High Point Roofing Roof Insurance Claims: A Contractor's 20-Year Perspective

My name is Michael, and I've been a licensed roofing contractor in the High Point area for over two decades. I've personally supervised more than 3,500 roofing projects, from simple repairs to complete storm-damage replacements. I hold certifications from GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning, and I'm a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). This experience has given me a unique window into the insurance claim process, watching homeowners navigate it successfully and, unfortunately, sometimes struggle. This article exists because I've seen too many good people get less than they deserve from their insurance company simply because they didn't understand the process. My goal is to demystify High Point roofing roof insurance claims, giving you the knowledge and confidence to protect your home and your investment. The information here comes directly from handling hundreds of claims with companies like State Farm, Allstate, and USAA, combined with manufacturer installation guidelines and North Carolina building codes. I'll explain not just the steps, but the contractor's perspective on what makes a claim successful.

Understanding Your Roof Insurance Policy: The Foundation

Before any storm hits, you need to know what your policy covers. This is the most critical step. Most homeowners insurance in High Point is an HO-3 policy. This typically covers sudden, accidental damage from external events. Think wind, hail, falling trees, and fire. It does not cover wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Your policy has two main numbers that matter for a roof claim: your deductible and your coverage limit. The deductible is what you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. The coverage limit is the maximum amount your insurer will pay to replace your roof. Always review your policy's declarations page. Look for terms like "Replacement Cost Value" (RCV) or "Actual Cash Value" (ACV). RCV is much better for you. It pays to replace your roof with a new one of similar quality, minus your deductible. ACV pays only for the depreciated value of your old roof, which can leave you paying thousands more. I recommend contacting your agent for a review if you're unsure. The North Carolina Department of Insurance also provides excellent consumer resources to help you understand your rights.

What Damage is Typically Covered?

Insurance covers "perils" listed in your policy. In our region, wind and hail are the most common claims. A windstorm can lift and tear shingles, exposing the roof deck. Hail creates circular bruises on asphalt shingles, cracking the protective granules. This damage compromises the roof's ability to shed water. Falling tree limbs from a storm are also clearly covered. Sometimes, damage is not obvious from the ground. A professional roof inspection can identify subtle hail hits or wind-lifted shingles. Water damage inside your home from a roof leak is usually covered, but only if the leak resulted from a covered peril. If the leak is from an old, worn-out roof, it's considered maintenance, and the claim will likely be denied. This is why regular inspections are so important. They create a record of your roof's condition before a major storm event.

Common Policy Exclusions and Limitations

Understanding what is NOT covered is just as important. Most policies exclude damage from wear and tear, gradual deterioration, and faulty workmanship. If your roof is 25 years old and starts leaking, that's on you. Many policies also have specific wind/hail deductibles, especially in storm-prone areas. This deductible might be a percentage (1-5%) of your home's insured value, not a flat dollar amount. For a $300,000 home, a 2% wind deductible is $6,000. Know this number before you file. Some policies may limit coverage for certain roofing materials, like wood shakes, if they are considered higher risk. Always read the fine print. I've sat with many homeowners who were shocked by their high percentage deductible after a storm. Being prepared avoids that painful surprise.

The Step-by-Step Insurance Claim Process for Your Roof

When you suspect roof damage, don't panic. Follow a clear, documented process. This protects you and ensures the best outcome. First, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. This could mean placing a tarp over a leak. Save all receipts, as these mitigation costs are often reimbursable. Do not make permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has seen the damage. Next, contact a reputable, local roofing contractor for a professional inspection. A good contractor will provide a detailed report with photos and diagrams. This report is your evidence. Then, contact your insurance company to file the claim. Be prepared with the date of loss, a description of the damage, and your policy number. The insurer will assign an adjuster to inspect your property. It is crucial that your roofing contractor is present for this adjuster's inspection. The contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss and explain the necessary scope of repair. After the inspection, the adjuster will write an estimate, called a scope of loss. Review this carefully with your contractor. If the estimate is too low or misses items, you can dispute it. This is called supplementing the claim. Once approved, you choose a contractor, they complete the work, and you get paid, usually in multiple draws.

Documenting the Damage: A Contractor's Tips

Thorough documentation wins claims. Start by taking clear, date-stamped photos and videos from the ground, showing the entire roof line. After the storm passes safely, take pictures of any debris, like fallen branches or scattered granules in your gutters. Inside, photograph any water stains on ceilings or walls. When your contractor inspects, they should take extensive close-up photos from on the roof. These should show hail hits, lifted shingles, cracked tiles, or damaged flashing. The photos should clearly show the granule loss on asphalt shingles, which is a key indicator of hail damage. Create a single folder—digital or physical—for all this evidence: photos, the contractor's report, receipts for tarps, and all correspondence with the insurance company. Good documentation creates a clear, undeniable story of the damage and its cause.

Working with the Insurance Adjuster

The adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to assess the damage according to the policy terms. Be polite and professional, but remember you have rights. Having your contractor present is the single best thing you can do. The contractor can speak the technical language of roofing—terms like "tab adhesion loss," "mat fracture," or "ridge cap damage." They can also explain why a partial repair won't work and a full replacement is needed for matching and performance. For example, if only one slope is damaged, but the shingles are discontinued, the insurer may owe for the full roof to maintain a uniform appearance, as per many policy matching clauses. The adjuster will write an estimate using software like Xactimate. Your contractor should also use this software to create their own estimate for comparison. This ensures all line items—like dump fees, permits, and proper starter shingles—are included.

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor for an Insurance Job

Your choice of contractor can make or break your claim experience. After a major storm, "storm chasers" flock to the area. These are out-of-town crews that follow weather events. They often offer a "free roof" or ask you to sign over your insurance benefits. Be very wary. You want a local, established contractor with a physical address in the High Point area. Check for a valid North Carolina roofing license. Ask for proof of insurance: both liability and workers' compensation. A reputable contractor will have no problem providing this. Look for manufacturer certifications, like GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster. These certifications mean the contractor is trained and approved to install that brand's products, which often comes with enhanced warranties. Get everything in writing. The contract should detail the exact materials (brand, color, style), the scope of work, the payment schedule tied to insurance draws, and a start/completion timeline. Never pay the full amount upfront. A standard payment schedule might be a deposit upon signing, a draw when materials are delivered, and the final payment upon completion and your satisfaction.

Red Flags and Warning Signs

Protect yourself from bad actors. A door-to-door salesman offering an unsolicited inspection is a red flag. A contractor who pressures you to sign a contract immediately is another. Be suspicious of any contractor who offers to pay your deductible—this is insurance fraud in North Carolina and can void your policy. Avoid contractors who only accept cash or who have no local references. Check their rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and read online reviews. Ask for addresses of recent local jobs you can drive by and look at. A trustworthy contractor will have a professional website, branded vehicles, and a team that answers the phone. They will explain the process clearly and never make you feel rushed or confused. Your roof is a major investment; the contractor should treat it that way.

Materials, Costs, and Real Project Examples

An insurance claim is an opportunity to upgrade your roof. The adjuster's estimate is based on replacing "like with like." However, you can often apply an upgrade allowance if you choose a more expensive material. Let's break down common options. Asphalt architectural shingles are the most popular. They offer good durability and a variety of styles. Brands like GAF Timberline HDZ or Owens Corning Duration are excellent choices. They typically have wind warranties of 110-130 mph and algae resistance. A full replacement for an average 2,000 sq. ft. home in High Point might have an insurance scope of $15,000-$25,000, depending on complexity. Metal roofing is a premium option with a longer lifespan and great energy efficiency. It costs more upfront, but the insurance estimate will cover the base cost of a standard shingle roof. You would pay the difference. Synthetic slate or tile offers a high-end look without the weight of real slate. I recently worked on a claim in the Oak Hollow area where hail destroyed a 20-year-old shingle roof. The initial adjuster estimate was $18,500 for a basic shingle replacement. We supplemented for proper decking repair, upgraded synthetic underlayment, and ice & water shield in the valleys. The final approved scope was $22,000, and the homeowner used their own funds to upgrade to a premium designer shingle for an additional $3,000. They got a far better roof than before the storm.

Understanding Depreciation and Recoverable Cash Value (RCV)

This is where many homeowners get confused. With an RCV policy, the insurance company often pays in two parts. First, they issue a check for the Actual Cash Value (ACV). This is the Replacement Cost minus depreciation. Depreciation is a reduction for the age and wear of your old roof. If your roof is 10 years old out of a 25-year expected life, they might depreciate it by 40%. So, on a $20,000 replacement cost, the ACV payment might be $12,000. You use this to start the job. After the work is complete and you submit the final invoice from your contractor, the insurance company releases the "recoverable depreciation"—the remaining $8,000 in this example. You must complete the repairs to get this second payment. This system is designed to ensure the money is used for its intended purpose. Your contractor should understand this process and structure payments accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions from High Point Homeowners

1. Will filing a roof claim make my insurance rates go up?

It might, but not always. An increase is more likely if you file multiple claims in a short period. A single claim for a major, unpreventable event like a hailstorm may not trigger an increase, especially if it's a widespread "catastrophic" event affecting many homes in your area. However, insurance is risk-based. If your home now has a brand-new, more durable roof, that could actually be a positive factor in future risk assessments. You should discuss this directly with your insurance agent for the most accurate answer based on your specific carrier and history.

2. What if my insurance claim is denied?

Don't accept the first "no" as final. First, ask for a detailed explanation in writing. Review the denial letter against your policy and your contractor's report. Often, denials happen because the adjuster didn't see the damage or attributed it to wear and tear. You have the right to request a re-inspection with your contractor present. You can also ask for a different adjuster from the same company. If that fails, you can file an appeal with the insurance company's internal review department. Your final recourse is to file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Insurance. They can mediate disputes between policyholders and insurers. Having a thorough inspection report from a certified contractor is your best ammunition in an appeal.

3. How long does the entire insurance roof replacement process take?

From start to finish, plan for 2 to 4 months. The initial inspection and claim filing can happen within a week. Scheduling the adjuster's visit might take 1-3 weeks, especially after a major storm. Once the scope is approved, ordering materials can take 2-4 weeks, depending on product availability. The actual installation for a standard home typically takes 2-5 days, weather permitting. Finally, submitting the completion paperwork and receiving the final depreciation check can take another 2-4 weeks. A good contractor will manage this timeline and keep you informed at every step. Patience is key, but a professional will keep the process moving.

4. Can I keep the leftover money from the insurance settlement?

This is a common misconception. The insurance settlement is intended to indemnify you—to make you whole, not to profit. The money is to pay for the repair or replacement of your damaged roof. If you hire a contractor whose bid is less than the insurance estimate, the difference typically goes back to the insurance company, or it may be applied to your deductible. You cannot simply take a cash payout and not fix the roof if there is a mortgage on the home. The mortgage company has a financial interest in the property and will require the repair to be completed. Always be transparent with your insurance company and contractor about the estimates and costs.

5. What is a "supplement" and when is it needed?

A supplement is a formal request for additional funds from the insurance company after the initial estimate. It is needed very often. Adjusters write estimates from the ground or a ladder and can miss hidden damage. Once the contractor starts the tear-off, they might find rotted decking that needs replacement, damaged flashing behind a chimney, or inadequate ventilation that needs to be brought to code. The contractor documents this new damage with photos and measurements, then submits a supplemental estimate to the adjuster for review and approval. This is a normal part of the process. A reputable contractor will handle all supplement paperwork on your behalf. Never let a contractor proceed with hidden, unpaid-for work without getting the supplement approved first.

Real Project Case Study: A High Point Success Story

Last spring, a severe line of thunderstorms with high winds moved through the Deep River Road area. The Johnsons noticed a leak in their living room ceiling the next day. They called us for an inspection. We found wind damage had lifted the shingles along several ridges, breaking the seal. Water had been driven underneath for hours. The interior drywall was damaged. They filed a claim with their insurer. The initial adjuster's scope was for a patch repair on two roof slopes and interior painting, totaling $4,800. We knew a patch would not match the 15-year-old shingles and would likely leak again. We requested a re-inspection with the adjuster. On the roof, we demonstrated widespread nail fatigue and seal failure on slopes not directly hit by the main wind. We cited the manufacturer's installation requirements and the policy's matching clause. The adjuster agreed, and the scope was revised to a full roof replacement with synthetic underlayment, new ice & water shield in valleys, and full interior repair. The final approved claim was $18,750. The Johnsons paid their $1,000 deductible and received a full, warrantied roof that will protect their home for decades. This case shows the value of contractor advocacy and understanding policy details.

Conclusion: Your Path to a Successful Claim

Navigating a High Point roofing roof insurance claim can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Arm yourself with knowledge about your policy before disaster strikes. When damage occurs, document everything thoroughly. Partner with a local, reputable, and certified roofing contractor who can be your guide and advocate. Remember that the process is a negotiation, and you have the right to a fair settlement that fully restores your home. A successful claim results in more than just a repaired roof; it restores your peace of mind and the security of your biggest investment. Don't rush, ask questions, and ensure every detail is in writing. Your home deserves the best protection, and a properly managed insurance claim is the tool to get it. If you're facing potential roof damage, start with a professional inspection from a trusted local expert. That first step puts you on the path to a secure and successful outcome.