Call a roofing contractor first — before your insurer
This is the most important step. Having professional documentation of all damage before the adjuster visits dramatically improves your claim outcome. An experienced contractor sees damage that adjusters miss. Atlas Roofing provides a written damage report with photos at no charge.
Document everything yourself
Take your own photos before any temporary repairs. Date-stamped photos from multiple angles. Interior damage — ceiling stains, wet insulation — as well as exterior. Document gutters, fascia, and any other components affected by the same storm event.
Contact your insurance company to open a claim
Call the claims line on your policy. Provide the date of the storm event (check local weather records to confirm the exact date — adjusters verify against weather data). You'll be assigned a claim number and scheduled for an adjuster visit.
Be present during the adjuster inspection — with your contractor
Having your roofing contractor present when the adjuster inspects significantly improves outcomes. Your contractor can point out damage the adjuster might otherwise miss and ask questions about scope in real time. Atlas Roofing attends adjuster inspections for all clients.
Review the adjuster's estimate carefully
Compare the adjuster's scope and pricing against your contractor's estimate. If the adjuster's estimate is significantly lower, you can request a supplemental inspection with additional documentation. Adjusters sometimes miss items — proper documentation from a contractor is your leverage.
Select your contractor and schedule the work
You are not required to use a contractor recommended by your insurance company. You have the right to choose your own licensed contractor. Once the scope and payment are agreed upon, schedule the installation.
What to avoid during a roof insurance claim
Never sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB): An AOB transfers your insurance rights to the contractor. This is illegal in some states and a major red flag in any state — legitimate contractors don't need your insurance rights to do their job.
Never accept a waived deductible: A contractor who offers to waive your deductible is committing insurance fraud in Ohio. It's also a warning sign about their business practices generally.
Don't rush to sign anything at the door: After major storms, out-of-state contractors flood Northeast Ohio. They're gone when problems arise. Use a local, licensed, verifiable contractor.
What does insurance actually pay for?
Standard homeowner's policies cover sudden damage from named perils — hail, wind, falling trees. They do not cover damage from normal wear and aging. Your deductible is always your responsibility. Policies vary — some pay Actual Cash Value (depreciated) while others pay Replacement Cost Value (full replacement cost). Check your policy or ask your agent which applies to your roof.