# How the Insurance Claims Process Works for Roof Damage
If a severe storm has recently swept through Door County, Kewaunee County, or Brown County, you may be facing the daunting prospect of roof repairs. The good news is that if your roof has sustained significant wind or hail damage, your homeowner’s insurance policy likely covers the cost of a replacement or major repairs.
However, navigating the insurance claims process can be confusing and stressful for homeowners who have never done it before. As a local roofing contractor with nearly a decade of experience operating **The Roofing Company**, we have guided hundreds of Wisconsin homeowners through this exact process.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the insurance claims process works for roof damage, and how to ensure you receive the coverage you deserve.
## Step 1: The Initial Damage Assessment
The very first step after a storm is to determine if you actually have enough damage to justify filing a claim. Filing a claim that is ultimately denied can sometimes result in a premium increase, so it is crucial to have a professional assessment first.
Do not climb onto your roof yourself. Instead, contact a reputable, local roofing contractor to perform a comprehensive storm damage inspection. At **The Roofing Company**, we provide free, no-obligation inspections across Northeast Wisconsin. We will thoroughly document the damage with photographs and provide you with a detailed assessment of whether the damage is severe enough to warrant an insurance claim.
## Step 2: Filing the Claim
Once your roofing contractor confirms significant storm damage, it is time to contact your insurance company’s claims department. You will need to provide them with the date and time of the storm, a description of the damage, and the documentation provided by your contractor.
Your insurance company will then assign a claim number and assign an insurance adjuster to your case. The adjuster is an employee of the insurance company whose job is to verify the damage and determine the payout amount.
## Step 3: The Adjuster’s Inspection
The insurance adjuster will schedule a time to visit your property and inspect the roof. This is a critical moment in the claims process.
It is highly recommended that you have your chosen roofing contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection. An experienced contractor understands exactly what the adjuster is looking for and can point out subtle damage—like bruised shingles from hail or lifted seals from wind—that the adjuster might overlook. Having your contractor there ensures a fair and accurate assessment of the damage.
## Step 4: The Estimate and First Check
After the inspection, the adjuster will provide you with a detailed estimate outlining the scope of work they believe is necessary and the amount the insurance company will pay.
In most cases, the insurance company will issue a first check (the Actual Cash Value or ACV check). This check represents the current depreciated value of your roof and is usually enough to cover the initial materials and start the work. If you have a mortgage on your home, this check may be made out to both you and your mortgage company, requiring their endorsement before you can cash it.
## Step 5: The Roof Replacement
With the initial funds secured and the scope of work approved, your roofing contractor will schedule and complete the roof replacement. At **The Roofing Company**, we handle the entire installation process professionally and efficiently, ensuring your new roof meets all local building codes and manufacturer specifications.
## Step 6: The Final Invoice and Second Check
Once the roof replacement is complete, your contractor will send a final invoice to your insurance company. This invoice proves that the work was completed according to the adjuster’s estimate.
Upon receiving the final invoice, the insurance company will release the second check (the Replacement Cost Value or RCV check). This check covers the remaining balance of the project, minus your deductible. You are responsible for paying your deductible directly to your roofing contractor.
## Protect Your Investment with The Roofing Company
Navigating an insurance claim for roof damage doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By partnering with an experienced, local contractor who understands the process, you can ensure your home is restored quickly and correctly.
At **The Roofing Company**, we specialize in storm damage repair and insurance claim assistance. We are fully licensed and insured in Wisconsin, and we proudly serve Sturgeon Bay, Algoma, Kewaunee, and the surrounding areas.
**[Contact us today for a free storm damage inspection.](/free-estimate/)** Let our experienced team guide you through the claims process and protect your home for years to come.