A Detailed Report: You will receive a complete report outlining our findings, which will serve as the foundational evidence for your claim.
Step 2: Review Your Policy and Initiate the Claim
With our damage report in hand, you can now move forward with confidence.
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Review Your Coverage: Take a moment to understand your deductible (the portion you are responsible for) and any specific terms related to your roofing coverage.
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File the Claim: Contact your insurance provider’s dedicated claims hotline or use their online portal. Provide them with the date of the storm and a general description of the damage. You now have a professional report ready to submit as evidence.
Step 3: The On-Site Meeting with the Adjuster
Your insurance company will schedule a visit from one of their adjusters. It is critical that your RocStout representative is present for this meeting. This is a non-negotiable part of our process. Our role is to:
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Walk the roof alongside the adjuster.
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Point out the specific damage we have already documented.
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Ensure that nothing is overlooked and that the assessment is thorough and fair.
This collaborative approach prevents oversights and ensures the adjuster’s report is as accurate as possible from the outset.
Step 4: Verify the Scope of Work and Settlement
Once the claim is approved, the insurance company will provide a “Scope of Work” and an initial payment. This document details exactly what they have agreed to pay for. We will review this line by line with you to:
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Confirm Accuracy: Ensure the scope accurately covers the full extent of the necessary roof replacement or roof repair.
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Identify Discrepancies: If items are missing or undervalued, we will file a “supplement” with the insurance company, providing the evidence needed to correct the scope and ensure a fair settlement.
Step 5: Executing the Work to the Highest Standard
Once the scope of work is finalized and agreed upon, our in-house team will execute the project precisely to those specifications and all local building codes. We handle the entire process, providing a seamless and predictable experience from start to finish.
Your Path to a Fair and Simple Resolution
You should not have to be an insurance expert to get your storm-damaged roof replaced fairly. The key is to have an expert on your side from the very beginning. A process-driven approach removes the guesswork, protects you from common pitfalls, and provides the best possible path to a full and fair settlement.
