Severe storms can wreak havoc on commercial roofing, leading to damage that requires immediate attention and restoration. As a business owner, the last thing you want is a compromised roof affecting your operations and putting your employees and customers at risk.
Fortunately, most commercial properties are insured against storm damage, which makes the restoration process more manageable – as long as you know what the claims process actually involves. Here’s what to expect, step by step.
Step 1: Assess and Document the Damage Immediately
Inspect the roof for visible signs of damage: missing or damaged shingles, leaks, dents in metal roofing, or punctures in single-ply membranes. Document any interior damage caused by a roof leak too – that’s often covered under the same claim.
Don’t wait. Delaying an inspection can let the damage get worse and more expensive to fix, and it can also give an insurance company reason to question the severity or cause of the damage – or deny the claim outright if it’s reported after your policy’s time limit.
What to document
- Photos and video of the damage from multiple angles
- Written notes on when and how the damage occurred, especially after a storm
- Your records of past roof maintenance and inspections – insurers may ask for proof of upkeep
Step 2: Review Your Insurance Policy
Before you file, know what your policy actually covers. Key things to check:
- Coverage type – replacement cost versus actual cash value
- Your deductible amount
- Specific coverage for wind, hail, or other weather-related damage
- Exclusions, endorsements, or riders that could affect your claim
Many policies include “acts of nature” coverage, but some exclude certain types of damage – so don’t assume. If anything in your policy is unclear, ask your agent or broker before you file.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve assessed and documented the damage, contact your insurer to start the claim. Be ready to provide a description of the damage, the date it occurred, and your photos and video. Your insurer will assign an adjuster to evaluate the claim and determine your coverage.
Step 4: Get an Independent Roofing Contractor Involved
Your insurance company will likely recommend its own preferred contractors, but it’s worth hiring a roofing contractor of your own choosing – one experienced in storm damage restoration for commercial roofs. An independent assessment helps make sure every bit of damage gets accounted for in your claim, rather than relying solely on the insurer’s numbers.
Step 5: Meet With the Adjuster
Be present for the adjuster’s inspection, and consider having your own contractor there too. A joint inspection with your contractor and the adjuster in the same room helps make sure all the damage gets assessed and there’s agreement on the scope of work up front.
Step 6: Get Repair Estimates and Review the Adjuster’s Report
Your contractor will provide a detailed estimate covering the scope of work, materials, and an itemized cost breakdown. Get more than one estimate to compare. Then review the adjuster’s report carefully to confirm it matches the damage you documented and the repairs you actually need – and raise it with your insurer right away if it doesn’t.
If your insurer undervalues the repairs or tries to exclude damage from coverage, don’t just accept it. Bring your contractor’s documentation and negotiate for the coverage your policy actually provides.
Step 7: Approve the Repair Plan and Begin Restoration
Once you’re satisfied with the coverage, finalize the repair plan with your contractor, making sure it addresses everything identified in the assessment and meets building codes and manufacturer guidelines. Hire a contractor experienced in working with insurance claims – it keeps the process moving and the work up to standard.
Step 8: Keep Records Through Completion
Hang on to every invoice, receipt, and piece of correspondence with your insurance company or contractor throughout the repair. These records matter if there’s a dispute or reimbursement question later.
Step 9: Final Inspection and Claim Settlement
After the repairs are done, your insurer may send an adjuster for a final inspection to confirm the work matches the agreed scope. Once that’s done and your documentation is in, the insurer settles the claim – sometimes as a lump sum, sometimes in installments depending on your policy. Confirm the settlement actually covers everything you spent before considering the claim closed.
If You Disagree With the Outcome
If your insurer hasn’t adequately addressed your claim, you have the right to appeal. Contact your insurance company to start the appeals process and provide any additional documentation that supports your case.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Deny a Claim
- Not acting quickly – many policies have strict filing deadlines
- Failing to document the damage properly, with no photos or maintenance records
- Accepting the insurance company’s first estimate without a second opinion
- Attempting DIY repairs before the claim is approved, which can void coverage
Navigating a commercial roof insurance claim after storm damage takes time, but being thorough and proactive is what gets your roof restored – and your claim paid – without unnecessary delay. To find out more, contact Tillotson Enterprises today at (800) 643-5731.