Understanding the Insurance Claim Process

When storm damage strikes your roof, your first action should be to file a claim with your homeowners insurer promptly—this triggers their obligation to investigate and reduces the risk of a late‐notice denial.

Surprisingly, many insurers then request that you obtain three separate repair estimates to submit for review, shifting the administrative burden from their claims department onto your shoulders.

Once they receive your quotes, the company will compare total repair costs against your deductible; if the estimate falls below that threshold, they may deny your claim outright or issue a minimal payout that excludes contingency funds for unforeseen issues.

Your Rights and Your Insurer’s Responsibilities

By law, your insurer must:

Dispatch a licensed adjuster to perform a professional roof inspection and compile an official “scope of loss”.
Determine coverage eligibility based on policy terms and the adjuster’s findings—not on contractor quotes you supply.
Provide payment in alignment with the adjuster’s line‐item breakdown, including allowance for code upgrades and hidden damage, minus only your deductible.

You are entitled to a thorough adjuster inspection; do not accept your insurer’s request to act as their estimator.

The Role of the Insurance Adjuster

An insurance adjuster is a trained professional whose job is to:

Inspect visible and concealed damage, from missing shingles to underlayment tears.
Photograph and document each affected area, ensuring a robust record for your claim.
Compile a detailed estimate (the scope of loss), including materials, labor, code‐required upgrades, and contingencies.

Note: It is illegal for a roofing contractor to file or negotiate your insurance claim; they may only provide repair estimates and point out damage during the adjuster’s inspection.

Kentucky Law: What Roofers Can—and Cannot—Do

Under KRS § 367.628, roofing contractors in Kentucky:

Cannot represent or negotiate insurance claims on your behalf.
Cannot inflate damage, offer deductible rebates, or pay referral fees as sales incentives.
Can provide you with a precise, code‐compliant repair or replacement estimate.
Can accompany adjusters onsite to point out damage you’ve reported after you have filed a claim.

These restrictions protect homeowners from fraudulent practices and ensure claims remain based on adjuster findings.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Delaying damage documentation: Missing the insurer’s notice window can lead to claim denial.
Using unqualified contractors: Inaccurate estimates can jeopardize your settlement; always verify licenses and insurance.
Accepting the first payout: Insurers often “low‐ball” initial offers; appeal if you suspect underpayment.
Skipping regular inspections: Proactive roof inspections help you detect minor issues before they become major claims.

Appealing Denied or Underpaid Claims

If your claim is denied or you receive an insufficient payout, take these steps:

File a formal appeal with your insurer, citing the adjuster’s report and any new evidence.
Request a second inspection by a different adjuster—many policies allow one reinspection.
Submit supplemental documentation such as timestamped photos, detailed estimates, and independent inspection reports.
Consider hiring a public adjuster if disputes persist; they advocate on your behalf and can negotiate directly with the insurer.

The Importance of Regular Roof Inspections

Routine professional roof inspections bring multiple benefits:

Early damage detection, preventing small issues from escalating into major repairs.
Documentation of pre‐loss condition, strengthening future insurance claims.
Maintenance recommendations that preserve roof integrity and extend lifespan.

Investing in annual inspections can minimize out‐of‐pocket expenses and ensure you’re fully covered when disaster strikes.

Collecting and Presenting a Solid Evidence Package

To maximize your claim, compile:

Timestamped photos/videos from multiple angles of all damage.
The adjuster’s scope of loss alongside your roofer’s post‐inspection estimate.
Third‐party reports such as weather data and code analysis.
Documentation of roof age and maintenance records, establishing pre‐loss condition.

This comprehensive package reduces insurer pushback and accelerates settlement.

How True Line Roofing Helps You Win

At True Line Roofing, we empower homeowners to assert their rights and make insurers do their job. Our services include:

Step‐by‐step guidance through the claims process, in plain language.
Review and explanation of the adjuster’s scope of loss to ensure completeness.
Accurate, code‐compliant estimates delivered promptly after inspection.
Appeal support, advising on documentation and second‐inspection strategies.