Filing a Roofing Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step Guide

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1. Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately
2. Step 2: Prevent Further Damage
3. Step 3: Review Your Insurance Policy
4. Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
5. Step 5: Get a Professional Inspection
6. Step 6: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster
7. Step 7: Review and Negotiate Settlement
8. Claim Timeline: What to Expect
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
10. Frequently Asked Questions

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

The moment you discover roof damage—whether from a storm, hail, or fallen tree—your first priority is documentation. Insurance companies make decisions based on evidence, and the more thorough your documentation, the stronger your claim.

Photo and Video Documentation Checklist

Within 24-48 hours of the damage occurring (or as soon as it's safe), capture the following:

Essential Photos to Take:

✓Wide-angle roof shots from all four sides of your home
✓Close-up damage photos of missing shingles, dents, cracks, or punctures
✓Gutter and downspout damage including any dents or granule accumulation
✓Siding, window, and exterior damage that occurred simultaneously
✓Interior water stains on ceilings and walls
✓Debris in yard including shingles, flashing, or tree limbs
✓HVAC units and outdoor equipment for hail damage

Pro Tip: Timestamp Everything

Enable location and date stamps on your phone camera. If your phone doesn't add timestamps automatically, take a photo of that day's newspaper or a weather app showing the date and current conditions alongside your damage photos. This proves when the damage occurred.

Additional Documentation to Gather

Beyond photos, collect these supporting materials:

Weather reports: Download NOAA data, local news storm coverage, or weather app screenshots showing the storm event
Neighbor statements: If neighbors also experienced damage, their documentation strengthens your case
Previous inspection records: If you had your roof inspected before the storm, that documentation proves pre-storm condition
Maintenance records: Receipts for any roof maintenance or repairs help prove you maintained your roof properly

Step 2: Prevent Further Damage

Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. Failing to do so can result in claim denial for the secondary damage. Here's what you should do:

Temporary Repair Actions:

1.
Tarp exposed areas: Cover any holes or missing shingles with a waterproof tarp secured with weights or boards (not nails that could cause more damage)
2.
Board up broken windows: If skylights or windows are damaged, board them to prevent water entry
3.
Remove standing water: If water has entered your home, begin removal to prevent mold growth
4.
Document the repairs: Take before/after photos and keep all receipts—these are typically reimbursable

Warning: Don't Make Permanent Repairs Yet

Only make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Do NOT hire a contractor to complete permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has inspected your roof. Permanent repairs before inspection can result in claim denial because the adjuster can't verify the original damage.

Step 3: Review Your Insurance Policy

Before calling your insurance company, take time to understand what your policy covers. This knowledge helps you ask the right questions and avoid surprises.

Key Policy Terms to Understand

Term	What It Means
Standard Deductible	Flat dollar amount (e.g., $1,000 or $2,500) you pay before insurance covers the rest
Hurricane Deductible	Percentage of home value (2-5% in SC) that applies only when hurricane watch/warning is issued
RCV (Replacement Cost Value)	Insurance pays to replace your roof with equivalent new materials
ACV (Actual Cash Value)	Insurance pays replacement cost minus depreciation—you get less for older roofs
Coverage Limit	Maximum amount insurance will pay for dwelling coverage
Cosmetic Damage Exclusion	Some policies won't cover damage that's visible but doesn't affect roof function

Myrtle Beach Specific: Hurricane vs Standard Deductibles

In South Carolina coastal areas, your policy likely has two different deductibles. For a home insured at $350,000:

• Standard deductible (thunderstorm wind, hail): $1,500-$2,500
• Hurricane deductible (3% of dwelling value): $10,500

The hurricane deductible only applies when the National Weather Service issues a hurricane watch or warning. Damage from tropical storms or regular thunderstorms typically falls under your standard deductible.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you've documented the damage and understood your policy, it's time to file your claim. Here's how to do it effectively:

Information to Have Ready

Your policy number
Date and time the damage occurred
Description of what caused the damage (storm, hail, fallen tree, etc.)
Brief description of visible damage
Your contact information and availability for adjuster visit
Whether you've made any temporary repairs

Questions to Ask the Claims Representative

1.What is my claim number?
2.What is the deadline to file this claim?
3.Which deductible applies—standard or hurricane?
4.Is my policy RCV or ACV for roofing?
5.When will the adjuster contact me?
6.Can I have my roofing contractor present during the inspection?
7.Are emergency/temporary repair costs reimbursable?

Step 5: Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Before the insurance adjuster arrives, have a licensed roofing contractor inspect your roof. This is one of the most important steps in the entire process—and one that many homeowners skip.

Why a Contractor Inspection Matters

✓
Identify hidden damage: Contractors often find damage that's not visible from the ground—areas adjusters might miss
✓
Detailed documentation: A contractor's report provides professional assessment to support your claim
✓
Accurate scope of work: Contractors know exactly what repairs are needed and can provide detailed estimates
✓
Adjuster meeting preparation: Your contractor can be present during the adjuster's inspection to ensure all damage is documented

Free Professional Roof Inspection

At WeatherShield Roofing, we provide free storm damage inspections for Myrtle Beach homeowners. We'll document all damage, provide a detailed report, and can meet with your adjuster to ensure nothing is missed.

Schedule Free Inspection: (843) 877-5539

Step 6: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

The adjuster's inspection is crucial—their report largely determines what your insurance company will pay. Here's how to prepare:

Before the Adjuster Arrives

Clear access to your roof (move vehicles, unlock gates)
Have all your documentation organized and ready
Arrange for your contractor to be present if possible
Make a list of all damage areas you want inspected
Have your policy handy for reference

During the Inspection

•Be present for the entire inspection—don't leave the adjuster alone
•Walk through all damage areas systematically with the adjuster
•Point out specific damage you documented, especially anything not visible from ground level
•Take notes on what the adjuster inspects and comments on
•Ask questions about anything you don't understand
•Request a copy of the adjuster's report and photos

Important: The Adjuster Works for the Insurance Company

Remember, the adjuster is employed by (or contracted by) your insurance company. While many are thorough and fair, their job is to assess damage accurately—not necessarily to maximize your payout. Having your own contractor present ensures you have professional representation during the inspection.

Step 7: Review and Negotiate Settlement

After the adjuster's inspection, you'll receive a settlement offer. Don't automatically accept the first offer—review it carefully.

Comparing Estimates

Get a detailed estimate from your roofing contractor and compare it line-by-line with the insurance company's estimate. Common discrepancies include:

Scope differences (insurance may not include all damaged areas)
Material pricing differences
Labor rate variations
Missing items (underlayment, flashing, ventilation)
Code upgrade requirements not included

Filing a Supplement

If the insurance estimate is lower than your contractor's quote, you can file a "supplement"—a request for additional funds with documentation supporting the higher amount. Your contractor can help prepare this supplement with:

Detailed line-item comparison showing discrepancies
Photos of additional damage found
Explanation of why additional work is necessary
Local pricing data to support material and labor costs

Claim Timeline: What to Expect

Understanding the typical timeline helps you plan and set expectations:

Stage	Typical Timeline	Notes
File claim	Within 30 days of damage	Sooner is better
Adjuster inspection	3-14 days after filing	Longer after major storms
Initial settlement offer	7-21 days after inspection	Review carefully before accepting
Supplement (if needed)	7-14 days to review	May require re-inspection
Final payment	After repairs complete	RCV policies pay recoverable depreciation after

After Major Storms

Following hurricanes or widespread severe weather in Myrtle Beach, timelines can extend significantly. Insurance companies bring in adjuster teams from out of state, but the volume of claims means longer waits. Filing promptly puts you higher in the queue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After 18+ years of helping homeowners with claims, I've seen the same mistakes cost people thousands of dollars:

Mistakes That Hurt Your Claim:

1
Waiting too long to file: The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove damage was storm-related
2
Poor documentation: Insufficient photos or no timestamps make claims harder to prove
3
Making permanent repairs first: Replacing your roof before the adjuster inspects can result in denial
4
Not being present for inspection: You miss the opportunity to point out all damage areas
5
Accepting first offer without review: Initial offers are often negotiable with proper documentation
6
Signing contracts before approval: Don't commit to a contractor until your claim is approved
7
Not understanding your deductible: Many homeowners are shocked by hurricane deductible costs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim after storm damage?

In South Carolina, most insurance policies require you to file a claim within 1 year of the damage occurring. However, filing promptly (within 30-60 days) significantly improves your chances of approval. Waiting too long makes it harder to prove damage was storm-related rather than wear and tear.

What forms do I need to file a roof insurance claim?

You typically need: your policy number, a completed claim form from your insurer, proof of loss form, date-stamped photos/videos of damage, weather reports documenting the storm, contractor estimates, and receipts for any emergency repairs. Your insurance company will provide specific forms after you report the claim.

What photos should I take for my roof insurance claim?

Take wide-angle shots of your entire roof from all sides, close-up photos of specific damage (missing shingles, dents, cracks), photos of gutters, downspouts, and siding damage, interior photos of any water stains or leaks, photos of debris in the yard, and dated photos showing the overall property. Use a camera/phone that adds timestamps automatically.

What are the most common mistakes when filing a roof insurance claim?

Common mistakes include: waiting too long to file, not documenting damage thoroughly with photos, making permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects, signing a contract with a contractor before getting insurance approval, not being present during the adjuster's inspection, accepting the first settlement offer without review, and not understanding your deductible type (hurricane vs standard).

Should I get a contractor estimate before filing my claim?

Yes, getting a professional roofing contractor inspection before the adjuster arrives is highly recommended. A contractor can identify hidden damage the adjuster might miss, provide a detailed estimate for comparison, and be present during the adjuster's inspection to ensure all damage is documented. This often results in a more accurate and fair settlement.

Need Help with Your Roof Insurance Claim?

At WeatherShield Roofing, we've helped hundreds of Myrtle Beach homeowners navigate the insurance claim process successfully. We provide free storm damage inspections, detailed documentation, and can meet with your adjuster to ensure all damage is properly documented.

Call (843) 877-5539 Schedule Free Inspection

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