How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Massachusetts

Filing a homeowners insurance claim for roof damage can feel overwhelming, especially when you're also dealing with the stress of storm damage to your home. This step-by-step guide walks Massachusetts and Rhode Island homeowners through the entire process.

Step 1: Ensure Safety and Prevent Further Damage

Before thinking about the insurance process:

• •Verify all occupants are safe
• •Avoid entering areas with potential structural damage
• •If there is active water infiltration, place buckets and move valuables
• •If you can safely do so, place tarps over obvious openings to prevent further water damage (document before you cover)

Emergency temporary repairs to prevent further damage are generally covered and expected. Keep all receipts.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Before calling your insurance company, document everything. More documentation is always better.

**Photograph:**

• •All exterior damage visible from ground level (use binoculars for closer shots)
• •Interior ceiling or wall staining that appeared after the storm
• •Attic condition if safely accessible (look for wet insulation, water stains on decking)
• •Damaged gutters, downspouts, and edge components
• •Any secondary damage (damaged belongings, damaged siding)
• •Emergency temporary measures you've taken

**Download weather records:**

• •NOAA Storm Data for your county and storm date
• •Weather Underground historical data for your zip code (wind gusts, precipitation)
• •NWS severe weather reports if hail was involved

**Preserve physical evidence:**

• •Keep any shingles or roofing materials that blew off your roof
• •Save the packaging if you purchased temporary repair materials

Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company to Open a Claim

Call the claims number on your insurance card or policy, or contact your agent.

**Be prepared to provide:**

• •Your policy number
• •Date and type of storm event
• •General description of the damage you've observed
• •Whether you've made any emergency repairs

**Information to request:**

• •Claim number (write this down - reference it in every future communication)
• •Name and contact information for your assigned adjuster
• •Expected timeline for adjuster contact and inspection
• •Whether you need to wait for the adjuster before proceeding with permanent repairs (almost always yes)

Step 4: Get a Professional Inspection Report

Before the insurance adjuster visits, arrange a professional roofing inspection from Roofing Doctors. Our inspection report:

• •Documents all storm-related damage with photographs
• •Distinguishes storm damage from pre-existing wear (critical for claims)
• •Provides scope and cost estimates
• •Is formatted for insurance submission

This report becomes your independent documentation - don't rely solely on the adjuster's assessment.

Step 5: Schedule and Prepare for the Adjuster Visit

The insurance company will send an adjuster (or use a desk adjuster with photos you provide, for smaller claims) to assess the damage.

**Before the visit:**

• •Organize your documentation (photos, weather records, professional inspection report)
• •Confirm that your preferred roofing contractor can attend the visit
• •Make a list of all damage you want the adjuster to see

**At the adjuster visit:**

• •Be present for the full inspection
• •Walk the adjuster through your documentation
• •Have your roofing contractor present to point out specific damage types and locations
• •Take notes on what the adjuster identifies
• •Do not sign anything at the initial inspection

**Having a contractor present matters:** Adjusters see hundreds of roofs and move quickly. A roofing contractor who processes dozens of insurance claims per year knows what to look for and how to communicate it effectively. Roofing Doctors attends adjuster meetings at no charge for our customers.

Step 6: Review the Claim Settlement

After the adjuster's inspection, your insurance company will issue an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) or settlement document.

**Review carefully:**

• •Is the scope complete? Does it include all damaged components?
• •What is the depreciation applied (if ACV policy)?
• •What is your deductible?
• •What is the net amount being paid?
• •If you have RCV (replacement cost value) coverage, what is the "recoverable depreciation" amount?

**If something seems wrong:**

• •Request a copy of the adjuster's field notes and estimate
• •Compare to your roofing contractor's assessment
• •Ask specific questions about any line item you don't understand
• •You have the right to dispute the settlement

Step 7: Authorize Repairs and Complete the Work

Once you have the settlement amount and have selected your contractor:

1. Review and sign the roofing contract (ensure it reflects the agreed scope)

2. Submit required permits (Roofing Doctors handles permit acquisition)

3. Repairs proceed

4. If additional damage is found during the repair process, your contractor files a supplement claim

**The supplement process:** When tear-off reveals damaged decking or other conditions not visible during the initial inspection, these are legitimate additional costs. Your contractor documents the additional damage with photographs and submits a supplement to the adjuster. This is normal and expected.

Step 8: Recover Depreciation (RCV Policies)

If you have a Replacement Cost Value policy:

1. Complete the repairs

2. Collect paid invoices from your contractor

3. Submit the invoices to your insurance company with a request for recoverable depreciation release

4. The insurer releases the held depreciation amount (minus your deductible)

You typically have 12-24 months from the original loss date to complete repairs and claim recoverable depreciation. Check your policy for the specific deadline.

When to Consider a Public Adjuster

If your claim has been significantly underpaid or denied and you believe the damage warrants more coverage:

• •A licensed public adjuster (PA) advocates for you (not the insurance company)
• •PAs typically charge 10-15% of the final settlement
• •The insurance company must allow you to hire a PA
• •For large claims, the increased settlement often more than covers the PA's fee

Roofing Doctors can refer you to reputable licensed public adjusters in Massachusetts and Rhode Island when appropriate.