File a claim closure or final inspection request with your insurance company
Once your roofer finishes and leaves the site, contact your insurance company to report the work is complete. Most insurers require you to request a final inspection before they will close the claim. This inspection verifies that the work was done, matches what was approved, and meets building code standards in your area.
Call the claims adjuster assigned to your case — their number is on your claim paperwork. Tell them the roof is finished and ask what they need from you to close out the claim. Some companies want photos of the finished work. Others send their own inspector. A few allow closure based on the contractor's invoice and completion certificate alone.
The timeline for this varies. Some insurers inspect within a week. Others take two to three weeks. Ask when you call so you know what to expect and can plan around it.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your insurance company as soon as the roof work is finished to request claim closure or a final inspection.
- Keep all invoices, receipts, and the contractor's warranty paperwork — you may need them to prove the work was done and covered.
- If your insurer denies payment or underpays, you have the right to dispute the decision in writing within the timeframe stated on their letter.
- Your homeowner's insurance premium may increase after a roof claim, depending on your state and insurer, so review your renewal notice carefully.
- Store the roofer's warranty documents and your insurance claim file in one place for future reference if problems arise.
Gather and organize all receipts and warranty documents
Before the contractor leaves, ask for a written receipt showing what work was done, the materials used, the total cost, and the date completed. Also request a copy of the workmanship warranty — this is the contractor's promise to fix defects in their work for a set period, usually one to ten years depending on the company.
Some roofers also provide a manufacturer's warranty on the roofing materials themselves. This is separate from the workmanship warranty and covers defects in the shingles, underlayment, or other materials. Ask the contractor which warranty applies to what, and get it in writing.
Store these documents with your insurance claim file. You will need them if you ever have to prove the work was done, if a problem appears later and you need to file a warranty claim, or if you sell the house and the buyer's inspector asks about the roof's history.
Review your insurance company's payment and dispute if it is wrong
After the inspection (or after you submit photos, depending on your insurer's process), the company will send you a check or arrange payment to you and the contractor jointly. The amount should match what was approved in the initial estimate, minus your deductible.
Open the payment letter and compare it to the estimate and the final invoice from your roofer. If the amount is less than expected, the letter should explain why — for example, the adjuster may have determined that part of the damage was pre-existing, or that the repair cost less than estimated. Read this explanation carefully.
If you disagree with the payment amount, you have the right to dispute it. Write a letter to your insurance company stating why you believe the payment is wrong. Include copies of the contractor's invoice, photos of the damage, and any other supporting documents. Send it to the claims department within the timeframe listed on the payment letter — this is usually 30 to 90 days, depending on your state.
If the dispute does not resolve, some states allow you to request an independent appraisal, where a neutral third party reviews the damage and cost. Ask your insurer or your state's insurance commissioner's office how to request one.
Understand how this claim may affect your future premiums
Filing a roof claim can increase your homeowner's insurance premium at renewal. The amount of the increase, and whether one occurs at all, depends on your state, your insurer, and your claims history. Some states limit how much an insurer can raise your rate after a single claim. Others do not.
When your policy renews, review the renewal notice carefully. If your premium went up, the notice should say why. If it cites the roof claim, you can call your agent and ask whether switching to a different company might lower your rate — insurers price claims differently, and a company that raised you 15 percent might charge you less overall than your current one.
In some states, filing too many claims in a short period can lead an insurer to drop you or refuse to renew. This is rare for a single roof claim, but it is worth knowing. If you are concerned, ask your agent whether the claim will affect your renewal status.
Check the roof for problems before the contractor's warranty expires
During the first year after installation, inspect your roof after heavy rain, wind, or hail. Look for missing shingles, loose flashing around vents or chimneys, or water stains on your attic ceiling. If you spot a problem, photograph it and contact the contractor when ready. Most workmanship warranties require you to report issues within a set timeframe — often 30 to 90 days — so do not wait.
The contractor is obligated to fix defects in their work at no cost to you during the warranty period. If they refuse or go out of business, you can file a claim with your homeowner's insurance for the defect, though this may trigger another claim on your record.
Keep the warranty documents accessible. If you sell the house, the new owner may want to transfer the warranty to their name, and you will need the original paperwork to do that.
Update your home inventory and insurance records
Add the new roof to your home inventory for insurance purposes. Note the date it was installed, the materials used (for example, "architectural asphalt shingles, 30-year rating"), and the contractor's name. This information helps if you ever need to file another claim and need to prove the roof is newer.
Some insurers offer small discounts if your roof is newer than a certain age — often 10 years or less. When your policy renews, ask your agent whether you now may have access to for a discount based on the new roof. The discount is usually small, but it can offset part of any rate increase from the claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my insurance company denies the claim or pays less than the contractor's invoice?
Write a dispute letter to the claims department within the timeframe on the denial or payment letter, usually 30 to 90 days. Include the contractor's invoice, photos, and any other evidence. If the dispute does not resolve, ask about an independent appraisal, where a neutral inspector reviews the damage and cost. Your state's insurance commissioner's office can also help if you believe the denial was unfair.
Can the contractor and I split the deductible?
No. Your deductible is your responsibility. Some contractors offer to waive or reduce their labor cost to offset it, but they cannot legally agree to pay your deductible for you. If a contractor offers to do this, it is insurance fraud and can result in claim denial and legal consequences for both of you.
Do I have to use the contractor my insurance company recommends?
No. You can hire any licensed, insured roofer you choose. Your insurance company will pay based on the cost estimate they approve, not based on which contractor you use. If your contractor's invoice is higher than the insurer's estimate, you may have to pay the difference out of pocket.
Will filing a roof claim make it harder to get insurance in the future?
A single roof claim rarely prevents you from getting insurance elsewhere, but it may increase your rate at renewal or with a new company. Some insurers are more lenient about weather-related claims like hail or wind damage than others. If your current insurer drops you or raises your rate significantly, shop around — different companies price claims differently.
How long does the contractor's warranty last?
Workmanship warranties typically last one to ten years, depending on the contractor. Manufacturer warranties on materials often last 20 to 30 years or longer. Ask the contractor for both warranties in writing and store them with your insurance documents. The warranty paperwork will state exactly what is covered and for how long.