How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Florida: Step-by-Step Guide

Know Your Policy Before You Need It

Before storm season, review your homeowner's insurance policy. Look for:

• **Wind/hurricane deductible** (often 2-5% of your home's insured value)
• **Filing deadline** after the damage event
• **Covered perils** (wind, hail, falling objects, etc.)
• **Depreciation method** (replacement cost vs. actual cash value)

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

After a storm:

1Take photos/video of all visible damage from the ground

2Photograph your attic for water intrusion signs

3Document any interior damage (water stains, wet insulation)

4Save any debris that fell from your roof

5Note the date and type of storm event

Pro tip: Photos with timestamps are your strongest evidence. Take them the same day as the storm if possible.

Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company

File your claim as soon as possible. When you call:

• Reference the specific storm date and type
• Describe the damage you've observed
• Ask for your claim number and adjuster assignment timeline
• Confirm your filing deadline

Important: Do NOT let them talk you out of filing. You have a right to an inspection.

Step 3: Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Before the insurance adjuster arrives, have a licensed roofing contractor inspect your roof. A good contractor will:

• Walk the entire roof surface
• Document damage with detailed photos
• Measure affected areas
• Write a scope of work with material and labor costs
• Identify damage you might have missed

At Complete Roofing, we provide this inspection completely free. We deliver a PDF report within 24 hours that you can share with your adjuster.

Step 4: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

When the adjuster comes:

• Be present (or have your contractor present)
• Walk them through every area of damage
• Provide your contractor's inspection report
• Point out damage they might miss (pipe boots, flashing, soft spots)
• Take your own photos during their inspection

Step 5: Review the Estimate

Your insurance company will send an estimate. Compare it against your contractor's scope:

• Are all damaged areas included?
• Are material costs accurate for your area?
• Is labor priced at current market rates?
• Did they include code-upgrade costs (required in Florida)?

If the estimate seems low, you have the right to request a re-inspection or file a supplement.

Common Reasons Claims Get Denied (And How to Avoid Them)

1"Pre-existing damage" — Fight this with dated photos showing your roof's condition before the storm

2"Cosmetic damage only" — Get a contractor's report showing functional damage

3"Maintenance issue" — Keep records of regular roof maintenance

4"Filed too late" — File immediately after every storm event

5"Wear and tear" — Document the specific storm event that caused new damage

We Handle Insurance Claims Every Week

Complete Roofing has helped hundreds of homeowners in Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Pensacola, and Milton navigate the insurance claim process. We provide:

• Free damage inspection and documentation
• Detailed scope of work for your adjuster
• On-site meetings with your insurance adjuster
• Supplement filing if your claim is underpaid

Call (850) 220-3965 for a free storm damage inspection, or use our satellite estimator to get started.