When homeowners are in a situation where they think they make have to make an insurance claim, their first temptation is to call their insurance company first. However, your roof may not have damage. Contacting the insurance company before you’re 100% sure if you even have roof damage could result in the “claim” counting against you anyway. Always start with a free, no-obligation roof inspection and make sure the roofing company you choose provides you with a detailed inspection report.

Once you have a detailed report indicating the type and extent of the damage to your roof, you can then confidently file your claim on your homeowner’s policy. The insurance company will likely ask if your roof has already been inspected and whether you’ve selected a contractor.

Having both parties inspect the roof together will avoid disagreements or confusion about what will be covered by your policy. The sooner there’s an agreement as to what is covered, the sooner the work can begin.

Many roofing companies will assign you a Project Manager – a single point of contact you can use while the work is being completed. A typical roof replacement can take 1-2 days, from start to finish.

Once your claim has been made, and the work has begun, the insurance company will typically cut you a check. Once the job has been completed, you can then use that check to pay the roofing contractor. A reputable company will never ask you for payment prior to work being completed.