The Complete Guide to Filing Roof Insurance Claims in Florida (2025 Update)

Filing a roof insurance claim in Florida can feel overwhelming, especially in the aftermath of a storm when you're already stressed. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process, from initial documentation to final payment.

Understanding Your Florida Roof Insurance Policy

Before we dive into the claims process, it's important to understand what your policy typically covers and what it doesn't.

What's Usually Covered

• Wind damage from hurricanes and tropical storms
• Hail damage
• Damage from fallen trees and debris
• Water damage resulting from storm-related roof damage
• Emergency repairs and tarping (temporary protection)

What's Typically NOT Covered

• Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance)
• Wear and tear or maintenance-related issues
• Pre-existing damage
• Damage from lack of maintenance
• Cosmetic damage that doesn't affect function

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

Documentation is the foundation of a successful claim. As soon as it's safe to do so after a storm:

• Take photos and videos of all visible damage from multiple angles
• Include wide shots that show the overall roof and close-ups of specific damage
• Document interior damage such as water stains, leaks, and damaged belongings
• Save damaged materials if possible (fallen shingles, broken tiles)
• Note the date and time of the storm and when you discovered damage

Step 2: Prevent Further Damage

Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. This typically means:

• Getting emergency tarping on exposed areas
• Moving belongings away from leak areas
• Placing containers to catch water
• Boarding up if necessary

Important: Emergency repairs and tarping are typically covered as part of your claim. Keep all receipts and document the work with photos.

Step 3: File Your Claim Promptly

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage. In Florida, most policies require you to report damage within a specific timeframe--often within 3 years for hurricane damage, though sooner is always better.

When you call:

• Have your policy number ready
• Provide a general description of the damage
• Get a claim number and the adjuster's contact information
• Ask about the timeline for the adjuster's visit
• Confirm what documentation they'll need

Step 4: Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Before the insurance adjuster arrives, have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof. This serves several purposes:

• Identifies all damage, including issues that aren't visible from the ground
• Provides professional documentation of the damage
• Gives you an independent assessment to compare with the adjuster's findings
• Prepares you for the adjuster's visit with knowledge of what to point out

Step 5: The Adjuster's Visit

When the insurance adjuster visits your property:

• Be present for the inspection if at all possible
• Have your contractor present to point out all damage
• Provide your documentation including photos and the contractor's report
• Point out all damage--don't assume the adjuster will find everything
• Take notes on what the adjuster says and documents

Step 6: Review the Estimate and Negotiate if Necessary

After the adjuster's visit, you'll receive an estimate of what the insurance company will pay. Review this carefully:

• Compare it to your contractor's estimate
• Check that all damage was included
• Verify the prices for materials and labor are accurate for your area
• Look for any exclusions or denials that seem incorrect

If the insurance estimate is significantly lower than your contractor's, you have options. You can request a re-inspection, provide additional documentation, or in some cases, invoke your policy's appraisal clause.

Step 7: Supplemental Claims

Once repairs begin, additional damage is sometimes discovered that wasn't visible during the initial inspection. This is common with roof damage--problems with decking or structure may only become apparent when roofing materials are removed.

When this happens, your contractor should document the additional damage and file a supplemental claim. This is a normal part of the process, and insurance companies expect some supplemental claims on larger losses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to file: File promptly to avoid any issues with deadlines
• Inadequate documentation: More photos are always better than fewer
• Making permanent repairs before the adjuster visits: Emergency tarping is fine, but wait on permanent repairs
• Accepting the first offer without review: Initial estimates are often negotiable
• Not having a contractor present for the adjuster's visit: Adjusters may miss damage