How do you work with an insurance adjuster on a roof claim?
Know who you are dealing with
Your claim may have a field adjuster who inspects, a desk adjuster or examiner who approves the estimate and payments, and sometimes a supervisor above both. Ask who has authority for what and get direct contact information. After a storm, the field adjuster may be an independent who works the area for only a few weeks.
Build a claim file
- Claim number, policy number, date of loss and each contact's name.
- Your photos and your roofer's inspection report.
- A log of calls: date, person and what was said.
- Receipts for emergency tarping or water cleanup.
- Every version of the estimate and every payment letter.
Keep it moving
Answer requests quickly and send what was asked for in one organized email. Ask when to expect the next step, and follow up politely if that date passes. Make sure your contractor's supplement requests go in with photos and specific line items, not as general complaints.
When you disagree
Put it in writing, point to the specific line or slope, and attach evidence. Ask for a reinspection. If the dispute is over the amount rather than coverage, the appraisal clause may apply. If you are not getting responses at all, the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner takes consumer complaints.
Remember that the company adjuster works for the insurer. A cooperative, organized homeowner with solid documentation still tends to get the fairest result.