Insurance Claims

Storm damage is stressful enough. The insurance claim shouldn’t make it worse.

Martin Exteriors Roofing & Siding has helped thousands of Rockford-area homeowners through roof claims since 2006, and our Rockford roofing team can help with yours. We know what adjusters look for and how to document storm damage, so you have clear photos and a detailed estimate to take to your insurance company.

One thing up front: we’re a roofing contractor, not a public adjuster. You file the claim and stay in charge of it. We do the roof work and give you the documentation to back it up. We can’t promise what your insurer will approve, and you pay your deductible on any covered claim.

Below you’ll find how we help, what to do right after a storm, what to document, and what to ask your insurance company and any contractor before work starts. Not sure a claim is worth it? Start with our guide on whether to file a roof insurance claim in Illinois or Wisconsin.

How We Help With Your Roof Claim

1. Free storm damage inspection. We inspect your roof and siding and document what we find with photos and measurements. Schedule an inspection.
2. A straight answer on whether to file. We show you the photos and tell you whether the damage looks worth a claim. If it doesn’t, we’ll say so and tell you what a repair would involve.
3. Help understanding the process. We’ll explain how a claim usually goes and what your insurer will likely ask for. You file the claim and talk with your insurance company.
4. Meet your adjuster. If you’d like, we’ll be at the house when the adjuster comes out and point out the damage we documented.
5. Review the insurer’s estimate. We go over the estimate with you line by line and compare it to what the roof actually needs. If something was missed, we can put together the documentation for a roof insurance supplement.
6. Do the work right. Once you and your insurer settle the claim, we install to manufacturer specifications. Most roofs are done in a day.

Right After the Storm

1. Stay safe. Stay off the roof and away from downed lines. Damaged roofs are slippery and can be weak.
2. Stop the water. If water is coming in, a tarp or temporary repair keeps the damage from spreading. We’re open 24/7 and offer tarping within 24 hours. Keep every receipt.
3. Write down the date. Note the day the storm hit and what you saw, like hail or strong wind.
4. Read your policy. Check your coverage, your deductible, and any deadline for reporting damage, or call your agent.
5. Get a free roof inspection. Knowing what’s actually on your roof helps you decide what to do next. Schedule an inspection.

What Good Documentation Looks Like

An adjuster has a lot of roofs to see after a big storm. Clear evidence helps. We photograph hail hits and wind damage up close, with a marker or measurement so the size is obvious, and we shoot each slope so it’s clear where the damage is. We note dented vents and flashing, damaged siding and anything inside the attic. Then we write an estimate that covers the full scope, including items that are easy to miss, like ice and water shield, drip edge and ventilation.

Your Own Storm Records Checklist

Your own records help every conversation with your insurance company. Keep these together:

• Photos and video outside. Each side of the house, the roof from the ground, siding, vents, and anything that blew into the yard. Take wide shots and close-ups.
• Damage inside. Ceiling stains, drips, wet attic insulation, and damp walls. Photograph them as soon as you notice them.
• Dates. The day of the storm and the day you found each problem.
• Receipts. Tarps, temporary repairs, and anything else you paid for to protect your home.
• A call log. Who you talked to, when, and what was said.
• One folder. Every letter, email, and estimate in one place.

Hail marks show up better in photos with a coin or tape measure next to them for scale.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company

• What does my policy cover for roof and siding damage?
• Is my policy actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost (RCV)?
• What’s my deductible, and is there a separate wind or hail deductible?
• Is there a deadline for reporting damage?
• What photos or records do you want from me?
• If more damage turns up once work starts, how is that added? (See roof insurance supplements.)
• Who is my contact, and how will I get updates?

Your Deductible

On a covered claim, the homeowner pays the deductible. We’ll go over your estimate and deductible with you before any work starts so you know where you stand. If you need help with the rest of the cost, ask about financing, with payments as low as $149/month for qualified buyers.

When the Estimate Comes in Low

It happens. An adjuster might miss a slope, leave out code-required items, or price the job for a repair when the roof needs more. If we find something missing, we document it with photos and measurements and submit a supplement to your insurer. See how roof insurance supplements work.

Questions to Ask Any Roofing Contractor

• Are you licensed in my state, and what’s your license number?
• Are you insured, and can I see proof?
• Will you show me photos of the damage you find?
• What manufacturer warranty comes with the roof?
• What happens with my deductible? (The right answer is that you pay it.)
• Do you have a local office I can visit?

A good contractor will be glad you asked.

What Homeowners Say

“Justin and Trish were awesome. They took the time to walk me through the process of getting my roof replaced and assisted with the claims process. 10/10 would recommend to anybody”

Joey W.

“Justin was great. The whole process was very quick, smooth and professional. They took the time to explain the process of working with our insurance claim. The roof looks great and the cleanup crew was amazing. I will give there contact info to anyone that needs a roof done. Would give 6 stars if i could.”

Nick J.

“From day one, their team was professional, knowledgeable, honest, and incredibly easy to work with. One of the things we appreciated most was how they handled all of the communication with our insurance company.”

Leslie R., Google review

Why Homeowners Trust Us With Claims

• Family-owned. Our family serving your family since 2006.
• 20 years of experience working with all major insurance companies
• GAF Master Elite contractor, a status held by fewer than 2% of roofing contractors. That means a qualifying GAF roof can carry a 50-year GAF warranty with 30 years on workmanship (GAF eligibility rules apply). It covers manufacturing defects and installation, not storm damage, which goes through your insurance.
• Ice and water shield on every eave of every roof replacement
• Certified James Hardie Installer
• Inc. 5000 company four times (2021 to 2024)
• What Rocks Rockford Best Roofer, 6 years running (2020 to 2025)
• Voted What Rocks Rockford Best Siding, 2021 to 2025
• Licensed in Illinois (104.017824) and a licensed Wisconsin dwelling contractor (1436189)
• Proof of insurance available on request

We handle residential roofing, roof replacement, siding, storm damage, hail damage and wind damage. See what customers say on our testimonials page.

Had Recent Storm Damage?

Don’t wait. Water from a damaged roof does more harm every time it rains. Schedule your free inspection or call (815) 624-6278. Someone answers 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay anything?

On a covered claim, the homeowner pays their deductible. How your insurer pays the rest depends on your policy, and we’ll walk you through your estimate before work starts.

Are you a public adjuster?

No. We’re a roofing contractor. You file the claim and deal with your insurance company. We inspect, document the damage, can meet your adjuster, and do the work.

How long do I have to file a claim in Illinois or Wisconsin?

Your policy sets the deadline for reporting damage, so check it or ask your agent. Either way, it’s best to get an inspection and report damage soon after the storm, while it’s easy to tie to a specific date.

What should I document after a storm?

Write down the day the storm hit, then take photos and video of every side of your home, the roof from the ground, and any damage inside like ceiling stains or wet attic insulation. Keep receipts for tarps or temporary repairs, a log of every call, and every letter and estimate in one folder.

What if my claim is denied?

We’ll go over the denial letter with you. If we found damage the insurer may have missed, we can provide more photos and documentation you can submit. We can help you file an appeal with additional documentation if warranted. If the estimate was approved but came in low, see our page on roof insurance supplements.

Will filing a claim raise my rates?

That depends on your insurer and policy, so it’s a good question for your agent. We’ll tell you what we found on the roof so you can decide whether to file.

How long does the claim process take?

Timing depends on your insurance company and your policy, so ask your insurer what to expect. If the roof is open, we offer tarping within 24 hours, or a temporary repair, to protect your home while the claim moves along.

What if my roof is leaking right now?

Call (815) 624-6278. We’re open 24/7 and offer tarping within 24 hours, so an open roof can be covered while you sort out next steps. Keep the receipt for your records.