How to file an insurance claim for storm damage

01.) Before calling your insurance agent, contact a roofing contractor to inspect your roof for wind or hail damage. Filing a claim without having damage will not only get you denied but it will count as a claim and you may be considered a high risk client and this could raise your premium. 

Your roofer should be present when the insurance adjuster inspects your roof. That way he can point out damage he found and verify all items are being accounted for in the claim if approved. 

02.) If your claim is approved, you will receive the estimate from the insurance along with ACV check called actual cash value check. This is the 1st of 2 checks you will receive if your policy is a replacement cost policy. In these claims you do not need to call Contractors and collect bids as the cost of replacement has already been set by the insurance company under the RCV or replacement cost value.

03.) Once your claim is approved and you have received the 1st check, you would hire a roofer and get the work scheduled. Show your roofer the insurance estimate to verify that he can do the repairs for the amount the insurance set. 

NOTE: If a contractor offers to eat your deductible, that is insurance fraud!! Homeowner must pay the deductible from out of pocket. 

04.) DO NOT pay the full amount or even money upfront to start work!! If a contractor is legitimate and established, he should have several lines of credit to purchase the materials. If a contractor asks for money upfront look for another one. 

05.) After the roof is completed, pay the contractor the amount of the 1st check plus your out of pocket deductible. He  will then submit an invoice to the insurer verifying that the work approved for in the claim has been done. If additional work was necessary but not accounted for, the roofer will submit a request for supplemental payment along with pictures to the insurance. The Insurence company will issue you the 2nd check called the recoverable depreciation which usually takes 7-10 business days to receive.

06.) Once you receive the 2nd check, call your roofer and  have him pick up the final payment. 

NOTE: Always check references, online reviews, verify he's insured and licensed before hiring a roofing contractor.  Have everything in writing with specific details of work and cost. 

Kansas law requires all roofers to be registered with the Attorney General. Ask the contractor for his certificate of registration with the Attorney General if you live in Kansas. 

These are the basic steps of an Insurance claim.