How much does an insurance inspection cost?
Short answer. For a homeowners claim, the insurance company's adjuster inspection costs you nothing, and so does an engineer or reinspection the insurer orders. Many roofers also inspect storm damage for free; you pay only if you hire your own expert, such as an independent engineer or a public adjuster who takes a percentage of the claim.
Who pays for which inspection
- Claim adjuster. Free to you. The insurer pays its staff or independent adjuster.
- Reinspection or a second adjuster. Free when you request it through the claim.
- Engineer hired by the insurer. Paid by the insurer.
- Underwriting inspection. When an insurer sends someone to photograph your roof for a new policy or a renewal, it usually pays. Some insurers may ask you for a roof condition report instead, which a roofer may charge for.
- Roofer's storm inspection. Many roofing companies do these at no charge. Ask whether the report includes photos you can keep.
- Your own engineer or public adjuster. You pay. Engineers usually charge a fee for the visit and report; public adjusters take a percentage of the claim payment.
When paying is worth it
If an insurer's engineer blames the damage on age or installation and you disagree, a report from your own licensed engineer can support a dispute or appraisal. Ask for a quote first, and ask whether the engineer will physically get on the roof.
Watch for
A free inspection that requires signing a contract first is a red flag. So is an inspector who will not show you the photos of what they found.
Related: engineer inspections on roof claims, requesting a reinspection, and public adjuster vs roofer in Georgia.