An insurance claim for a roof is NOT a straightforward process!!
Here's the process in a nutshell.
Step 1. Verify Legitimate Damage.
This should be done through an inspection from a trained professional; either independent or with a licensed roofing contractor. If it determined that water is causing damage inside the home or attic, it is the responsibility of the insured (you) to prevent further damage to the best of your ability.
**Recommended: Contact a licensed contractor to properly install protective tarps.
*please review "Inspections" tab for more info.
Step 2. File a Claim.
You can do this on your own or with a licensed roofing contractor.
Contact your insurance company and ask to file a claim. The insurance company will want to know the following: Policy number, type of damage, date damage occurred, and whether or not you are working with a Roofing Contractor.
If purchased; you should find out how to send a copy of your initial report to the insurance company for consideration in their decision making process.
They will then schedule for a 3rd party inspection to be performed.
Step 3. 3rd party inspection.
The inspector will come out, inspect the roof and do a report for the insurance company. The inspector has no say in, or information about, your claim and it's approval status. If you are working with a contractor they should meet the inspector in order to point out first hand the damage that was discovered in the initial inspection.
*Any tarps installed should be removed and reinstalled by a licensed contractor in conjunction with the inspection.
Step 4. A Decision is made (This can and probably will take a long time).
The insurance underwriter will review all of the information provided on your claim and come to a decision. If your claim is denied this is essentially the end of the process pending review or legal action.
Step 5. You're Approved!!
The insurance company will do an appraisal based on Fair Market value without ever seeing your roof.
This is where working with a licensed roofing contractor can make a BIG difference!! These estimates are generated by a software program that has a generic list of costs (line items) and a basic material list. The catch is there's often missing line items that are specific to your home or simply get overlooked if not reviewed by a skilled and honest contractor.
If you work with a contractor you trust they will work with the insurance company throughout the process to make sure that there's no cutting corners to make the numbers work in favor of any particular party.
*Note: It is Illegal for anyone but the insurance company to waive the deductible; this should also be a Red Flag in choosing your contractor.
The homeowner is financially responsible for their deductible and any agreed upon upgrades beyond the scope of work outlined in the insurance appraisal.This guarantees that your new roof is installed safely, at it's best, and will last without issue for years to come.