Navigating a roofing insurance claim can feel overwhelming. Home Fortress has guided hundreds of Delaware homeowners through the process — the right way. Here's exactly what to expect from start to finish.
The Process
Every step below is how Home Fortress approaches every single claim — with honesty, documentation, and your best interest in mind.
Before anything else, we come to your home and assess the damage ourselves — at no cost to you. During this inspection we identify what shingle system is currently on your roof, whether it's still in production or has been discontinued, and most importantly, whether the damage is the result of a legitimate storm event or simply wear and tear over the years.
This step matters more than most homeowners realize. Some contractors will encourage you to file a claim regardless of what they find — just to generate work. That's not how we operate. If the damage isn't claim-worthy, we'll tell you straight. If it is, we'll document everything thoroughly and walk you through the next steps with clear, honest expectations.
Once we've confirmed legitimate storm damage, it's time to contact your insurance provider and file the claim. You'll want to have your policy number ready. When you call, make sure you collect the following before hanging up:
Typically, your adjuster will contact you within 24 to 48 hours to schedule a time to come out and assess the property. Keep in mind that insurance companies handle a high volume of claims — especially after major storms — so stay patient but stay on top of follow-ups. This is your claim and your home. Don't be afraid to follow up if you haven't heard back.
This is one of the most important steps — and one where having Home Fortress in your corner makes a real difference. We will meet your adjuster on-site during their inspection. We'll walk the roof together, review our damage documentation, point out every storm-related issue, and make sure nothing gets missed or overlooked.
Adjusters are professionals doing their job, but they're also representing the insurance company's interests. Having a certified contractor present — one who knows exactly what to look for and how to document it — ensures that the scope of damage is accurately represented from the start.
After the adjuster completes their inspection, they'll compile their findings and you can typically expect to hear back from your carrier within approximately one week with their decision.
If your claim is approved, the insurance company will issue a Scope of Loss report — a detailed breakdown of what they've agreed to cover and the dollar amounts assigned to each line item. This document is critical and most homeowners don't fully understand what's in it.
Home Fortress will audit that scope of loss report on your behalf. We review every line item to make sure the coverage issued is accurate, complete, and sufficient to do the job correctly. If anything is missing, underpaid, or incorrectly assessed, we'll work with your carrier to get it corrected before a single shingle comes off your roof.
Once we've reached an agreement with your insurance company on the scope and cost of the project, we schedule your installation. As the homeowner, your financial responsibility is typically limited to your deductible and the cost of any upgrades or additions you choose to make beyond what insurance covers — such as upgrading to a higher-tier shingle system or adding new accessories.
From there, our crew gets to work. We handle everything — material delivery, installation, cleanup, and a final walkthrough with you to make sure every detail meets our standard before we call the job complete.
Always be straightforward with your insurance provider. Misrepresenting damage — or filing a claim for wear and tear — can result in denial or policy cancellation. File only when the damage is legitimate.
Your insurance company handles thousands of homeowners. Be proactive, follow up regularly, and don't assume no news is good news. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
This is not an overnight process. From the initial inspection to project completion, a well-handled insurance claim typically takes several weeks to a couple of months. Set the right expectations and the process will feel much smoother.
From the moment you notice damage, start documenting. Photos, videos, dates, names, and conversations — keep a record of it all. This protects you throughout the entire process.
Home Fortress has worked extensively in insurance restoration and has partnered with carriers to get projects done correctly and efficiently. Experience matters when navigating a claim.
The contractors who push you to file a claim before they've even looked at your roof are not looking out for you. We assess first, advise honestly, and file only when it's the right call for your home.
Let us come out and give you an honest assessment — completely free. We'll tell you exactly what we see and what your options are.
Get Started
No cost, no pressure. We come out, assess your roof honestly, and walk you through exactly where you stand — before you ever call your insurance company.
Request Inspection
A Home Fortress specialist will contact you within 24 hours.