The Guide
In This Guide
Free On-Site Damage Assessment
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.
Document the damage yourself too, photos and videos with timestamps go a long way when working with your insurance company.
Related service: Storm Damage Roof Repair in Middletown, DE
Filing the Claim
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:
- Your claim number
- Your assigned adjuster's name
- Your adjuster's direct phone number and email
- The expected callback timeframe
Your adjuster will then contact you 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.
Insurance carriers prefer to limit direct communication with contractors. It's important that you as the homeowner stay engaged and follow up directly with your adjuster throughout the process.
The Adjuster Visit, We're There With You
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 roofing 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 then wait to hear back from your carrier with their decision.
Be present during the adjuster visit if at all possible. The more you're involved, the smoother the process goes.
Claim Approval & Scope of Loss Review
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.
We 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.
Never sign off on a scope of loss without having a trusted contractor review it first. Underpaid scopes are common, especially on older roofs.
Agreement & Project Start
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.
A Few Tips for a Smooth Claims Process
Be Honest
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.
Stay Communicative
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.
Have Patience
This is not an overnight process. From the initial inspection to project completion, a well-handled insurance claim takes time. Set the right expectations and the process will feel much smoother.
Document Everything
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.
Approach It the Right Way
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.