When a severe storm, hail, wind, or other unwelcome event damages your roof, it can be extremely stressful to file a roof insurance claim. Mistakes made at this time will unintentionally result in delayed, reduced, and/or denied claims that could cost you thousands in unpaid repairs.

In this article, we will provide the most common mistakes to avoid when filing your roof insurance claim and how you can protect your home and maximize your payout with the help of professional advice from Property Damage Claims Experts. This will be your “confidence” boost to maneuver through the roof claim process and avoid making these typical mistakes.

1. Reporting Roof Damage Too Late

The most costly mistake that homeowners make when reporting roof damage is waiting too late to report it. Insurance companies anticipate that you will report any damages to your roof immediately. Wait too long and:

Your claim may be denied.

Any potential “additional damage” from waiting too long can be outlined as “preventable” by the insurance company, and thereby deny any coverage.

You will have a hard time reporting the actual timeline of the events for the damage to happen.

2. Bad Documentation of the Damage

Generally, the most common issue is when an insurance company and homeowner have disagreements about the damage to the roof. This is simply due to issues surrounding documentation. Here is how you document your roof damage:

✔ Take clear and good-quality photos and videos (the timestamps are the best).

✔ Take some panoramic and medium photos and videos (for both sides as well).

✔ Take photos/videos inside the house of damage, i.e., leaks, stains, etc., that were found due to damage. 

✔ Take screenshots of local news/weather reports, etc.

3. Not Using a Professional for Roof Inspection

It is not wise to depend solely on your insurance adjuster, as they tend to view damage in a light that is favorable for the company you are working with.  A licensed roofing contractor or public adjuster can adequately complete a professional inspection of the roof, noting ALL DAMAGE and arriving at a much more precise cost basis.

4. Making Repairs Before Proper Documentation

Acceptably, you may want to fix your leaks or throw a tarp over the spot so more damage doesn’t happen. However, if you make repairs on your own, before inspections, and do not document anything, the insurance company will question the damage’s origin. 

Best practices:

Take pictures before and after you do any temporary repairs.

Only do repairs that are safe!

Keep all receipts of repair and documentation.

Do not make any permanent fixes before the insurance inspection, unless directed.

5. Failing to Read Your Insurance Policy

Many homeowners start the claims process without fully understanding their insurance policy. Some key points to check include:

Coverage limits

Deductibles

Does replacement cost or actual cash value apply?

Excluded items. (Wear and tear.)

Deadlines for making claims.

6. Accepting the first offer for a settlement

Insurance companies typically start low with settlement offers. Accepting the first offer without question is often a mistake that will cost homeowners thousands in repair costs.

If you think the offer does not fully cover the damage: 

🔹 Talk to the insurance company to have them reinspect.

🔹 Provide further evidence

🔹 Get estimates from independent contractors.

🔹 Don’t be afraid to negotiate your settlement offer.

Homeowners have the right to appeal if they believe their claim was settled for too little.

7. Forgetting to Think About Hidden or Structural Damage

Although an obvious roof is easy to report, there are many situations where claims are denied if the internal structural damage has not been reported.

Don’t forget to think about possible hidden damage, such as

Cracked rafters or damaged trusses

Moisture in the attic or damaged insulation

Ceiling discoloration or mold

Warping of roof deck

A professional inspection can uncover these deeper issues. They are often covered in the insurance claim if you report them correctly.

8. Failing to Keep a Record of Roof Maintenance

Insurance companies often deny claims when they believe you may have neglected the roof and it resulted in the damage. Keeping maintenance history can demonstrate that the roof was in good condition prior to the incident.

📌 Make sure to keep the following if you can:

Annual inspection reports

Receipts for repairs

Pre- and post-photos from large weather events.

Maintenance contracts

These records are all ways to change a denied claim to an approved claim.

9. Attempting to Manage the Claim Without Professional Assistance

Many homeowners are unaware of how complicated the insurance claims process can be. Missing documents, unclear communication, or damage that is misreported can lead to denial or underpayment.

Benefits of Working with Property Damage Claims Professionals

They handle the necessary communication with the insurance company.

They ensure that all documentation is in order.

They supervise and arrange for professionals to inspect the property damage.

They assist in negotiating fair settlement offers.

10. Assuming That You Have Finished Following Up With the Insurance Company

After you have submitted the claim to your insurance company, it is not the last step. Not pursuing the claim consistently can significantly delay any payout.

Being proactive:

Regularly calling to inquire about the status.

Confirming that documents were received.

Keeping every communication written and recorded.

Responding to various requests from the insurance company in a timely manner.

Delays can extend the claims process much longer than anticipated.