A few years ago, I wrote an article about roof claims and how to handle them. I wish I could say it’s outdated — but unfortunately, I feel the need to update it because we’re seeing the same pattern year after year. In fact, it’s worse now.
At our office, the most common claim call we get during storm season goes something like this:
“I want to file a claim for damage of my roof.” We ask, “When did the damage happen?”
They don’t know.
“What’s actually wrong with the roof?”
Not sure.
“Do you have an estimate?”
Nope.
The only thing they do know is that someone knocked on their door and said they might have storm damage. And when we start asking simple, protective questions — like “Who looked at it?” or “What do they think is wrong?” and “How much did they say it would cost to repair?” — we’re met with defensiveness.
Let me be clear: I don’t care if you file a claim. File one!
And if it pays out, I hope you’re thrilled and the repairs are top-notch. That’s why you carry insurance. What I do care about is people filing claims that never had a shot — because those will come back to bite you.
What many people still don’t understand is this: A $0 claim hits your record the same way a $20,000 claim does.
There is no such thing as a “no-risk” claim – it will affect you at some point. And in today’s market where homeowner premiums are going up and underwriting is under the microscope — every claim matters.
Here’s the reality: Storm-chasing contractors are out there playing a numbers game.
If they get 100 people to file a claim and 10 of them turn into roof replacements, they win. Those 10 people are happy. But the other 90? They’re left with nothing but a denied claim on their record and higher premiums. That’s not fair to you. And you shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s sales strategy. So, if you think you have roof damage, slow down and do it the right way:
1. Get someone reputable to look at your roof.
Don’t just take the word of the person who showed up unannounced or left a flyer on your door. Ask friends, neighbors, or your local building department for a referral. Find someone local with a track record. (Side note: I personally have my roof inspected every year, whether there’s been a storm or not. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way.)
2. Demand an estimate in writing.
You wouldn’t let someone fix your car without knowing what’s wrong or how much it costs. Why would you treat your roof differently?
If a contractor says, “We work off the insurance,” ask:
- What if insurance only pays $500 — are you still replacing my roof for that amount?
- What if insurance pays $50,000 — are you giving me money back for over-payment?
Get the estimate so you know what the cost is. If their answer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You’re entitled to straight answers before filing a claim.
3. Don’t sign anything without understanding it.
Some of these companies want you to sign contracts before you even know if there’s real damage. Don’t. Once your name’s on paper, it’s too late. You remove us from the equation, and you might be stuck with whatever you agreed to.
4. Don’t rush the claim.
Most policies give you 6–12 months to report a loss. Take time to get the facts. Talk to your agent. Document everything. If there’s clear damage — trees on your home, water leaks, missing shingles — take photos, call it in, and do whatever you need to within reason to prevent further damage. That is your duty as an insured.
5. Let us help.
You have an agent for a reason. Let us do our job. Our job isn’t just writing policies. It’s making sure you understand what you’re doing before you file a claim — because once it’s filed, it’s there whether it gets paid or not.
I wrote about this years ago because I care about our clients and I want to protect them. I’m bringing it up again now because the market has changed — and not in your favor. Rates are up. Underwriting is tougher. Carriers are watching everything.
If you’re going to file a claim, make sure it’s real. Make sure you have damage. And make sure you’re not just another number on a storm chaser’s spreadsheet.
We’re here to protect you and to help. Even if that means giving you the tough answers.
James Hazzard is the owner of Samuelson Insurance Agency in Portage, Indiana. With years of experience in the insurance industry and entrepreneurship, he aims to educate readers and clients on various insurance and entrepreneurial related topics to help them make informed decisions. Please note that the views expressed in James’ articles are his opinions and should not be considered professional advice.
