Most homeowners don’t understand their roofing insurance claim — and that lack of knowledge can cost thousands of dollars.

Insurance policies are written in confusing language. Adjusters move fast. Contractors don’t always explain what’s really happening. The result? Homeowners make decisions too early, misunderstand payments, or trust the wrong people.

This guide walks you through exactly what happens after storm damage, step by step — explaining key insurance terms and answering common homeowner questions along the way. 

The Roofing Insurance Claim Timeline

Every roofing insurance claim follows this general process:

• A storm hits (hail, wind, or impact damage)
• You notice roof damage
• You call your insurance company and open a claim
• Insurance sends an adjuster
• The adjuster writes an estimate (usually using Xactimate)
• You choose a contractor
• Your roof gets replaced
• Insurance pays the claim in one to three checks

Now, let’s break this down the way homeowners actually experience it.

Step 1: Call a Roofer (Inspection Only)

After you notice the damage, your first step is documentation. Call a roofer to make an inspection. 

A reputable contractor will:

• Inspect shingles and soft metals
• Check gutters, siding, and vents
• Take photos (often drone photos)
• Document storm-related damage clearly

This inspection becomes the foundation of your claim.

What Homeowners Usually Ask Here:

“Should I call insurance before a contractor looks at it?”

Not recommended. A contractor can help assess whether it’s worth filing an insurance claim in the first place, saving you a potential claim denial and premium increase. 

They can also make a temporary repair, like putting down a tarp, to stop further damage while your claim is being processed. 

“If a contractor inspects my roof, do I have to hire them to fix it?”

No. The roof inspection is a separate service. You do not need to sign work contracts or get bids at this stage, even if you want to hire them later on.  

“What if the roofer offers to do a free inspection if I promise to hire them?”

This is often a red flag. A free inspection sounds like a good deal, but it’s not “free” for the contractor. They are taking a loss up front in the hopes of getting more money from you later.

A paid inspection means the contractor has less incentive to inflate the damage or cut corners. 

If you feel like the contractor is pressuring you into a contract too early, call someone else for a second opinion. And know your 3-day right to cancel for door-to-door sales. 

Step 2: File the Claim

Contact your insurance company and share the basic facts:

• Date of the storm
• Type of damage (hail, wind, etc.)
• When you noticed it
• Photos and other documentation

 You do not need contractor estimates at this stage. 

Step 3: The Adjuster Meeting

Insurance will send an adjuster to inspect your roof. Your contractor should be present.

Think of it like legal representation:

• Adjusters speak insurance language
• Contractors speak construction & code
• You shouldn’t have to translate between them

Their job is to make sure nothing gets missed.

What Homeowners Usually Ask Here:

“Is the adjuster on my side?”

Adjusters aren’t your enemy — but they work for the insurance company, not you.

Step 4: Insurance Sends an Estimate

Once the adjuster leaves, you’ll receive an insurance estimate. This is typically where the most confusion happens for homeowners, because estimates are filled with unfamiliar language. Below are the key terms you should know.

Understanding Your Insurance Estimate 

Deductible (The Only Part You Pay)

Your deductible is:

• The only out-of-pocket cost
• Set by your policy
• Cannot legally be waived

Example:

• $20,000 claim
• $2,000 deductible

→ Insurance pays $18,000

→ You pay $2,000 to your contractor

If a contractor offers to “cover” or “waive” your deductible, that’s a red flag — and often insurance fraud.

ACV – Actual Cash Value

ACV is what your roof is worth today after depreciation:

• Usually paid first
• Smaller initial check

RCV – Replacement Cost Value

RCV is the full cost to replace your roof:

• Paid after work is completed

Easy way to remember:

• ACV = used roof
• RCV = brand-new roof
• RCV = ACV + depreciation

Recoverable vs. Non-Recoverable Depreciation

Recoverable Depreciation: Paid after the roof is replaced

Non-Recoverable Depreciation: You never get it back

Some policies remove recoverable depreciation to lower premiums. If your policy only covers the ACV of a roof replacement, you will likely pay a lot more out of pocket. 

Step 5: Insurance Sends 1st Check

After your insurance company creates an estimate, you will get an initial payment. This is usually the first of 2 or 3 checks, depending on your policy. 

Why the First Insurance Check Is Smaller 

The first check is almost never the full amount. Insurance pays ACV first, then releases depreciation later. Many homeowners mistakenly believe:

• The first check is final
• They must find a contractor for that amount

This is a common (but expensive) misunderstanding, and it can result in low-quality work. 

Step 6: Hire A Contractor

Once you have the insurance estimate, you can start shopping for a contractor. The roofer will create their own estimate, or “bid,” that your insurance company will approve. 

It’s normal for the exact job cost to change between the initial insurance estimate, contractor bid, and work completion. That’s why insurance typically pays in stages.  

Why Insurance Asks for Multiple Estimates

Insurance companies often request 2–3 bids. It sounds sensible, but it’s a strategy that can:

• Delay the claim
• Anchor you to the lowest price
• Encourage shortcuts from contractors competing on price

The truth is, you don’t always need 3 estimates. You need 1 qualified contractor working from the correct scope. The scope is defined by your insurance company– that’s why contractor bids come after. 

In short, you’re not shopping for price; you’re matching a contractor to the insurance scope.

Insurance Pricing, Xactimate & Why Cheap Bids Exist

Most insurance companies use Xactimate, an industry-standard estimating software.

• Every line item has fixed pricing
• Pricing is set by insurance, not contractors
• Contractors must match or supplement it

If a contractor makes a significantly cheaper bid, it’s often because:

• They don’t understand insurance claims
• They ignore required line items
• They plan to cut corners

Repair vs. Replace: ITEL Reports Explained

ITEL is a third-party lab used to identify:

• Shingle type
• Manufacturer
• Color
• Matchability

If your current shingles are discontinued, contractors will often send a sample to ITEL or NTSID (another third-party lab) to justify a full replacement to your insurance company.

That said, an ITEL match is not a repair guarantee. Even matching shingles can be irreparable due to age and installation methods. 

What Is Supplementing & Why It’s Normal

Supplementing means adding missing items to the insurance estimate — not overcharging.

Adjusters often miss:

• Ice & water shield
• Drip edge
• Flashing
• Decking
• Code upgrades

Supplementing is a normal process that ensures the job is done correctly, safely, and to code.

How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

Look for:

• Strong reputation & reviews
• Local presence
• Clear communication
• Labor & material warranties

Do not choose based on price alone.

When you hire through Directorii, every contractor is pre-vetted. Every job comes with $30K deposit protection and up to $250K job coverage in case something goes wrong. 

Step 7: Work is Completed, Final Payment

Once the roof is completed:

• Contractor submits photos and invoices
• Insurance releases recoverable depreciation
• The claim is closed

You now have a properly replaced roof — and the full value of your policy.