Filing a roofing insurance claim can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time dealing with storm damage. Understanding each step ahead of time — and knowing what your insurance company will expect from you — makes the entire process far less stressful.
Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately
As soon as it's safe to do so after a storm, take clear photos and videos of any visible damage — missing shingles, dented gutters, debris on the roof, or interior water stains. Insurance companies rely heavily on documentation, and photos taken close to the time of the storm carry more weight than an inspection weeks later. If you're not comfortable getting on a ladder yourself, this is exactly the kind of documentation a professional roofing inspection can provide.
Step 2: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
A licensed roofing contractor can identify damage that isn't obvious from the ground — lifted shingles, hail bruising, or compromised flashing. This inspection report becomes part of your claim file and gives the insurance adjuster a clear, professional assessment to work from rather than relying solely on their own walk-through.
Step 3: File the Claim With Your Insurance Company
Contact your homeowner's insurance provider to formally open a claim. Most policies have a time limit for reporting storm damage, so it's best not to delay. You'll typically need your policy number, the approximate date of the storm, and a summary of the damage — the inspection report and photos from the previous steps make this step much faster.
- Insurance company assigns an adjuster to your claim
- Adjuster schedules an on-site visit to assess the damage
- Adjuster's report is compared against your contractor's findings
- Insurance company issues a settlement or coverage decision
Step 4: Meet With the Insurance Adjuster
The adjuster will visit your property to assess the damage and determine whether it meets your policy's coverage criteria. It's strongly recommended to have your roofing contractor present during this visit — adjusters sometimes miss damage that isn't immediately visible, and having a knowledgeable professional walking the roof alongside them can prevent your claim from being underestimated.
"Having your contractor present during the adjuster meeting is one of the biggest factors in getting a fair, accurate settlement."
Step 5: Review the Settlement and Move Forward With Repairs
Once the insurance company issues its decision, review the settlement carefully alongside your contractor's estimate to make sure the scope and cost of the approved repairs actually match what your roof needs. If there's a significant gap between the adjuster's assessment and the contractor's estimate, it's possible to request a re-inspection or provide additional documentation before accepting the settlement.
Why Having a Contractor Guide You Through This Matters
Every step above involves paperwork, deadlines, and technical roofing details that most homeowners don't deal with regularly. A contractor experienced in insurance claims can handle the documentation, attend the adjuster meeting on your behalf, and make sure nothing gets overlooked — so your project moves forward without unnecessary delays or disputes.
Let Us Handle Your Insurance Claim
BNJ Contractors guides New Jersey homeowners through the entire roofing insurance claims process — from documentation to the final approval.