What does a claim adjuster do?
Short answer. A claim adjuster investigates an insurance claim, decides whether the policy covers it, figures out how much the loss is worth, and arranges payment. On a roof claim, that means inspecting and measuring the roof, writing an estimate, applying the deductible and depreciation, and handling any later supplements.
A typical Georgia hail claim, start to finish
Say a spring storm drops quarter-size hail on a 15-year-old architectural shingle roof in Gwinnett County. Here is what the adjuster does.
- Reviews the policy. Confirms the policy was active on the date of loss, checks the deductible, which might be a percentage wind and hail deductible, and looks for roof endorsements such as ACV settlement.
- Verifies the storm. Checks hail reports for the address and date.
- Inspects. Photographs the house, finds dents on box vents and gutters, and counts hits in a test square on each slope. The slopes that faced the storm show the most damage.
- Decides scope. Concludes which slopes need replacement and, if the shingle is discontinued, weighs whether a matching repair is even possible under the policy.
- Writes the estimate. Prices tear off, underlayment, shingles, starter, ridge, drip edge, vents and flashing, plus gutter repairs, in estimating software.
- Calculates payment. Subtracts depreciation for the roof's age and the deductible. On a replacement cost policy, the first check is the actual cash value, often payable to the homeowner and the mortgage company.
- Handles follow-up. Reviews a supplement for rotted decking found during tear off, then releases the held-back depreciation after receiving the final invoice.
What the adjuster does not do
The insurer's adjuster does not represent you, choose your contractor, or guarantee the estimate covers the real cost. You can question any line with evidence. See how roof estimates are built, recoverable depreciation, and matching on partial replacements.