When a storm damages your roof, filing an insurance claim can feel confusing and stressful. Many homeowners don’t know where to start, what their insurance company will cover, or what to do if their claim is partially approved or denied.

The truth is that roof insurance claims are a multi-step process, and the first estimate from an insurance company is not always the final outcome. In many cases, claims are supplemented, reinspected, or revised once additional damage documentation or building code requirements are presented.

Understanding the full process—from the initial inspection to final claim approval—can help homeowners protect their property and ensure repairs are completed correctly.

Step 1: Identifying Storm Damage

Roof damage most commonly occurs after hailstorms, windstorms, or heavy weather events. While some damage is visible from the ground, much of it is not immediately noticeable without a professional inspection.

Common signs of roof storm damage include:

• Missing or lifted shingles

• Granule loss on asphalt shingles

• Dents on roof vents, flashing, or gutters

• Water stains on ceilings or attic insulation

• Leaks after severe weather

Even if your roof appears intact, storms can cause hidden damage that worsens over time, which is why professional inspections are recommended after major weather events.

Step 2: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Before filing an insurance claim, many homeowners schedule a roof inspection with a professional contractor; like us at VP Roofing. We can determine whether the damage appears to be storm related and whether it may qualify for an insurance claim.

During a typical inspection, contractors check:

• Shingles for hail impact or wind damage

• Roof penetrations such as vents and flashing

• Gutters and soft metals for dents

• Ridge caps and hip shingles

• Evidence of lifted or creased shingles

We will usually take photos and documentation that may later support the insurance claim.

Step 3: Filing the Insurance Claim

If storm damage is confirmed, the next step is to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company.

The insurance company will typically ask for:

• Your policy number

• Date of the storm event

• Description of the damage

• Contact information

After the claim is opened, the insurance company assigns a field adjuster to inspect the property.

Step 4: The Insurance Adjuster Inspection

The adjuster works on behalf of the insurance company to determine:

• Whether the damage was caused by a covered storm event

• The extent of the damage

• Whether the roof can be repaired or needs replacement

During this inspection, the adjuster will:

• Inspect the roof for hail or wind damage

• Measure affected areas

• Take photographs

• Create a repair or replacement estimate

It is often beneficial for the roofing contractor to be present during the adjuster inspection, as they can help point out damage that may otherwise be overlooked. At VP Roofing, we have dedicated people who are at every adjuster inspection!

Step 5: Understanding the Insurance Scope of Loss

After the inspection, the insurance company provides a document called the Scope of Loss.

This estimate outlines:

• Approved repairs or replacements

• Labor and material costs

• Depreciation amounts

• The homeowner’s deductible

Most roof insurance claims are paid in two stages:

Actual Cash Value (ACV)
The initial payment issued after the claim is approved.

Recoverable Depreciation
The remaining funds released after repairs or replacement are completed.

However, the initial estimate does not always include everything required to complete the project properly.

When Insurance Only Approves a Partial Roof Claim

One of the most common outcomes after an adjuster inspection is a partial approval.

Instead of covering a full roof replacement, the insurance company may approve repairs to only a portion of the roof.

This may happen when the adjuster believes:

• Damage is limited to a specific area

• The roof is repairable

• Some damage is due to age rather than storms

For example, an insurance estimate may only approve replacing 10–30 shingles or one slope of the roof.

While this may seem final, it often isn’t.

Why Partial Approvals Are Often Challenged

Partial repairs may not always be possible due to several factors, including:

Shingle Matching Issues

If the existing shingles are discontinued, replacement shingles may not match the rest of the roof.

Brittle or Aging Shingles

Older shingles may crack or break during removal, making repairs impossible.

Hidden Damage

Storm damage may extend beyond the initially approved area.

Building Code Requirements

Current building codes may require additional materials or upgrades when roof work is performed.

When these factors are discovered, the claim may need to be supplemented or reinspected.

Step 6: Documentation and Testing

To support a supplement or claim revision, contractors often perform additional testing and documentation.

This may include:

ITEL Reports

Used to identify the exact shingle manufacturer and determine if the product is discontinued.

Brittle Tests

Used to determine whether shingles break during removal, which indicates repairs are not feasible.

Repairability Tests

Determine whether surrounding shingles can be safely removed without causing further damage.

Matching Reports

Used when replacement materials cannot match the existing roof.

These reports provide evidence that can justify expanding the claim scope.

Step 7: Submitting a Supplement

A supplement is a formal request asking the insurance company to revise its estimate.

Supplements may include:

• Additional damage photos

• Contractor inspection reports

• Missing line items from the estimate

• Material and labor adjustments

• Building code requirements

Insurance companies often revise estimates once this information is submitted.

Utah Roofing Code Requirements That Can Impact Claims

In Utah, roofing work must follow the International Residential Code (IRC) with state amendments, which establishes installation standards for residential roofs.

Insurance policies often include Ordinance and Law coverage, which requires the insurance company to pay for upgrades needed to meet current building codes when repairs are performed.

Several code requirements frequently affect roof insurance claims.

Ice and Water Shield Requirements

Because Utah experiences cold winters, roofs must include an ice barrier membrane to prevent ice dam leaks.

Roofing code requires ice barrier protection extending at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the building.

This typically requires:

• Ice and water shield along all roof eaves

• Additional protection in valleys

• Coverage around penetrations

If the insurance estimate does not include these materials when roof sections are replaced, the missing items may be added through a supplement.

Why Repairs Sometimes Aren’t Possible

Insurance companies often assume a roof can simply be repaired. However, in many situations a repair does not produce a safe or compliant roof system.

Repairs may fail when:

• Shingles crack during removal

• Matching materials are unavailable

• Damage extends beyond visible areas

• Code upgrades are required during installation

When repairs cannot be completed properly, a larger replacement scope may be necessary.

Step 8: Requesting a Reinspection

If additional evidence shows that the original insurance estimate was incomplete, homeowners may request a reinspection.

During this inspection:

• We meet with the adjuster onsite

• Additional damage evidence is presented

• Code requirements are discussed

• Testing results may be reviewed

Many insurance claims are revised after a reinspection.

Step 9: Completing the Roof Work

Once the claim scope is finalized, we schedule the work.

This may include:

• Full roof replacement

• Partial replacement

• Flashing upgrades

• Ventilation improvements

• Code-required underlayment installation

The work must comply with both insurance requirements and local building codes.

Step 10: Final Payment and Claim Closure

After the roofing project is completed, documentation is submitted to the insurance company.

This usually includes:

• Final invoice

• Completion photos

• Certificate of completion

The insurance company then releases the recoverable depreciation, which is the final payment for the project.

Final Thoughts

Roof insurance claims can be complex, especially when claims are partially approved or missing required scope items.

Understanding the full process—from inspection to supplements and building code compliance—can help homeowners ensure their roof is repaired correctly and safely.

Working with a roofing contractor experienced in insurance restoration and building code requirements can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim.

If your home experienced storm damage and you’re unsure whether your insurance estimate includes everything required, a professional inspection can help determine the next steps. Call us to see if your roof qualifies for a roofing claim!