Your Guide to Roof Replacement & The Insurance Claims

Pillar Roofing’s Concierge: we guide the homeowners through every step of the Roofing & Insurance Claim Process.

Whether you’ve been through the storm claim experienced or this is your frist time, our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

This section outlines what to expect, key documentation, and how we support you from initial assessment to final walkthrough.

1. Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

Before filing a claim, review your homeowners insurance policy. Most policies cover sudden damage from covered perils like hail, high winds, lightning, fire, or falling debris. They typically do not cover gradual wear and tear, poor maintenance, or cosmetic damage alone.

Key Terms to Know:

RCV (Replacement Cost Value): Pays for new roof materials and labor (minus deductible).

ACV (Actual Cash Value): Pays depreciated value; you may owe more out-of-pocket.

Deductible: Your out-of-pocket amount before insurance pays.

Exclusions: Check for age limits on roofs, cosmetic damage clauses, or ordinance/law coverage for code upgrades.

Tip: Locate your policy declarations page and keep records of prior roof work, maintenance, and pre-storm photos. These strengthen any future claim.

2. Documenting Roof Damage

Act quickly but safely. Documentation and taking photos is the foundation of a successful claim.

Note: the date, time, and weather event (e.g., hailstorm). Avoid repairs and cleanup until you’ve documented everything, temporary tarping is usually okay and reimbursable.

Your Pillar Roofing’s Concierge will provide comprehensive reports with photos, measurements, and scope recommendations for project to help support your claim.

3. Filing the Insurance Claim

Contact your insurance company (agent or claims line) promptly—ideally within days of the damage. Have your policy number, date of loss, and damage description ready. Get a claim number. Schedule the insurance adjuster’s inspection.

Tip: Have your Pillar Roofing’s Concierge attend the adjuster inspection. We help ensure nothing is missed and advocate for a fair scope of work.

4. Working with the Adjuster and Handling Estimates

After the property inspection the adjuster will generate your claim report, and go over it with you right there.

Common next steps:

Your Pillar Roofing’s Concierge will review the adjusters report with you and help decipher the line items. The Adjusters report is the key to the whole process, once reviewed, a restoration plan is scheduled and implemented on the Homeowners time frame.

The Adjuster Report:

Understand the payment process:

RCV - (Recoverable Cash Value) means your Depreciation will be retuned
ACV - (Actual Cash Value) means that line item is valued as used not new
Deductible - means cash is taken, Usually 1-2% of properties value
Depreciation - means cash was take,Typically 30% estimated value at event time
Recoverable Depreciation: means once your project completes you get cash back
Net Value: means the amount you have to start your repairs

Supplement Filings:

Your Pillar Roofing’s Concierge will file & negotiate a supplement with your insurance company regrading any missed measurements or line items.

5. The Roofing Project: From Start to Finish

Once the claim is approved you and your Pillar Roofing’s Concierge will execute the repair plan:

Pull Permits: We pull all necessary building permits and handle inspections.
Stage Preparation: Protect your landscaping, driveway, and property. Set up debris containment.
Begin Tear-Off: Remove old roofing down to the deck (usually 1–2 layers).
Inspect and repair decking as needed.
Installation: New underlayment and ice/water shield in vulnerable areas.
Proper flashing, ventilation, and drip edge.
Premium materials matching your preference and warranty standards.
Follow manufacturer nailing patterns and local codes.
Cleanup: Magnetic sweeps for nails, full debris and final property cleanup.
Final Inspection: to approve the work; we provide all documentation.

Typical timeline: 1–3 days for most residential jobs, depending on weather and complexity.

6. Payments, Warranties, and Completion

You pay your deductible directly to your Pillar Roofing’s Concierge. Your Insurance company will be paying approved amounts during process (often via checks to you and the mortgage company if applicable).

Your Pillar Roofing’s Concierge will generate:

Final invoice for the insurance company at the projects completion.
Manufacturer product warranty and our workmanship warranty.
Before/after photos, permit sign-offs, and maintenance guide.
Any supplemental documentation for remaining payments.
Your Pillar Roofing’s LifeTime Workmanship Warranty, which is tranferiable, we stand behind our work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the claims process take?
Filing to adjuster visit: days to weeks. Full repairs: usually 2–6 weeks total, longer after major storms.

What if my claim is denied or underpaid?
Many initial offers are low. We help gather evidence for supplements or appeals. In complex cases, a public adjuster may be an option.

Do I need to choose your company?
No—you have the right to choose your contractor. We encourage getting multiple bids but emphasize working with licensed, insured, local professionals who understand insurance processes.

Can I start repairs before the adjuster comes?
Document first and get approval if possible. Emergency tarping is usually fine.

Roof Inspection & Insurance Claim Process