Filing a roof claim goes in a few steps: document the damage with photos and dates, read your policy to know what is covered and your deductible, get a roof inspection so you have a professional record of the cause and extent, then file with your insurer and meet their adjuster. The key distinction is that sudden damage from a storm or fallen tree is usually covered, while damage from age, wear, or neglect usually is not. Good documentation is what a claim lives or dies on.
Start by documenting, since the sooner and more thoroughly you record the damage, the stronger the claim. Take photos from the ground and inside, note the date and the storm or event that caused it, and keep anything that fell, like a branch. Next, read your policy so you know your coverage and deductible before you call, which helps you decide if a claim even makes sense against the cost. Then get a proper roof inspection, because an insurer takes a documented professional assessment of the cause and extent far more seriously than a homeowner's description.
With that in hand, file the claim and cooperate with the adjuster who comes to look. Our insurance claim support and roof inspection pages cover how we document damage, and our storm damage repair page covers the repair side once a claim is approved.
| Cause | Typically |
|---|---|
| Storm or wind damage | Often covered |
| Fallen tree or branch | Often covered |
| Sudden accidental damage | Often covered |
| Age and normal wear | Usually not covered |
| Neglected maintenance | Usually not covered |
Coverage varies by policy. Our page on whether insurance covers roof leaks goes deeper.
Documentation is everything. Clear photos, a date tied to a specific storm or event, and a professional inspection report shift a claim from a homeowner's word to a documented case. Do not delay, since many policies expect prompt reporting, and putting off a claim while the damage worsens can muddy whether it was sudden or neglected, as our page on delaying a repair shows. We do not adjust claims or promise outcomes, since that is between you and your insurer, but we do give you the written documentation of cause and extent that a strong claim needs, and we handle the repair or replacement once it is approved.
A written record of cause and extent for your insurer. Call (310) 806-5959 or request an inspection below.
Tell us what happened and we will inspect the roof and put the cause and extent in writing for your claim, with no obligation.