Your heart sinks as you notice a dark stain spreading on the ceiling after a recent storm. An overwhelming question arises as panic sets in: Should I call an insurance company or a roofer first? For a homeowner, this is a common and challenging situation. The way things proceed from here can be totally altered by making the correct initial call. You can gain control over a stressful situation by learning when to call an insurance company or a roofer.
First Things First: Check the Damage Safely
Relax and breathe deeply before you pick up the phone. Understanding what you’re dealing with is your first task, but you must do it safely. After severe weather, it is extremely dangerous to climb on a wet or damaged roof. From the ground, you can get an understanding of the issue.
Check your home for any obvious indications of trouble. Do you have any missing or lying shingles in your yard? Are there any tree branches or other debris visible on the roof? Make a note of any areas in your house where you notice active drips, bubbling paint, or water stains. Before taking any risks yourself, contact an experienced asphalt roofing contractor in Cumming who can safely inspect the damage, assess your documentation, and guide you on the next steps for repair or replacement.
Document everything you find that has roof damage with photos and videos. Take pictures of the interior water damage, the impact marks from the hail, and the shingles on the ground. When you begin communicating with your roofing company and submitting damage claims, this documentation is essential.
Put a bucket underneath any active leaks to stop the water from getting worse. This little action can save your drywall and floors from suffering damage worth thousands of dollars. Beyond that, it demonstrates to your insurance provider that you are actively working to mitigate the issue, which is frequently a requirement of your policy.
Why You Should Probably Call a Roofer First
Most of the time, your first call should be to a trusted local roofer. It might seem backward, but calling a roofing contractor first gives you a huge advantage. Here are the key reasons why that first call is so important.
Get an Honest, Expert Opinion
A roofer’s job is to fix roofs, while an insurance adjuster’s job is to assess claims for their employer. An experienced roofer will give you a detailed breakdown of the real damage after they inspect damage. They climb on the roof and perform a full roof inspection, spotting problems that are invisible from the ground. This could include bruised shingles from hail, lifted seals from high winds, or issues with your roof ventilation. This comprehensive report from a trusted roofing professional is your most powerful tool. It’s an expert third-party opinion that tells the insurance company exactly what repairs are needed, helping to keep everyone honest.
A roofer who has worked as a contractor before knows what to look for and can write a thorough report that will help with the claims process. Being given a just settlement for your claim depends on this report. Before involving your insurance, keep in mind that this professional evaluation is essential.
Handle Emergency Tarping and Repairs
Some roof damage cannot wait. Water can damage your insulation, drywall, and even electrical systems if there is a hole in your roof. Emergency repairs, such as covering the damaged area with a tarp to stop water intrusion, are provided by reputable roofing companies.
Your homeowner’s insurance policy actually mandates that you take this crucial step, known as mitigating further damage. You can quickly stop the leak by first calling a roofer. In addition to protecting your house, this shows your insurer that you are a responsible homeowner.
Rather than waiting for an adjuster assigned by your company’s insurance to call you back, you can get assistance immediately. This quick response could mean the difference between a minor roof repair and a significant interior makeover. The best course of action is always quick action. When water starts leaking into your home, calling a professional for roof repair in Atlanta right away can prevent further damage and demonstrate to your insurance company that you’ve taken responsible, proactive steps to protect your property.
Your Roofer is Your Best Advocate
With lengthy paperwork and technical jargon, filing an insurance claim can be difficult. Your guide through the entire claim process is a roofer with insurance claim handling experience. They speak the same language as the adjuster and are aware of the standards that insurance companies use.
To make sure all damage is taken into account, they can go over the adjuster’s report and highlight any errors. Consider them a member of your team who is committed to making sure your roof replacement is done right. While your insurance adjuster’s objective is to expedite the claim closure process, theirs is to make sure that your roof is appropriately repaired in accordance with local building codes. This advocacy can be extremely helpful. It offers a fair final claim outcome and helps you steer clear of possible problems. At every stage, they will assist you in making an informed choice.
So, Should I Call a Roofer or Insurance First? Key Scenarios
Every situation is different. Your decision might change based on what kind of damage you have. Let’s look at a few common examples that homeowners face after weather events.
| Situation | Who to Call First | Why |
| A few shingles blew off in a storm. | Roofer | The cost of the roof repair may be lower than your deductible. To keep track of your claims history, you can obtain a quote for the minor damage and determine whether it is worthwhile to file a claim. |
| A tree branch fell and poked a hole in your roof. | Roofer, then Insurance | This is an emergency. To avoid water damage, call the roofer right away to have a tarp placed over it. Then, as soon as possible, get in touch with insurance to initiate the claim for roof damage repair. |
| A major hailstorm just passed through your neighborhood. | Roofer | Since hail damage is frequently subtle, you need an expert to confirm that you have it. A roofer can give you a free inspection and advise you on whether to make a claim, supplying pictures as proof. |
| You notice a small, slow leak in the attic. | Roofer | This could be the result of aging or a minor flashing problem. Without involving insurance yet, a roofer can identify the cause and provide you with repair options. |
As you can see, you have options if you call the roofer first. Before making a choice that will impact your insurance rates, you gather information. Now is the time to take charge of the repair process from the start.
What Happens When You Call Insurance First?
Getting in touch with your insurance agent may seem like the easiest way to proceed. However, it occasionally causes more issues than it fixes. Before you call your insurance company, you should be aware of the possible drawbacks.
They open a claim file when you call to report damage. Even though the damage seems to be minor, this is recorded on your record even if they never reimburse you. Even minor claims in the past can have a detrimental effect on your insurance ratings and future rates.
An adjuster assigned by the insurance company works for them, not for you. They are taught to assess the damage from the standpoint of their business, which may result in an estimate that is insufficient to pay for a high-quality roof replacement. You lack the authority to contest their assessment if you don’t have an independent estimate from your own reliable contractor.
In essence, you are taking their first offer, which may result in you having to pay for expenses that your policy should have covered out of pocket. Additionally, you lose control because they may recommend their favorite roofers. Although this might be useful, you are always free to select the roofing contractor of your choice.
How to Find a Roofer You Can Trust
Having a skilled roofer on your side is essential to the entire process. Make sure they are a trustworthy roofing expert if you plan to give them a call first. A bad situation can be made much worse by a bad contractor. Check that they are properly licensed and insured, including for worker’s compensation and general liability. A qualified contractor will assist you in understanding your choices.
Read online reviews on several different platforms to see what past customers have said. Always get a detailed written estimate that lists the exact materials being used and the total cost for labor. Make sure you feel comfortable with the roofer and that they answer all your questions about their service area and the repair process clearly.
The Step-by-Step Claim Process
Suppose you followed this advice. You called a roofer first because of some storm damage. This is how the claim-filing procedure will move forward after that.
- In order to stop the leak, your roofer performs emergency repairs like tarping. You’ve just met a crucial policy requirement and protected your house from additional damage.
- After completing a thorough inspection, they provide you with a written report that includes a detailed estimate for the installation or repair of the entire roof.
- Now that you have this information, you give your insurance provider a call to submit a claim. From the beginning, you have expert documentation to back up your claims.
- An adjuster assigned by your insurer will arrange for an adjuster visit to inspect the roof. This is a typical step in the claims procedure.
- When the adjuster arrives, you should ask your roofer to be there. Your roofer can act as your knowledgeable advocate by pointing out all the damage and making sure the adjuster sees it all.
- The adjuster will prepare their own report and settlement estimate for the claim. To look for differences, you and your roofer will compare it to your initial estimate.
- Your roofer may submit a supplement if the adjuster’s estimate is too low or omits something. This is an official request for additional funding in light of fresh information or unrecognized damages.
- You can arrange the repair work as soon as the claim is accepted. Usually, you will receive updates from the insurance company as well as payments to give to your contractor.
You are in control when you take this route. You are being guided by an expert at every stage, which is essential for a successful outcome. With a top-notch roof repair or replacement, it transforms an unmanageable process into one that can be controlled and helps to stop further damage.
Why a Professional Roof Inspection Is Worth It
Take a pause while you are standing there observing a water stain on your ceiling.
Contacting a trustworthy, nearby roofing expert from Award Roofing first protects both your house and your finances in practically all situations. It gives you the strong advocate, emergency assistance, and professional opinion you need to deal with your insurance company with assurance. Having a professional conduct a damage inspection is a crucial first step.
By doing this, you are protecting your most valuable asset and not just patching a leak. Choosing the right professional is essential, regardless of whether you require basic roof maintenance or a full replacement. You can rest easy knowing that your claim will be handled fairly and that the job will be done correctly. Contact Award Roofing today to schedule your inspection and get expert guidance from a trusted local team committed to protecting your home and your peace of mind.