Who helps you with a wind damage insurance claim?
Short answer. Several people can help, and each has a defined role: your agent explains the policy, the insurer's adjuster inspects and writes the estimate, a qualified roofer documents the damage and does the repair, a mitigation company dries the house, and a licensed public adjuster or attorney represents you if the claim becomes a dispute.
Who does what
- Your insurance agent. Explains your coverage, deductible and settlement type, and helps you report the claim. The agent does not decide the claim.
- The insurer's adjuster. Inspects the damage, decides what is covered and writes the estimate. Staff, independent and desk adjusters all work for the insurer.
- A roofer. Inspects and documents the roof, attends the adjuster's inspection, provides an estimate, requests supplements for missed items, and does the work. In Georgia, a contractor may not act as your public adjuster or negotiate the claim on your behalf. See public adjuster vs roofer.
- A water mitigation company. Extracts water and dries the structure if wind let rain inside.
- A licensed public adjuster. Represents you, for a percentage of the settlement, typically on large or disputed claims.
- An attorney. For denials, bad faith concerns or legal deadlines.
- The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. Takes consumer complaints about claim handling.
Which ones most homeowners need
For a typical wind claim, the agent, the insurer's adjuster and a reputable roofer are enough. Bring in a public adjuster or attorney if the claim is denied, badly underpaid, or stuck. See wind damage roof claims and what to do after a denial.
Watch out for
Anyone who asks you to sign over your insurance benefits right after a storm, promises to cover your deductible, or wants large cash payments up front.