How to file a roof insurance claim. The homeowner's step-by-step

If you have ever stood in your driveway after a storm and wondered, is that bad enough to call insurance, you are not alone. Roof insurance claims are one of the most confusing parts of homeownership. Most homeowners only file one or two in their entire lives, and the language carriers use makes the whole thing feel rigged.

We have walked thousands of homeowners through it across Idaho and North Dakota. The good news: once you call us, we handle the heavy lifting. We review your policy, file the claim, meet your adjuster on the roof, write the supplements, and bill the carrier directly. This post walks through what the process actually looks like from your side.

Step 1: Call us as soon as you see damage

If you see any damage after a storm, call us immediately. We will come out and do a full property inspection at no cost.

While we are on the way, take a quick walk around the house and inside. Look for missing or torn shingles, debris in the gutters, dents on downspouts and AC fins, and any leaks or fresh water stains on ceilings. You do not need to climb the roof or document anything. We handle all of that when we arrive.

Step 2: Tarping. We handle it if it is needed

If you have an active leak, the carrier expects the property to be protected from further damage. That is what a tarp is for. You do not need to climb up there. Call us and we will send a crew to tarp the roof safely. Tarping costs are typically reimbursable through your claim, and we will document everything for the carrier.

Step 3: Two terms worth knowing. RCV and ACV

When we sit down with you, we read your declarations page together and explain exactly what your policy covers. There are two phrases worth knowing ahead of time:

Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies pay the full cost to replace the roof, minus your deductible. Most modern Idaho and North Dakota policies are RCV.

Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies pay the depreciated value of the roof. If your roof was 15 years old when the storm hit, the carrier may depreciate the payout by 60% or more. That can mean a $9,000 difference on a $15,000 replacement. ACV policies are common on older homes, rural properties, and rental policies.

If your policy is ACV and you have a roof more than 10 years old, talk to your agent about converting to RCV at your next renewal. The premium increase is usually modest; the payout difference after a major storm is not.

Step 4: Filing the claim. We handle the heavy lifting

Once we have inspected the roof and confirmed there is real, claimable damage, we walk you through filing the claim and handle the entire process from there. We coordinate with your carrier, send them our documentation, schedule the adjuster meeting, write the supplements when items are missed, and bill the carrier directly at the end. You do not pay extra for any of that. It is part of every claim we work on.

Step 5: The adjuster visit. Why we need to be on the roof

Your insurance adjuster will inspect your roof and issue an estimate. Most under-scoped claims happen because the adjuster missed damage from the ground or was not looking for code-required items (drip edge, ice-and-water shield, ventilation).

We meet your adjuster on the roof, photograph and chalk-mark every impact while they are there, and document any code-required items the carrier owes. We do this at no cost.

Step 6: Reading your insurance estimate. Things we look for

Carriers use software called Xactimate. The estimate lists line items by trade. Roofing, gutters, fascia, painting. With quantities and prices. Things we look for: removal and disposal of the existing roof; felt or synthetic underlayment; drip edge metal at all eaves and rakes; ice-and-water shield in valleys and at eaves; step flashing, valley flashing, pipe boots, chimney flashing; ridge cap and ventilation; gutters and downspouts if damaged; detachment and reset of solar panels, if any. If anything is missing, we file a supplement.

Step 7: Supplements. When and how

A supplement is an additional request to the carrier for items missed in the original estimate. We file supplements all the time. For missed valley flashing, for code-required ventilation, for code-required ice-and-water shield, for damaged gutters not on the original scope.

You do not pay extra for supplements. We absorb that work as part of the project.

Step 8: A long-term win. Class 3 or higher impact-resistant shingles

If your roof needs to be replaced, this is the easiest decision you can make. We install Class 3 or higher impact-resistant shingles on residential replacements as our standard. They hold up significantly better in hail than standard architectural shingles, and most major carriers offer a premium discount for installing them. Discounts vary by carrier and policy but typically range from 10% to 35% off your homeowners premium.

After install, we pull the carrier's IR-discount paperwork and submit it on your behalf. The discount kicks in at your next renewal and stacks for the life of the roof. For most homeowners, that pays for any cost difference within a few years.

Step 9: Avoiding storm chasers

After every major storm, out-of-state contractors flood into the area and knock on doors. They are often hard-selling, deductible-waiving, contract-pushing. And many of them disappear within a year, taking warranties and supplement money with them. Watch for these red flags: knocks on your door right after a storm; promises to eat the deductible or waive the deductible (illegal in Idaho and North Dakota); pressures you to sign a contract before any inspection; out-of-state license plates with no permanent local office. Use a local contractor with a permanent office, a verifiable BBB profile, and manufacturer credentials.

Step 10: How long does the whole process take?

Typical timeline once you call us. Day 0: phone call, inspection scheduled. Day 1 to 2: free roof inspection and damage report. Day 2 to 3: claim filed; carrier assigns adjuster. Day 5 to 14: adjuster visit; we meet them on the roof. Day 14 to 28: estimate arrives, supplement filed if needed, install scheduled.

Local notes. Idaho and North Dakota

Idaho. Most Treasure Valley storms are wind and microburst events; hail is less common but does happen. Code requires ice-and-water shield at eaves above 36 inches.

North Dakota. Spring and early-summer storms produce significant hail. ND code requires ice-and-water shield extensions due to ice dam risk; we supplement these aggressively.

Need help?

If a recent storm has rolled through your area, schedule a free inspection. We will be on your roof within 48 hours. Boise / Treasure Valley: (208) 295-9421. Fargo / FM Metro: (701) 831-0710.