The Short Answer: Yes, reputable roofing contractors assist with insurance claims by documenting damage, meeting with adjusters, and providing detailed estimates that support your claim. However, they should never handle the claim entirely, negotiate directly without your involvement, or pressure you to sign over insurance proceeds. Quality assistance means advocacy and documentation—not taking control of your claim or steering you toward inflated repairs.
What Legitimate Insurance Claim Assistance Looks Like
Documentation Support (Always Free):
- Thorough damage inspection with detailed photos
- Itemized estimate matching insurance terminology
- Measurement reports using industry-standard tools
- Damage assessment matching adjuster’s inspection format
- Before/after documentation for your records
Adjuster Meeting Participation:
- Present during insurance adjuster’s roof inspection
- Point out all damage to ensure nothing missed
- Explain roofing-specific concerns adjuster may overlook
- Answer technical questions about repair requirements
- Provide professional assessment to support claim
Estimate and Supplement Preparation:
- Initial estimate for claim submission
- Supplemental estimates if adjuster missed damage
- Line-item comparison to insurance settlement
- Explanation of coverage gaps or shortfalls
- Documentation supporting additional work needed
Process Guidance:
- Timeline expectations for claim process
- Explanation of depreciation and recoverable amounts
- Advice on deductible management
- Help understanding policy coverage and exclusions
- Referrals to public adjusters if claim denied
Red Flag: Contractors should NEVER file the claim for you, sign documents on your behalf, or demand you sign over insurance proceeds before work begins.
The Contractor’s Proper Role vs. Overstepping Boundaries
Appropriate Contractor Involvement:
✓ Inspects and documents damage
✓ Provides detailed written estimate
✓ Meets with adjuster at your request
✓ Explains technical roofing issues
✓ Prepares supplements for legitimate additional damage
✓ Advocates for proper repairs
Inappropriate Contractor Actions:
✗ Files claim on your behalf without authorization
✗ Contacts your insurance company directly without you present
✗ Negotiates settlement without your involvement
✗ Pressures you to inflate or exaggerate damage
✗ Offers to “eat your deductible” (insurance fraud)
✗ Demands assignment of insurance proceeds upfront
✗ Guarantees specific settlement amount
The Legal Line: Contractors can advocate and document. Only licensed public adjusters can negotiate claims on your behalf for a fee. Contractors crossing this line risk their license and your claim.
Understanding “Free” vs. Paid Claim Assistance
Free Services (Standard from Quality Contractors):
- Damage inspection and documentation
- Written estimate for insurance submission
- Meeting with adjuster during inspection
- Supplement preparation for overlooked damage
- General guidance on claim process
This Should Cost Nothing Extra: These services are standard business practice, not special favors. Contractors benefit from insurance work—don’t pay extra for claim assistance.
When to Hire a Public Adjuster (Separate from Contractor):
- Large or complex claim (over $50,000)
- Insurance company denies or significantly lowballs claim
- Multiple types of damage (roof, siding, interior)
- You’re uncomfortable negotiating with insurance
- Claim involves policy interpretation disputes
Public Adjuster Costs: Typically 5-15% of settlement. Licensed, regulated, and works exclusively for you—not the contractor.
Red Flag: Contractors who charge fees for claim assistance or push their “partner” public adjuster for kickbacks.
Red Flags: Insurance Fraud and Scams
✗ Storm Chaser Warning Signs:
- Goes door-to-door after storms “finding damage”
- Offers “free roof inspection” focused on filing claims
- Pressures you to file claim even if damage minimal
- Claims they can get you a “free roof” through insurance
- Promises specific settlement amounts
- Offers to pay or waive your deductible (illegal)
✗ Insurance Fraud Tactics (Illegal):
- Adding pre-existing damage to storm claim
- Inflating scope to include unrelated repairs
- Creating or exaggerating damage for larger payout
- Coaching you to misrepresent damage timeline
- “Eating” deductible by padding other costs
- Filing claims for wear-and-tear as storm damage
The Risk: Insurance fraud is a felony. Contractors suggesting these tactics expose YOU to criminal charges, policy cancellation, and claim denial.
✗ Assignment of Benefits Abuse:
- Demands you sign over all insurance proceeds before work
- Won’t start until you sign AOB (Assignment of Benefits)
- Uses AOB to negotiate directly without your input
- Inflates supplements to maximize their payment
- Leaves you responsible for shortfalls
What AOB Should Be: Tool for contractor to receive payment directly from insurance—NOT permission to control your claim or inflate costs.
How the Insurance Claim Process Actually Works
Step 1: Damage Discovery (Day 1)
- You notice damage after storm or gradual deterioration
- Contact roofing contractor for professional assessment
- Contractor documents damage with photos and report
Step 2: Filing the Claim (Days 2-3)
- YOU call your insurance company to file claim
- Provide date of loss and damage description
- Insurance assigns adjuster and schedules inspection
- Share contractor’s documentation with adjuster
Step 3: Adjuster Inspection (Days 7-14)
- Insurance adjuster inspects roof damage
- Contractor present to ensure all damage noted
- Adjuster prepares estimate using insurance software (Xactimate)
- Initial settlement offer issued
Step 4: Review and Supplement (Days 15-21)
- Contractor compares estimate to adjuster’s settlement
- Identifies missed damage or coverage gaps
- Prepares supplement with documentation
- Submits supplement to insurance for review
Step 5: Settlement and Approval (Days 21-30)
- Insurance reviews supplement and issues final settlement
- Depreciation paid upfront, recoverable paid at completion
- You approve settlement and authorize work
- Project scheduled with contractor
Step 6: Completion and Final Payment (Project End)
- Work completed per approved scope
- Final inspection by insurance (if required)
- Recoverable depreciation released
- Certificate of completion issued
Timeline: Most storm damage claims take 3-6 weeks from filing to settlement.
Questions That Reveal Claims Expertise
“What’s your process for helping with insurance claims?”
- Should describe documentation and adjuster meeting
- Emphasize working WITH you, not FOR you
- Mention supplement preparation if needed
“Do you charge extra for insurance claim assistance?”
- Answer should be “No”
- Standard part of business operations
- Only exception: extensive advocacy beyond normal scope
“How do you handle it if the insurance settlement seems too low?”
- Discuss supplement process
- Offer to document overlooked damage
- May suggest public adjuster for complex disputes
- Never guarantees specific outcome
“Can you work with my insurance company’s preferred contractors?”
- Should be comfortable either way
- Your choice of contractor, not insurance company’s
- Insurance cannot require their preferred vendor list
“Have you had any issues with insurance companies rejecting your estimates?”
- Experienced contractors have good insurance relationships
- Occasional disagreements normal and resolved professionally
- Major repeated conflicts suggest inflated pricing
Bottom Line: Assistance vs. Control
Professional Claims Support:
✓ Thorough documentation with photos
✓ Detailed estimates matching insurance format
✓ Present at adjuster inspection
✓ Transparent supplement process
✓ Educates you on coverage and process
✓ Respects your control of claim
✓ Never suggests fraudulent tactics
Unacceptable Practices:
✗ Handles claim entirely without your involvement
✗ Suggests inflating or creating damage
✗ Offers to waive deductible
✗ Pressures you to file questionable claims
✗ Demands insurance proceeds assignment upfront
✗ Goes door-to-door soliciting after storms
✗ Guarantees specific settlement amounts
Next Steps: Get Help Without Losing Control
When working with insurance claims:
- You file the claim directly with your insurance company
- Request contractor documentation before adjuster arrives
- Have contractor present during adjuster inspection
- Review settlement carefully with contractor’s input
- Maintain control of all decisions and communications
Questions for your Dayton roofing contractor:
- “How many insurance claims do you work with annually?”
- “Can you provide references from recent insurance jobs?”
- “What’s your approach when insurance settlement seems insufficient?”
- “Do you ever recommend public adjusters for complex claims?”
Remember: Established Dayton contractors like Rembrandt Roofing with 20+ years in business have extensive insurance claim experience and strong adjuster relationships. They assist without overstepping—documenting, advocating, and educating while YOU maintain control of your claim and decisions.