Six steps from the moment you notice damage to the final check. We've walked thousands of homeowners through this, here's the exact playbook.
Author · Capital City Roofing · Published January 20, 2026
Insurance companies pay out billions for storm damage claims each year, but studies show that homeowners who navigate the process without professional guidance receive 30–40% less than they're entitled to. The difference comes down to documentation quality, damage identification, and understanding the supplement process.
Take photos and videos of all visible damage from ground level, missing shingles, dented gutters, cracked siding, water stains inside. Document the date, time, and weather conditions. Don't climb onto the roof yourself.
Call your insurance carrier to report the damage and initiate a claim. They'll assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster visit. Keep notes of every phone call, the representative's name, date, and what was discussed.
Before the adjuster arrives, have a licensed roofing contractor inspect your roof. A professional can identify damage that's invisible from the ground, hidden hail impacts, compromised seals, cracked flashing, and structural issues. This report becomes your strongest evidence.
Your contractor should be present when the adjuster inspects your roof. They can point out damage the adjuster might miss and advocate for full coverage. The adjuster's report determines your settlement amount, so this meeting is critical.
Your insurance company will issue a settlement offer. If the offer seems low, your contractor can file a supplement with additional documentation. Hidden damage discovered during tear-off (rotted decking, damaged flashing) can also be supplemented after work begins.
Once the claim is settled, schedule the repairs with your chosen contractor. After the work is completed, your insurance company releases the final depreciation holdback (for RCV policies). Your contractor should provide warranty documentation and a Certificate of Completion.
The depreciated value of your roof. ACV policies pay less upfront, accounting for age and wear.
The full cost to replace your roof with like-kind materials. Initial payout is ACV, with depreciation released after repairs.
An additional claim filed for damage or costs not in the original estimate, common when hidden damage is found during tear-off.
Your out-of-pocket cost before insurance pays. Typically $1,000–$2,500. It is illegal for contractors to waive your deductible.
In Georgia, most insurance policies require you to report damage within 1–2 years of the event, but filing sooner is always better. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove the damage was storm-related. Georgia's 2026 legislation requires a 60-day notice-of-loss filing for certain claim types. Contact your insurance company within 48 hours of discovering damage and schedule a professional inspection immediately.
Generally, no. In most states, insurance companies cannot raise rates for a single claim caused by an 'Act of God' like a storm. However, rates may be affected by the total number of claims in your zip code (area-wide risk). Filing a legitimate storm damage claim is exercising a right you've been paying premiums for, don't let fear of rate increases prevent you from getting the repair your home needs.
A denial isn't the end. Common reasons for denial include insufficient documentation, missed filing deadlines, or the adjuster attributing damage to wear-and-tear. A qualified roofing contractor can provide a detailed counter-inspection report. You also have the right to request a re-inspection, file a formal appeal, or hire a public adjuster. Capital City Roofing helps homeowners navigate denials and has successfully overturned many initial denials through proper documentation.
Absolutely. Having a professional inspection report before the adjuster arrives puts you in a stronger position. Your contractor's documentation serves as a baseline, if the adjuster misses damage items, you have evidence to supplement the claim. Capital City Roofing provides free storm damage inspections with detailed photo documentation for this exact purpose.
Don't navigate the claims process alone. Our insurance specialists have helped hundreds of property owners get fair settlements.
