Whether to file a roof claim comes down to three things: how much storm damage is really there, how that compares with your deductible, and what your policy covers. A free inspection gives you the first answer. Your policy and your agent give you the other two. This guide walks through how to decide, and what to watch for before you sign a contract. Questions? Call (815) 624-6278.
One thing up front: Martin Exteriors is a roofing contractor, not a public adjuster. You file the claim and stay in charge of it. We cannot promise what your insurer will approve, and you pay your deductible on any covered claim.
Step 1: Find Out What the Storm Actually Did
Before you call your insurer, it helps to know whether there is real storm damage on the roof. At a free inspection we photograph every slope, mark hail hits and wind damage up close, and note dented vents, flashing, siding and anything we see in the attic. We also tell you when what we see is age and wear, not storm damage. Wear is not something a claim is meant to pay for, and we would rather tell you that before you file. Book a free inspection.
Step 2: Compare the Damage With Your Deductible
Your deductible is the part of a covered loss you pay. Many policies use a flat amount; some use a percentage of the home’s insured value, which can be a larger number than people expect. Look it up on your declarations page or ask your agent. Then compare it with the rough cost of fixing what the storm did.
| What we find | What it usually points to |
|---|---|
| Hail or wind damage across several slopes, plus dented vents or damaged siding | Often worth talking with your agent about a claim |
| Damage on one slope or a few shingles, and a repair would cost near or below your deductible | Usually a repair you pay for directly makes more sense |
| Mostly worn, curled or granule bare shingles with few or no storm marks | Probably not a claim; the roof may simply be due |
| Water coming in right now | Stop the water first; we can tarp within 24 hours, then sort out the rest |
| Not sure | Get the inspection and photos, then call your agent with them |
This table is a starting point, not a promise. Your insurer decides what is covered, and every policy is different.
Step 3: Check What Your Policy Says
- Reporting damage. Many policies ask you to report storm damage promptly. Check your policy or ask your agent rather than waiting.
- Actual cash value or replacement cost. An actual cash value (ACV) policy pays what the old roof was worth after age is taken off, so an older roof can pay out much less. A replacement cost value (RCV) policy pays to replace it, often in two payments, with the second released after the work is done.
- Roof age or cosmetic damage terms. Some policies limit payment on older roofs or exclude damage that is only cosmetic. Read those sections before you file.
Before You Sign a Storm Repair Contract
A roofer should never offer to pay, waive or rebate your deductible, and Martin never does. You file the claim and stay in charge of it. If a contract is tied to an insurance claim, read its cancellation terms before you sign, and keep any written decision from your insurer. This guide is general information, not legal advice. For questions about your rights, talk with your agent or an attorney.
If Your Claim Is Denied or Comes Up Short
Ask your insurer for the decision in writing and read the reason. If you think something was missed, you can ask your insurer how to request a review. If you hired us, we can go over the insurer’s estimate with you line by line and, where it fits, put together documentation for a roof insurance supplement. Keep the written denial, since it can matter for the cancellation terms in your contract.
How Martin Helps
- Free storm damage inspection with photos of every slope.
- A straight answer on whether the damage looks worth a claim, and what a repair would involve if it does not.
- If you want, we can be at the house when the adjuster comes out and point out the damage we documented.
- Since 2006 we have helped thousands of Rockford-area homeowners through roof claims.
- GAF Master Elite, a status fewer than 2% of roofing contractors hold. Most roofs are done in a day.
Read more on our insurance claims page, or see storm damage repair and hail damage repair. Book a free inspection or call (815) 624-6278.
Roof Claim FAQ
Should I file a roof claim for a few missing shingles?
Usually not, if the repair costs about the same as or less than your deductible. A free inspection tells you how much damage is really there so you can decide with your agent.
Can a roofer pay my deductible?
No. A roofer should never offer to pay, waive or rebate your deductible, and Martin never does. You pay your deductible on any covered claim.
Can Martin file my roof claim for me?
No. You file the claim and stay in charge of it. We can inspect, photograph the damage, give you an estimate you can send to your insurer and, if you want, meet the adjuster at the house.
Can I cancel a roofing contract if my claim is denied?
It depends on your contract. Read its cancellation terms before you sign, and keep any written decision from your insurer. For questions about your rights, talk with your agent or an attorney.
Does a free roof inspection mean I have to file a claim?
No. The inspection is free for everyone, and you decide what to do with what we find.
