Storm Season is Coming: How Roofing Contractors Can Prepare and Maximize Insurance Claims

As storm season approaches, roofing contractors must be ready to handle the influx of insurance claims from homeowners dealing with hail and wind damage. While these months can bring a surge of work, they also come with challenges—tight insurance estimates, delayed approvals, and the need for detailed documentation.

A well-prepared contractor can streamline their process, avoid common claim pitfalls, and ensure they’re getting paid for all necessary repairs. Here’s how you can stay ahead of storm season and why supplementing insurance estimates is a crucial part of the process.

1. Preparing for Increased Demand

Storm season brings a wave of inspections, roof replacements, and insurance negotiations. Without a solid system in place, contractors can quickly become overwhelmed.

To prepare:

• Have a structured inspection process – Ensure your team knows how to document damage thoroughly and understands common storm-related issues.

• Organize your workflow – With multiple claims coming in, staying organized with job tracking and customer follow-ups is essential.

• Stay up to date on building codes – Many claims require code upgrades that adjusters may overlook in their initial estimate. Knowing local requirements will help justify necessary supplements.

  
  

2. The Importance of Thorough Documentation

Insurance adjusters often work quickly and may miss essential damage or required materials when writing their initial estimate. That’s why contractor documentation is key to ensuring a claim covers the full scope of work.

Make sure to:

• Take clear photos of all damage, including shingles, soft metals, gutters, and flashing.

• Document pre-existing conditions that may impact the repair process.

• Mark test squares for hail damage and use chalk to highlight creased or missing shingles.

• Capture interior leaks or attic damage that could indicate deeper issues beyond the roof.

Well-documented claims are less likely to face delays or denials.

3. Understanding Supplements in Insurance Claims

A supplement is a request for additional funds when the original insurance estimate doesn’t account for all necessary repairs. This is common in storm claims because adjusters may overlook key line items such as:

• Ice & water shield – Required by code in many regions.

• Starter and ridge cap shingles – Often missing from initial estimates.

• Drip edge and flashing – Critical for long-term roof performance but frequently omitted.

• High-pitch and steep charges – Necessary for safety compliance but sometimes overlooked.

• Gutter and siding detach/reset costs – Essential when these components must be removed for proper installation.

Submitting a supplement with supporting documentation ensures that both contractors and homeowners receive fair compensation for the full scope of work.

4. Handling the Claims Process Efficiently

With an increased volume of claims, contractors should focus on efficiency to keep up with demand. Some ways to streamline the process include:

• Using estimating software to ensure all line items are included in your bids.

• Following up with adjusters regularly to prevent delays in approval.

• Educating homeowners on what to expect during the claims and supplement process.

Final Thoughts

Storm season presents opportunities and challenges for roofing contractors. Being proactive with inspections, documentation, and supplements can make a significant difference in the speed and success of insurance claims.

By staying organized and ensuring that all necessary repairs are accounted for, contractors can confidently navigate the busy months ahead and deliver the best service possible to their customers.