Filing a Roof Insurance Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide
Documentation, deductibles, ACV vs. RCV, and avoiding adjuster lowballs.
Filing a roof insurance claim after storm damage requires careful documentation, understanding your policy, and ideally an independent contractor inspection. Homeowners who navigate this well receive full replacement coverage; those who don't routinely lose 30-50% of available coverage.
First 48 hours after damage
Photograph everything — roof damage, interior water damage, fallen debris. Tarp any active leaks (keep receipts; insurance reimburses). Don't make permanent repairs yet.
Call your insurance company to open a claim. Read your policy's wind/hail deductible and your coverage type (RCV vs. ACV) before the adjuster visit.
RCV vs. ACV — the critical difference
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): pays to replace the roof at today's prices, regardless of the old roof's age. Standard on most modern policies.
Actual Cash Value (ACV): pays the depreciated value of the old roof. A 15-year-old asphalt roof on an ACV policy might pay 40% of replacement cost. Many policies have moved roofs to ACV starting around year 10-15.
Working with the adjuster
Have a vetted local contractor present during the adjuster's visit. The contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss and discuss scope in technical terms.
If the adjuster's settlement is significantly lower than your contractor's estimate, request a re-inspection. You have the right to a second adjuster review, and many homeowners' policies allow you to invoke 'appraisal' as a dispute resolution process.