A Homeowner’s Guide
Roof damage can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s from hail, high winds, falling branches, heavy snow, or fire, the aftermath leaves many homeowners facing a complex question: “Now what?”
Navigating the insurance claims process isn’t something most homeowners do often, and when your home’s first line of defense is compromised, you need clarity, speed, and trusted guidance. That’s where The Helping Company comes in. Based in Reading, PA, and serving Southeastern Pennsylvania, our family-owned team helps homeowners understand, document, and resolve roof damage claims from start to finish.
Let’s break down everything you need to know, from recognizing qualifying damage and working with insurance adjusters to ensuring your payout is fair and your repairs are of top quality.
What Types of Roof Damage Are Covered by Insurance?
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage to your roof. Common covered events include:
Hail or wind storms
Tornadoes or hurricanes
Ice dams or heavy snow
Fire
Falling trees or debris
Lightning strikes
It’s important to note that insurance usually won’t cover damage due to neglect, age, or pre-existing wear. For instance, if your shingles were already curling or deteriorated before the storm, your claim may be reduced or denied.
Review Your Policy
Take some time to review your homeowners’ policy to see whether you have Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV). RCV pays the full replacement cost for your roof, and ACV pays the depreciated value, which can be significantly lower. If you’re not sure about your coverage, contact your insurance company directly. This is a good idea to know before you actually need to file a claim, so grab that policy and find out.
What to Do if Your Roof Is Damaged: A Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Assess and Document the Damage
After a storm or major event, do a safe visual inspection from the ground. Look for the following:
Missing, dented, or curled shingles
Shingle granules in gutters or on your driveway
Bent or detached flashing
Fallen tree limbs on your roof
Leaks or water stains on ceilings or walls inside your home
Take clear photos of everything you notice. Include timestamps showing the damage soon after the incident. These will be crucial during the claim.
Step 2: Prevent Further Damage
Once it’s safe, take temporary steps to prevent worsening conditions. Use a tarp to cover exposed areas and remove debris blocking drains. Keep receipts for materials or emergency services, because your insurer may reimburse these.
If you’re unsure what’s safe to do, call our 24/7 emergency line at 610-234-2210 . We’ll walk you through immediate steps or send a technician.
Step 3: Get a Professional Roof Inspection
Before you file a claim, get a qualified roofing contractor, like The Helping Company, to inspect the damage. We provide free inspections and understand what insurance adjusters look for. Unlike insurance adjusters, we work for you, not the company. Our report will include a detailed scope of damage, photo documentation, repair or replacement recommendations, and code compliance considerations. This inspection ensures your claim reflects the full scope of damage, not just what’s obvious.
Step 4: File Your Insurance Claim
Call your insurance company and provide basis details about the event and date of the damage. Submit your documentation and request a claim number. Within a few days, they’ll assign an adjuster to visit your property. We can help you with this process!
Step 5: Meet With the Adjuster
Here’s where things can go wrong. Adjusters sometimes miss subtle damage or underestimate the scope of work required. That’s why we recommend having your roofing contractor present during the inspection.
The Helping Company’s team regularly meets with adjusters onsite to ensure no damage is overlooked and the claim is properly valued. This can make the difference between a denied claim and a fair payout.
Step 6: Review the Insurance Estimate
Once the adjuster completes their report, the insurance company will issue a Scope of Loss. This is a document outlining what they’ll cover and what they’ll pay. We will review this with you line by line to ensure that all damaged areas are accounted for, current building code upgrades are included, material pricing is accurate, and hidden or latent damage isn’t excluded.
If the estimate is too low or incorrect, we’ll help you file a supplement, which is an official request for more accurate compensation.
Step 7: Approve and Schedule Repairs
Once the claim is settled, you’ll receive a first check (often called the ACV payment). This partial payment allows your roofer to begin repairs. After work is complete and documented, your insurer issues the remaining amount (often called the recoverable depreciation).
The Helping Company uses only high-quality materials and trained installers who comply with Pennsylvania building codes and manufacturer warranty standards.
The Risk of Denied or Underpaid Claims
Underpaid or denied roof claims are common, especially when homeowners lack experienced representation. Common pitfalls include:
Accepting the first lowball offer
Missing damage during self-inspections
Not knowing that code upgrades are legally required
Failing to submit complete documentation
An experienced representative from The Helping Company will advocate for fair claims from the very first call to the insurance company.
What Do Our Customers Say?
Pamela S. wrote us a 5-star review of her experience with us: “After finding out that The Helping Company was able to assist in the insurance portion of my storm damage claim to my property, I decided to choose them, not only for their local reputation, but the professionalism from start to finish of the project. The entire staff was great to deal with, and they made sure to explain the insurance process step-by-step (as I am not very familiar with anything other than my policy deductible). After The Helping Company came to look at my property for the first time, they documented and photographed the damage that they found, and they proceeded to help me open the claim right on the phone, which made the experience much more comfortable. They also met with my insurance company to make sure the insurance adjuster was seeing the same damage that was found on The Helping Co’s initial inspection. After less than a week, we received a check and letter in the mail, stating that we had been approved for on the roof as well as siding on the entire home. I could not be more happy with the outcome. Within a few weeks of the approval from the insurance, my siding and roofing project were complete. I would recommend The Helping Company to everyone; the comfort of having another certified professional on my side while dealing with my insurance made for a great experience. Thank you to everyone that took part in my project, I feel like I have a brand new home every time I arrive home!
Read more reviews on Google!
Handy Claims Prep Checklist for Homeowners
Print this out to keep on hand—just in case!
✅ Inspect your property and photograph damage
✅ Prevent further damage (tarp, remove debris)
✅ Save receipts for materials or emergency services
✅ Schedule a professional inspection with The Helping Company
✅ File the claim with your insurer and get a claim number
✅ Have your contractor present during the adjuster visit
✅ Review the insurance estimate with your roofer
✅ Ask about supplements if the payout is too low
✅ Schedule high-quality, code-compliant repairs
✅ Submit completion paperwork to release final payment
Call Today for Help With Your Roof Damage Claim
Don’t risk being underpaid—or worse, denied—by navigating the insurance process alone. Call The Helping Company today for a free inspection and expert support.
📞 610-234-2210
📝 Contact us