Roof damage and water damage are stressful enough on their own—but dealing with the insurance process can make it even more overwhelming. Whether your home was hit by a major storm, you noticed leaks after heavy rain, or you experienced sudden water intrusion, knowing how to handle your insurance claim can make a major difference in how quickly your home gets repaired and how much of the cost is covered.

At Rellim Contracting, we help homeowners get back to normal after unexpected property damage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the insurance claim process after roof or water damage, including what to do immediately, how to document everything properly, what to expect from an adjuster visit, and common mistakes that can delay or reduce your payout.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Prevent Further Damage

Before you do anything with your insurance company, make sure your home is safe.

If roof damage is severe:

Avoid rooms where the ceiling is sagging or wet
Stay away from downed power lines
Do not climb onto the roof yourself (especially after storms)

If water damage is active:

Shut off the water source if possible
Turn off electricity in affected areas (only if it’s safe)
Move valuables away from wet areas

Most homeowners insurance policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. This is often called “mitigation.”

✅ Examples of reasonable mitigation:

Placing a tarp over roof openings
Drying standing water
Moving furniture out of affected areas

If you need immediate help, reach out to a licensed professional right away.

Internal link suggestion: If your damage is storm-related, see our storm recovery services:
https://rellimcontracting.com/storm-recovery/

Step 2: Document Everything (Before You Clean Up)

Insurance claims are won or lost based on documentation. The more proof you provide, the stronger your claim will be.

Take photos and videos of:

Missing shingles, lifted flashing, roof punctures
Water stains on ceilings and walls
Damaged flooring, baseboards, insulation
Any visible mold growth or bubbling paint
Damaged personal property (furniture, rugs, electronics)

Pro tip: Take wide shots and close-ups. Walk through your home with video and narrate what happened and when you noticed it.

Make a written damage log

Write down:

Date/time damage occurred (or when you discovered it)
Weather event details (storm, hail, wind, heavy rain)
Areas affected
Any actions you took to prevent further damage

📌 Helpful external resource: FEMA’s guidance on documenting damage after disasters can help you stay organized:
https://www.fema.gov/

Step 3: Review Your Insurance Policy (Don’t Skip This)

Before you file a claim, pull out your homeowners insurance policy and check the basics:

Look for:

Your deductible amount
Coverage types (roof, water, storm, wind-driven rain)
Exclusions (flood damage is often excluded)
Claim filing deadlines

Roof vs. flood vs. water damage coverage

Many homeowners assume “water damage” is automatically covered. That’s not always true.

Sudden and accidental water damage (like a pipe burst) is often covered
Roof leaks caused by storm damage may be covered
Flooding from rising water typically requires separate flood insurance

📌 External resource: Learn more about flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):
https://www.floodsmart.gov/

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company Quickly

Once you’ve documented the damage, contact your insurance provider to start the claim.

When you call, be ready with:

Policy number
Date of loss (when the damage happened)
Description of damage
Photos/videos (if they accept uploads immediately)

Ask for:

Your claim number
Next steps and timeline
Whether emergency repairs are approved
Whether they require specific documentation formats

Important: Keep notes of every conversation. Write down:

Date/time
Who you spoke with
What they said and promised
Any deadlines you were given

Step 5: Avoid These Common Claim Mistakes

Here are some of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during the insurance claim process after roof or water damage:

❌ Waiting too long to file

Delays can lead to denied claims—especially if the insurer argues the damage worsened due to inaction.

❌ Throwing away damaged materials too soon

Keep damaged items until the adjuster sees them (unless they’re hazardous).

❌ Making permanent repairs before the adjuster visit

Temporary mitigation is usually fine. But permanent repairs should wait unless approved.

❌ Under-documenting the damage

If it’s not documented, it’s easier for insurance to reduce the scope of repairs.

❌ Accepting the first settlement without reviewing it

Some estimates miss key items like underlayment, flashing, decking, insulation, or hidden water damage.

Step 6: Schedule a Professional Inspection (Before the Adjuster Visit)

Insurance adjusters are trained to assess claims, but they may not always catch everything—especially roof damage that isn’t obvious from the ground.

A contractor inspection helps identify:

Hidden roof leaks
Storm-related shingle bruising or wind lift
Soft spots or decking issues
Water intrusion behind walls
Secondary damage caused by the original issue

At Rellim Contracting, we provide thorough inspections and help homeowners understand what repairs are truly needed.

Internal link suggestion: Learn more about our roofing services here:
https://rellimcontracting.com/roofing/

Step 7: Meet the Insurance Adjuster Prepared

Once your claim is filed, your insurer will likely send an adjuster to inspect the property.

How to prepare for the adjuster:

Have your photos/videos ready
Provide your written damage log
Point out every affected area (even minor ones)
Ask questions about what they’re including in the estimate

What the adjuster is looking for:

Cause of damage (storm vs wear-and-tear)
Extent of damage
Repair vs replacement needs
Evidence the damage is recent and sudden

Pro tip: If possible, have your contractor present during the adjuster visit. This helps ensure nothing is missed.

Step 8: Understand Repair Estimates (and What They Often Miss)

Insurance estimates are sometimes incomplete—not always intentionally, but because damage isn’t always visible during the first inspection.

Common roofing items that get overlooked:

Flashing replacement
Drip edge
Ventilation upgrades
Underlayment and ice/water shield (where required)
Decking replacement (if rotted)
Disposal/haul-off costs

Common water damage items that get overlooked:

Wet insulation behind walls
Subfloor damage under flooring
Drywall removal and replacement
Moisture remediation and drying
Paint blending and trim work

If you receive an estimate and it seems too low, don’t panic. You may be able to request a supplement with proper documentation.

Step 9: Keep Receipts for Temporary Repairs and Expenses

If you pay out-of-pocket for emergency services, mitigation, or temporary repairs, save all receipts.

This may include:

Tarps
Fans/dehumidifiers
Emergency service visits
Hotel stays (if your home is unlivable)

Some policies include Loss of Use or Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage, which can reimburse temporary housing and related costs.

Step 10: Approve Repairs and Get the Work Started

Once your claim is approved and you understand the scope, it’s time to schedule repairs.

A reputable contractor will:

Provide a written estimate
Explain the scope clearly
Use quality materials
Communicate throughout the project
Ensure repairs meet code and manufacturer standards

If your roof or water damage is severe, acting quickly helps prevent:

Mold growth
Structural damage
Electrical hazards
Escalating repair costs

Internal link suggestion: If your damage is water-related, check our restoration services:
https://rellimcontracting.com/restoration/

Step 11: What If Your Claim Is Denied or Underpaid?

A denial or low settlement isn’t necessarily the end of the road.

If your claim is denied:

Request the denial reason in writing
Ask for a copy of the adjuster’s report
Compare it to contractor findings
Submit additional evidence (photos, inspection notes)

You may also request a second inspection or re-open the claim if new damage is discovered.

📌 External resource: Your state insurance department may provide consumer help if disputes arise:
https://content.naic.org/state-insurance-departments

Step 12: Final Walkthrough and Closeout

After repairs are completed:

Do a final walkthrough with your contractor
Confirm the work matches the scope
Keep copies of warranties and invoices
Ensure any remaining claim funds are handled properly

A quality repair should protect your home long-term—not just patch the problem temporarily.

Why Homeowners Trust Rellim Contracting

Insurance claims can be confusing, but you don’t have to handle the process alone. The right contractor can help you identify damage, understand repair needs, and move forward confidently.

At Rellim Contracting, we help homeowners recover from roof and water damage with professional service, clear communication, and high-quality workmanship.

✅ Need an inspection after storm, roof, or water damage?
Visit our website to learn more or request service today:
https://rellimcontracting.com/

Quick Checklist: Insurance Claim Process After Roof or Water Damage

✔ Make sure the property is safe
✔ Stop further damage (temporary repairs)
✔ Take photos + videos immediately
✔ Review your policy and deductible
✔ File your claim and get a claim number
✔ Schedule a contractor inspection
✔ Meet the adjuster prepared
✔ Review estimate carefully
✔ Keep receipts for all expenses
✔ Complete repairs and save documentation

How to Navigate the Insurance Claim Process After Roof or Water Damage