What’s Covered in a Roof Insurance Claim (And How to File One Without the Headache)
If your roof recently took a beating from one of East Tennessee’s infamous summer storms, filing an insurance claim for it might help cover the damage. However, filing a claim can feel like a confusing maze of paperwork, phone calls, and fine print.
Let’s break it down in plain English so you can get the coverage you deserve — without the stress.
What’s typically covered in a roof insurance claim?
Every policy is a little different, but here’s what most homeowner’s insurance plans usually cover when it comes to roof damage:
Storm damage
If a heavy windstorm rips off shingles, knocks a tree onto your roof, or causes hail to leave dents and bruises, most policies will cover the cost of repairs or a full replacement — depending on how bad the damage is.
Hail damage
Hail is sneaky. Even small stones can damage shingles in a way that shortens the life of your roof. The tricky part? It’s not always visible from the ground. That’s why a professional inspection can really help your case when filing a claim.
Fire or vandalism
Hopefully this never happens, but if your roof is damaged due to a fire or vandalism, it’s almost always covered.
What’s NOT usually covered:
General wear and tear
Old roofs
Most insurance companies won’t fully cover a roof that’s 20+ years old.
Leaks caused by neglect
Like skipping regular maintenance or letting mold build up.
That’s why routine inspections and upkeep are so important — they can prevent problems and make future claims go more smoothly.
How to file a roof insurance claim in Knoxville
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide that can save you some headaches:
1. Assess the damage (safely!)
If you suspect damage, do a quick walk-around of your home. Look for missing shingles, debris on the roof, water stains on ceilings, or pieces of roofing in your yard. But don’t get up on the roof yourself — that’s dangerous and unnecessary.
2. Call a local roofing company first
Before calling your insurance, get a roof inspection from a trusted local company (hey, that’s us!). We’ll assess the damage, take photos, and let you know if it’s likely to be covered by insurance.
3. File the claim with your insurance company
Once we’ve confirmed that the damage looks insurance-worthy, call your insurance provider. They’ll open a claim and usually send out an adjuster to inspect the roof.
4. Meet with the adjuster
We’ll meet with the adjuster during their inspection to make sure nothing gets overlooked. It’s helpful to have a roofer on your side who knows what to look for and how to speak the insurance lingo.
5. Review the estimate & schedule the repairs
After the adjuster finishes their report, your insurance company will send you an estimate for repairs. If approved, we’ll get to work repairing or replacing your roof so you can get back to life as usual.
Need help filing a claim?
We’re happy to walk you through your roof insurance claim. Whether you’ve already filed or you’re not sure where to start, give us a call and we’ll make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Need a roof inspection? We’ll come out, take a look, and let you know what your options are — no pressure, no sales pitch, just honest advice.