1. Quality Materials

2. Skilled Labor

3. Roof Complexity

4. Comprehensive Insurance and Licensing

5. Warranty and Post-Project Support

Filing a roofing insurance claim can seem like a great option when your roof has sustained damage, but not all claims are created equal. Understanding when to file—and when to hold off—can save you time, money, and potential headaches with your insurance provider.

1. Was There a Storm Reported in Your Area?

Insurance claims for roof damage are typically storm-related, meaning they must be tied to a specific weather event. Insurance companies usually allow claims for damage that occurred within the last one to two years, depending on your policy.

However, not all storms impact roofs the same way. The severity of damage depends on several factors, including:

✅ The age of your roof – Older roofs are more susceptible to wind and hail damage.

✅ The type of shingles installed – Some shingles are more impact-resistant than others.

✅ The pitch of your roof – Steeper roofs tend to shed hail and debris differently than lower-sloped roofs.

Before filing a claim, it’s crucial to have a professional inspection to assess whether your roof has damage consistent with the reported storm.

2. Is This a Negligence Claim or Storm Damage?

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is filing a claim without understanding the type of damage they have. Insurance companies distinguish between sudden storm-related damage and damage caused by neglect or wear and tear.

🚫 Negligence Claims (Not Covered):

Aging or worn-out shingles

Lack of maintenance leading to leaks

Gradual deterioration over time

✅ Storm Damage Claims (Covered):

Wind damage (missing, lifted, or creased shingles)

Hail damage (bruised or cracked shingles)

Impact damage from debris

Making a claim when no legitimate storm damage exists can put your policy at risk. If an adjuster determines your roof has no claimable damage, your insurance provider may deny coverage or even non-renew your policy in the future.

3. Do You Have the Right Documentation?

If you’re considering an insurance claim, documentation is key. Before filing, make sure you have:

📸 Clear photos of the damage – A professional roofing contractor can provide high-resolution images showing storm-related impact.

📄 A detailed inspection report – This should align the damage with a specific storm event.

📅 A timeline of when the damage occurred – Most policies have strict time limits on filing claims.

At Blue Hat Roofs, we provide free storm damage inspections and document everything you need to support a valid claim.

Final Thoughts: Get Professional Guidance

Filing an insurance claim for a new roof should be based on legitimate storm damage, not just the hope of getting a free roof. Before calling your insurance provider, let a trusted roofing professional inspect your roof and guide you through the process.

Want an experts opinion?

📞 Call us today at (336) 505-7977 or schedule a free inspection online!

If you’ve already filed a roof damage claim and received a denial, partial approval, or an estimate that doesn’t fully cover repairs, you might feel frustrated—especially if neighbors with similar damage were fully approved. Insurance companies don’t always get it right on the first review, and there are several ways to challenge their decision and fight for a fair payout.

Understand Why Your Claim Wasn’t Fully Approved

Before taking action, identify exactly why your claim wasn’t approved in full. Common reasons include:

🚫 Full Denial: “Your roof has no storm-related damage.”

Possible Issue: The adjuster may have overlooked damage, misidentified it as wear and tear, or failed to compare it to known storm events.

Next Steps: Request a reinspection with a different adjuster and provide a second opinion from a professional roofer.

🟡 Partial Approval: “We will cover some repairs, but not a full replacement.”

Possible Issue: The adjuster determined that damage is limited to one section of the roof.

Next Steps: If the shingles on your roof are discontinued or a partial repair won’t restore uniformity, you may have grounds for a full replacement under matching rights laws or your policy’s provisions.

⚠️ Acknowledged Damage But Below Deductible: “Your roof has damage, but the cost to fix it is lower than your deductible.”

Possible Issue: The insurance estimate may undervalue materials or labor costs, making it look like repairs are cheaper than they actually are.

Next Steps: Get a detailed contractor’s estimate and compare it to the insurance report. If costs are understated, request an adjustment.

Request a Reinspection (With a Different Adjuster!)

If your claim was denied or undervalued, you have the right to request a reinspection.

✅ Pro Tip: Ask for a different adjuster from the one who originally inspected your roof. Adjusters are human, and a second opinion can make all the difference—especially if your neighbors were approved.

To strengthen your case:

📸 Provide detailed damage report, with proper images and descriptions.

🗂️ Show storm history reports proving that weather events affected your area.

🔍 Ask your contractor to meet the adjuster on site to back up your claim.

At Blue Hat Roofs, we specialize in these situations. We’ll meet with the adjuster and make sure all damage is properly documented and aligned with the storm that caused it.

Check If Your Shingles Are Discontinued

If your shingles are no longer manufactured, a partial repair may not be possible—meaning your insurance may be required to cover a full replacement.

If your claim was partially approved but denied full replacement, we’ll check your shingles against manufacturer records to see if this argument applies.

Compare Estimates: Is Your Insurance Company Underpaying?

Insurance companies often use their own pricing models to determine repair costs, cross checking for any missing material or deficiencies can help you get your proper settlement.

File a Supplement or Appeal

If you have new evidence or believe your claim was unfairly denied, you can file a supplement or appeal. This involves submitting additional documentation to challenge the original decision.

💡 How We Help:

We gather detailed photo documentation of all damage.

We use storm reports and shingle matching laws to strengthen your case.

We provide an independent contractor’s cost breakdown to ensure fair pricing.

We communicate directly with the insurance company to push for a proper payout.

Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster (If Needed)

If you’ve exhausted all options and still aren’t getting a fair settlement, hiring a licensed public adjuster could be an option. Public adjusters work for you, not the insurance company, and they can negotiate a better outcome.

At Blue Hat Roofs, we will exhaust every possible approach before recommending this step. In most cases, we can help you win a better estimate without the need for a public adjuster.

Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve

Insurance companies don’t always get it right on the first try—but that doesn’t mean you have to accept an unfair outcome. Whether your claim was denied, underpaid, or only partially approved, there are still ways to fight for a fair settlement.

🔹 Step 1: Schedule a free second opinion with us.

🔹 Step 2: Let us compare estimates and document overlooked damage.

🔹 Step 3: We’ll work with your insurance to maximize your payout.

📞 Call us today at [Your Number] or schedule a free inspection online! 

Let’s make sure you get the coverage you’re entitled to.