# How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide > How to file a hail or storm damage roof insurance claim. Document damage, work with adjusters, and supplement low settlements. [Home](/index.md) › [Guides](/guides/index.md) › Roof Insurance Claim Guide (2026): How to File It Right ## Roof Insurance Claim Guide (2026): How to File It Right Updated July 2026  ·  Reviewed by RemodelyourHome.com editorial team ## File It Right the First Time Insurance companies process roof claims in your favor when you document everything, have a contractor present at the adjuster inspection, and know what should be on the estimate. Most low settlements happen because homeowners did not know what they were entitled to. 30 days Typical deadline to file after storm damage 10–30% Insurance discount for Class 4 shingles ACV vs RCV The policy type that determines your payout Supplement What to file when the adjuster misses items ## Step-by-Step: How to File a Roof Insurance Claim **Step 1 — Document damage immediately** Photograph and video everything: impact marks on shingles (circular pitting = hail), cracked or missing shingles, dented gutters and downspouts, window screen damage (proves hail size), and dented AC condenser fins. Date your photos and back them up. **Step 2 — Review your policy before calling** Find two numbers: your deductible, and whether your policy pays ACV or RCV. ACV pays what the roof is worth today after depreciation — a 15-year-old roof may get 40 cents on the dollar. RCV pays what it costs to replace the roof in today's market. **Step 3 — Call your insurer within 30 days** Most policies have a reporting deadline. Keep notes of every call: date, time, representative name, and what was said. Request a claim number and confirm your assigned adjuster. **Step 4 — Get a contractor involved BEFORE the adjuster visits** This is the step most homeowners skip and most regret. An experienced roofing contractor knows what should be on the scope — ridge cap, underlayment, ice and water shield, drip edge, ventilation, gutter repair, satellite dish relocation, code upgrades, and paint code matching for partial replacements. **Step 5 — Review the adjuster's estimate line by line** Common items adjusters miss: gutters and gutter guards, satellite dish relocation, paint code matching, permit fees, and any code upgrades your current local building code may trigger. If items are missing, your contractor can submit a *supplement* — a formal request to add missed items. **Step 6 — Choose your contractor before cashing the check** Once you endorse and cash an insurance check, you have accepted the settlement. Choose a contractor who will work within the insurance scope or negotiate for additions. **Assignment of Benefits (AOB): Avoid It** An AOB transfers your insurance claim rights directly to the contractor. Once signed, the contractor deals with the insurer and receives payment — you lose control over what is claimed, how disputes are resolved, and what work gets done. Most consumer advocates recommend against signing an AOB. ## ACV vs RCV: The Most Important Policy Distinction **Actual Cash Value (ACV):** Pays what your roof is worth today — original cost minus depreciation. A $15,000 roof from 2012 may receive $5,000–$7,000 in 2026 under ACV. **Replacement Cost Value (RCV):** Pays what it costs to replace the roof now. If replacement costs $18,000 in 2026, you get $18,000 minus your deductible. RCV policies cost more in premium but change the math dramatically on a major loss. **Recoverable Depreciation:** Many RCV policies initially release only the ACV portion. Once you complete repairs and submit the contractor's invoice, they release the held depreciation amount. This is normal. Get the final invoice to your adjuster promptly. These are the questions homeowners ask most often before starting this project - what it costs, how long it takes, what a fair quote looks like and which details change the price. Each answer below is written to stand on its own, so you can read just the one you need. ### How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim? Most homeowner policies require reporting within 30–60 days. Some states allow up to one year if damage was not immediately apparent. File as soon as you observe damage — late filing is one of the most common reasons claims are denied. ### What does a roof insurance claim pay? Under an RCV policy, the insurer pays full replacement cost minus your deductible. Typical wind/hail claims pay $5,000–$25,000 depending on roof size, damage extent, and material costs. Under ACV, you receive only the depreciated value — typically 30–70% of replacement cost for an older roof. ### Should I use a public adjuster for my roof claim? A public adjuster works for you and typically charges 10–15% of the settlement. Worth considering for large or complex claims (over $20,000) or claims that were denied or significantly underpaid. For straightforward claims where an experienced roofing contractor is helping with scope, a public adjuster may not be necessary. ### Can I pick my own contractor for a roof insurance claim? Yes. Your insurance company may suggest contractors from their preferred network, but you have the right to choose your own licensed contractor. Choose a local contractor with verifiable insurance claim experience — they know how to submit supplements and communicate with adjusters. ### What if my insurance claim is denied or underpaid? Options: (1) Request a re-inspection with your contractor present. (2) Submit a written supplement with documentation for missed items. (3) Invoke your policy's appraisal process — both sides hire an independent appraiser. (4) File a complaint with your state insurance commissioner. (5) Consult a public adjuster or attorney specializing in first-party insurance claims. ### Have a Question About Your Project? Ask Remy — our AI home advisor answers specific questions about costs, materials, and contractors in your area.[Ask Remy Free →](/ask/index.md) --- Source: https://remodelyourhome.com/roof-insurance-claim/