Roof Insurance Claim Process 2026: New Laws, Drone Inspections & Filing Steps

Filing a roof insurance claim after storm damage requires understanding both traditional processes and new 2026 realities, including drone-based inspections, algorithmic settlement software, and recent legislative reforms in storm-prone states. The average roof replacement costs $8,000 to $25,000, and knowing how to navigate your claim correctly (including how your coverage type affects your payout) can mean the difference between a fully covered repair and thousands in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

This guide covers the complete claim process, from initial damage assessment through final payment, while addressing critical 2026 updates that affect how insurers evaluate and settle roof claims. Whether you’re dealing with hail damage in Texas, hurricane aftermath in Florida, or wind damage anywhere in the country, these steps apply.

What Storm Damage Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Standard homeowners insurance policies cover roof damage caused by sudden, accidental events. Homeowners are entitled to file a claim whenever a storm, tree, or other covered event damages their roof. Covered perils typically include:

• Wind damage that tears off shingles, lifts flashing, or compromises roof structure
• Hail damage that cracks, dents, or bruises roofing materials
• Fallen trees and debris from storm events
• Water intrusion through storm-created openings (not gradual leaks)

Insurance does not cover damage from normal wear and tear, deferred maintenance, or gradual deterioration. If your roof failed because it was already at the end of its useful life, that repair falls on you. Earthquake and flood damage require separate policies. Before filing any claim, review your policy’s declarations page to understand your coverage type, deductibles, and any specific exclusions.

Understanding Your Deductible For Wind And Hail Claims

Many policies include separate, higher deductibles specifically for wind and hail damage. In 19 states and Washington D.C., insurers may apply hurricane, windstorm, or named storm deductibles to roof claims. These percentage-based deductibles can be substantial. A 2% deductible on a $400,000 home means you’re responsible for $8,000 before coverage applies. Verify your exact deductible structure before filing.

How Do I File A Roof Insurance Claim? Step-By-Step Process

The claim process follows a predictable sequence, though timelines vary by insurer. Understanding each step helps you prepare properly and avoid mistakes that lead to denials or underpayments.

Step 1: Assess Damage Safely From Ground Level

After a storm passes, inspect from the ground without climbing onto your roof. Use binoculars if needed. Check for the following indicators:

• Missing, cracked, or curled shingles
• Dents in gutters, downspouts, or metal vents
• Exposed or damaged roof flashing
• Granules accumulated in downspouts or at the base of downspouts
• Interior water stains on ceilings or attic rafters
• Debris scattered around the property

Hail damage often appears as subtle denting or granule loss that’s difficult to see from below. If you suspect damage but can’t confirm it, proceed to getting a professional inspection.

Step 2: Document Everything Thoroughly

Comprehensive documentation is the foundation of a successful claim. Thorough records prevent disputes later in the process. Capture the following:

• High-resolution close-ups of specific damage points (dents, cracks, missing materials)
• Wide-angle context shots showing where damage is located on the roof structure
• Collateral damage to siding, windows, fences, HVAC units, and outdoor structures
• Date-stamped pre-storm baseline images if available from prior inspections or maintenance
• Video walkthroughs of exterior and interior damage areas

Best Practice: Maintain a pre-storm baseline photo log of your roof’s condition. Without dated photos from before the storm, insurers increasingly default to “pre-existing wear and tear” denials. Annual photos documenting roof condition can strengthen future claims significantly.

Step 3: Make Temporary Repairs To Prevent Further Damage

Most policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. Cover holes with tarps, board up broken areas, and remove debris that could cause further harm. Keep all receipts for materials and emergency repairs, as these costs may be reimbursable. However, do not make permanent repairs until your insurance adjuster has inspected the damage.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly

Report damage to your insurer as soon as practical. Most companies allow claims via online portal, mobile app, or phone. Have your policy number ready and be prepared to describe the storm event, date, and general nature of damage. The insurer will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster inspection.

Step 5: Get A Professional Roof Inspection

Before the insurance adjuster arrives, have a licensed local roofing contractor inspect your roof. A professional can identify issues that aren’t obvious to untrained eyes, including:

• Subtle hail impacts and bruising beneath the surface
• Lifted or popped nails that compromise shingle integrity
• Seal failures between shingle layers
• Compromised underlayment not visible from the surface
• Structural issues in decking or supports
• Flashing damage around vents, chimneys, and skylights

The contractor’s written inspection report and estimate serve as crucial documentation if the adjuster’s assessment differs from actual damage.

Step 6: Work With The Insurance Adjuster

Be present during the adjuster’s inspection, or ensure your roofing contractor attends. The adjuster documents damage, takes photos, and prepares an estimate using software like Xactimate, the industry-standard claims estimating platform. Your contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss and explain why certain repairs are necessary. After inspection, the adjuster prepares a scope of work and settlement offer.

What Are Drone Inspections And How Do They Affect My Claim?

Insurance carriers increasingly use drone technology for roof inspections, with drones now handling a significant portion of all property assessments. The adoption of drone technology allows for processing 1.5 times more claims per day, significantly reducing carrier overhead.

For homeowners, drone inspections create both opportunities and concerns. High-resolution aerial imagery can capture comprehensive roof documentation quickly. However, automated drone assessments may miss subtle damage like shingle brittleness, seal failures, or granule loss that requires hands-on evaluation. A 2025 survey found that 14% of drone-inspected homeowners had their policies subsequently canceled.

Important: If your inspection was conducted remotely via drone and you believe damage was missed, you have the right to request a manual human re-inspection. Ask your insurer whether your assessment was remote-only. Drone imagery may miss damage like seal failure between shingles, subtle hail bruising, or structural issues beneath the surface that an experienced adjuster walking the roof would catch.

Watch For Claims Filtering Software

Beyond Xactimate, some insurers use proprietary software filters (such as “Hail Focus”) to systematically adjust damage assessments. These algorithms may apply artificially low regional averages for materials or filter out borderline damage. If your settlement seems unexpectedly low, ask your insurer specifically whether any claims filtering software was used to adjust the initial inspection findings. Request the full Valuation Report to verify the software isn’t using outdated or artificially suppressed regional pricing.

What Is The Difference Between RCV, ACV, And Roof Payment Schedules?

How your roof is insured dramatically affects your out-of-pocket costs. Three main coverage types exist in 2026, and many homeowners don’t realize which they have until filing a claim.

Coverage Type	How It Works	Example: $20,000 Roof, 15 Years Old, $1,000 Deductible
Replacement Cost Value (RCV)	Pays full replacement cost without depreciation	You receive $19,000 ($20,000 minus $1,000 deductible)
Actual Cash Value (ACV)	Pays replacement cost minus depreciation for age/wear	You receive approximately $9,000 ($20,000 minus $10,000 depreciation minus $1,000 deductible)
Roof Surface Payment Schedule (RSPS)	Pays fixed percentage based on roof age; often 85% at year 5, 70% at year 10, 25% for older roofs	You receive $4,000 to $8,000 depending on schedule (percentage of $20,000 minus deductible)

What Is A Roof Surface Payment Schedule (RSPS)?

An RSPS is a policy endorsement that pays for wind and hail damage based on a sliding scale relative to roof age, regardless of actual condition. This differs from both RCV and ACV coverage. Some insurers attach RSPS endorsements to RCV policies, effectively reducing coverage without homeowners understanding the change. A 15-year-old roof under RSPS might receive only 25-30% of replacement cost, leaving you responsible for 70% plus your deductible.

Policy Alert: Review your declarations page annually. Many insurers have quietly added RSPS endorsements, percentage-based deductibles, or cosmetic damage exclusions at renewal. These changes may be buried in policy documents. If your policy references “roof payment schedule,” “roof surface reimbursement,” or similar language, your coverage is likely limited by roof age.

How Are Replacement Cost Claims Paid?

If you have RCV coverage, insurers typically pay in two installments. The first check covers the actual cash value amount (essentially the depreciated value minus deductible). This comes shortly after claim approval. The second check, the recoverable depreciation, releases only after you complete repairs and provide documentation proving work was done per the claim scope. The final payment comes after repairs begin. Failure to complete repairs forfeits that second payment.

2026 Verification Requirement: Many insurers now require proof of deductible payment before releasing the recoverable depreciation check. Provide a canceled check or bank statement showing you paid your deductible to the contractor. This prevents the illegal practice of contractors “waiving” deductibles.

What Are The Filing Deadlines For Roof Insurance Claims?

Every policy includes time limits for filing claims. Missing these deadlines results in automatic denial regardless of damage legitimacy.

State/Insurer	Filing Deadline	Notes
Most policies (national)	1 year from date of loss	Deadline based on when storm occurred, not when damage discovered
State Farm	2 years from date of loss	More generous than industry standard
Florida	1 year for initial claims; 18 months for supplemental claims	Hurricane date of loss = landfall date
Oklahoma (hidden damage)	2 years if damage not visible without inspection	Per HB 3495 (2022) for wind/hail damage
South Carolina	180 days to 2 years depending on policy	Statute of limitations for lawsuits is 3 years

The date of loss is when the storm occurred, not when you discovered damage. For hurricanes, this means landfall date. Even if a contractor discovers additional damage during repairs, supplemental claims must be filed within the original deadline period.

2026 Legislative Updates: New Consumer Protections

Several states have enacted or proposed reforms affecting roof insurance claims. Understanding these changes helps homeowners in affected states protect their interests.

Florida SB 808: Roof Age Protection (Effective July 1, 2026)

Under Florida Senate Bill 808, insurers cannot refuse to issue or renew a policy solely because of roof age if a licensed inspector (including roofing contractors and roof consultants) certifies the roof has at least 5 years of useful life remaining. The bill also requires insurers to differentiate between low-slope and steep-slope roofs when offering coverage. This protects homeowners from automatic non-renewal when roofs reach the 15-year mark.

Florida 10-Day Cooling-Off Period For Emergency Contracts

Under Florida Statute 489.147 (effective July 1, 2024), homeowners can cancel a roofing contract without penalty within 10 days of signing, or by the official start date (whichever comes first), if the contract was signed during a declared state of emergency. Contractors must include specific cancellation notice language in 18-point bold type. This law protects against high-pressure storm chaser tactics.

Fortified Roof Premium Credits

In states including Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi, homeowners who install IBHS Fortified-certified roofing may qualify for mandatory premium discounts. If you’re replacing your roof through an insurance claim, upgrading to Fortified standards (which include enhanced roof-to-wall connections, sealed roof decks, and impact-resistant materials) can lower your ongoing premiums. Ask your contractor about Fortified compliance and check with your insurer about available credits in your state.

What Should I Do If My Claim Is Denied?

A denied claim isn’t necessarily final. Many denials result from insufficient documentation, policy misunderstandings, or adjuster errors that can be corrected through appeals.

First, request a written explanation of the denial. Insurers must provide specific reasons, whether pre-existing damage, wear and tear, missed deadlines, or coverage exclusions. Compare the denial letter to your actual policy language to verify the insurer’s interpretation is correct.

If you believe the denial was incorrect, request a re-inspection. Have your roofing contractor present during this second assessment. Gather additional evidence including photos, weather reports documenting the storm, and contractor inspection reports. Submit a formal written appeal explaining your disagreement, referencing specific policy language, and including all supporting documentation. Meet all deadlines specified in your policy for appeals.

Understanding The Appraisal Clause

Most homeowners policies include an appraisal clause for disputed claim amounts. If you and your insurer can’t agree on damage value, either party can invoke appraisal. Each side selects an appraiser, and the two appraisers choose an umpire. Any two of the three agreeing on value creates a binding decision. This process avoids litigation while providing independent assessment. Request appraisal in writing if you believe the settlement offer significantly undervalues your damage.

Florida Administrative Petition Process (HB 459)

For Florida residents, House Bill 459 (effective 2025) created a formal administrative process for disputed property claims. Before pursuing traditional litigation, Florida homeowners can now file an Administrative Petition with the Division of Administrative Hearings. This allows disputes to be heard by an Administrative Law Judge, often resulting in faster resolution than court proceedings. This step is now a preferred or required pathway before escalating to civil litigation in many disputed claim scenarios.

When To Get Professional Help

A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. They evaluate damage independently, prepare estimates, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. Public adjusters typically charge 5-15% of your final settlement. For large or complex claims, this investment often pays for itself through higher payouts.

If your insurer appears to be acting in bad faith, file a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance. While they can’t force payment, they can investigate whether your claim was handled properly. For substantial claims or clear bad faith behavior, consulting with an insurance attorney may be warranted.

How Do I Find A Reputable Roofing Contractor?

Choosing the right contractor is as important as filing correctly. Storm damage attracts unscrupulous operators who take advantage of homeowners during stressful times.

Work with local, established companies that have a physical office in your area and a phone number with local area code. Verify licensing, bonding, and insurance in your state. Verify contractor reliability by analyzing reviews across multiple platforms including the Better Business Bureau. Get written estimates from at least three contractors. Quality estimates should detail exactly what work will be performed, materials used, and total cost.

Red Flags That Indicate Potential Scams

Be cautious of contractors who exhibit any of the following warning signs:

• Door-to-door pressure: Unsolicited salespeople appearing immediately after storms, especially those pushing you to sign anything on the spot
• No local presence: Out-of-state companies without a physical office or local phone number in your area
• Deductible “waiving”: Any offer to cover, waive, or absorb your deductible (this is illegal in most states)
• Cash-only demands: Requests for full payment upfront or insistence on cash transactions
• Missing credentials: Inability or refusal to provide license, bond, or insurance documentation
• Contract signing before claim approval: Pressure to sign contracts before your insurance claim has been approved

Assignment Of Benefits (AOB) Warning: Be cautious if a contractor asks you to sign an Assignment of Benefits. An AOB gives the contractor permission to work directly with your insurer on your behalf, which can be legitimate but also opens the door to fraud. Stay involved with your insurance company throughout the process so you know exactly what’s being claimed and paid.

How Can I Maximize My Claim Payout?

Several strategies can increase the amount your insurance legitimately pays on a valid claim. Focus on these three key areas:

1. Code coverage (ordinance or law coverage): Ensure your policy includes this endorsement. Building codes update regularly, and roof replacements must meet current standards. Code coverage pays for required upgrades, which can add thousands to your claim for older homes. Ask your contractor about code requirements in your jurisdiction.
2. Supplemental claims: Have your contractor compare their findings with the adjuster’s report. If estimates differ significantly, submit a supplemental claim with additional documentation. Supplements are standard practice when legitimate damage was initially overlooked. Your contractor may reference industry standards from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) or cite local building codes to support requests.
3. Overhead and profit (O&P): Standard industry practice includes 10% overhead and 10% profit on top of direct costs when a general contractor coordinates multiple trades. If your project requires coordination of roofing with gutters, siding, or other trades, O&P should be included. Some insurers resist paying O&P, but industry documentation from Xactimate supports its inclusion for complex projects.

Complete all repairs within your policy’s required timeframe. Many insurers require work finished within six months to a year of the loss date to qualify for full recoverable depreciation. Missing this deadline forfeits that portion of your settlement.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File a Roof Insurance Claim?

Most policies require claims within one year from the date of loss. Some insurers like State Farm allow two years. Florida requires claims within one year and supplemental claims within 18 months. Check your specific policy for exact deadlines. The date of loss is when the storm occurred, not when you discovered damage.

What Is the Difference Between Replacement Cost and Actual Cash Value Coverage?

Replacement cost value (RCV) pays the full amount to replace your roof at current prices, minus your deductible. Actual cash value (ACV) deducts depreciation based on roof age and condition. A 15-year-old roof with $20,000 replacement cost might only receive $5,000 to $10,000 under ACV coverage due to depreciation.

Can I Request a Human Inspection if My Claim Used Drone Imagery?

Yes. If your inspection was conducted remotely via drone and you believe damage was missed (such as subtle hail bruising, seal failure, or shingle brittleness), you have the right to request a manual human re-inspection. Ask your insurer directly whether your assessment was remote-only.

What Is a Roof Surface Payment Schedule (RSPS)?

An RSPS is a policy endorsement that pays for roof damage based on a sliding scale relative to roof age, regardless of actual condition. Coverage might be 100% for years 1-5, dropping to 60-70% by year 11, and as low as 25% for older roofs. This differs from both RCV and standard ACV coverage.

Can Insurance Drop Me Because My Roof Is 15 Years Old?

In states like Florida, insurers cannot refuse to renew a policy solely due to roof age if a licensed inspector certifies the roof has at least 5 years of useful life remaining (under SB 808, effective July 1, 2026). However, insurers may still non-renew for other reasons or require inspections.

What Is Recoverable Depreciation?

Recoverable depreciation is the portion of your RCV claim withheld until repairs are complete. You receive an initial payment (the ACV amount), then the depreciation balance after proving repairs were completed per the claim scope. You must complete the work within your policy’s timeframe to recover this amount.

Should I Have My Contractor Present During the Adjuster Inspection?

Yes. Having a knowledgeable contractor present ensures all damage gets documented. Contractors can identify damage adjusters might miss, explain why certain repairs are necessary, and serve as your advocate. This is one of the most effective ways to ensure fair claim assessment.

What Is Overhead and Profit (o&p) on A Roofing Estimate?

O&P typically adds 20% (10% overhead plus 10% profit) to cover the general contractor’s business expenses and margin. It’s standard when multiple trades are coordinated. Some insurers resist paying O&P on simpler projects, but industry documentation supports its inclusion for coordinated work. Request the Xactimate valuation report if O&P is denied.

Next Steps After Storm Damage

Filing a roof insurance claim successfully requires prompt action, thorough documentation, and understanding of your specific coverage. Document damage immediately, including pre-storm baseline photos if available. File your claim promptly and get a professional inspection before the adjuster arrives. Be present during the adjuster visit or have your contractor attend. Know your coverage type (RCV, ACV, or RSPS) and what deductibles apply before accepting any settlement.

If your claim is denied or underpaid, don’t accept the first answer as final. Gather additional evidence, file a formal appeal, and consider professional assistance for significant claims. Florida residents should explore the Administrative Petition process before pursuing litigation. Work with reputable local contractors who understand the insurance process and can advocate effectively on your behalf.

Review your policy annually before storm season. Verify your coverage type hasn’t changed, confirm your roof hasn’t aged into a different coverage category, and understand all deductibles that apply. When severe weather strikes, you’ll be prepared to navigate the process confidently.