What is the roof insurance claim adjuster process, step by step?
Short answer. After you report the claim, the insurer assigns an adjuster who contacts you, inspects the roof, writes an estimate, and pays based on your coverage, minus the deductible and any held-back depreciation. If the crew finds more damage or the estimate missed items, the process continues with supplements, possibly a reinspection, and a final depreciation payment once the work is finished.
- Claim reported. You give the date of loss and a description and get a claim number. Georgia insurers must acknowledge a claim within 15 days.
- Assignment. The claim goes to a staff, independent or desk adjuster. After a big storm, this step takes the longest.
- Contact and scheduling. The adjuster calls or emails to set an inspection, or asks for photos on a smaller claim.
- Inspection. Ground walk, roof access, measurements, test squares, and photos of collateral and interior damage.
- Estimate. The adjuster prices the scope, usually in Xactimate, and applies depreciation and the deductible.
- Coverage decision and first payment. On a replacement cost policy, the first check is typically the actual cash value. Your mortgage company may be named on it.
- Supplements. Missed items or hidden damage found during tear off are submitted with photos and a revised scope; see roof supplements.
- Completion and depreciation release. You or your roofer send the final invoice and photos, and the insurer releases recoverable depreciation up to what the work actually cost.
Where the process tends to stall
- Waiting for assignment after a widespread storm.
- Estimates that need a supervisor's approval.
- Disagreements over repair versus replacement, which can bring a reinspection or an engineer.
- Missing paperwork at the end: final invoice, completion photos, or the mortgage company's endorsement.
Keeping it moving
Put requests in writing, keep the claim number on every email, and track the date of each step. Georgia's rules require payment within 10 days once coverage is confirmed and the amount is determined and not in dispute. For realistic durations at each stage, see the Georgia roof claim timeline.