What is the roof damage insurance claim process from start to finish?
Short answer. A roof claim moves through about eight stages: inspection after the storm, filing, the adjuster's inspection, the insurer's estimate and first payment, review and supplements, signing and scheduling, the replacement itself, and the final invoice that releases held back depreciation. A smooth claim often takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on storm volume and disputes.
The eight stages
- Storm and inspection. A roofer documents hail and wind damage with photos so you know whether a claim makes sense.
- Filing. You report the claim with the date of loss and get a claim number.
- Adjuster inspection. Usually scheduled within days to a few weeks; after big Georgia hailstorms, it can take longer. Have your roofer attend.
- Estimate and first payment. The insurer sends a written estimate and typically pays the actual cash value minus your deductible. Your mortgage company may be on the check.
- Review and supplements. Your roofer compares the estimate to the real scope and submits a supplement for missing items, or requests a reinspection.
- Contract and scheduling. You choose shingles and colors, sign, and the materials are ordered. Permits are pulled where required.
- Replacement. Most average-size roofs are torn off and replaced in a day or two, weather permitting.
- Final invoice and depreciation. The contractor sends a final invoice and completion photos, and the insurer releases held back depreciation on replacement cost policies.
Where claims slow down
- Disputes over damage on some slopes.
- Mortgage company endorsement and release procedures.
- Missed deadlines for recoverable depreciation.
See the Georgia roof claim timeline, how to file and recoverable depreciation, plus Robust Roofing's realistic storm to new roof timeline.