How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Florida

How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Florida

Filing a roof insurance claim can feel like fighting a second storm — adjusters who lowball, contractors who pressure you, and confusing paperwork. Here's exactly what to do step-by-step.

Step 1: Document Damage Immediately

Within 48 hours of the storm:

• Take 20–50 photos of all roof damage (multiple angles)
• Photograph interior water damage
• Get photos BEFORE the storm if possible (from old listing photos, Google Street View, etc.)
• Save weather reports showing storm intensity
• Keep receipts for emergency repairs (tarps, plywood)

Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company

Report the claim within 30 days of damage (some policies require 14 days). Have ready:

• Policy number
• Date of damage
• Description of damage
• Photos uploaded to their app or email

The insurance company will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster visit.

Step 3: Get an Independent Roof Inspection

Before the insurance adjuster shows up, hire your OWN licensed roofer for an inspection (cost: $0–$200 typically waived if they get the job). They'll:

• Identify ALL damage (adjusters miss 30–50%)
• Provide written report with photos
• Match damage to specific storm date
• Calculate true repair/replacement cost

Step 4: Meet the Insurance Adjuster

BE PRESENT during the adjuster inspection. Many adjusters work for the insurance company — they may minimize damage to reduce payouts. Have your roofer present too if possible.

What to point out:

• Missing or torn shingles
• Granule loss (storm damage)
• Damaged flashing
• Hail dents (penny test: penny-sized round depressions)
• Water stains in attic
• Damaged soffit/fascia

Step 5: Review the Settlement Offer

Insurance will send you a "scope of work" with their offered payout. The first offer is almost always low. Common tactics:

• Repair only (when full replacement is needed)
• Old shingle pricing (not current market)
• "Wear and tear" exclusion for storm damage
• Depreciation withheld until work is complete

Your roofer's estimate vs. insurance offer is often $5,000–$25,000 apart. Don't accept the first offer.

Step 6: Negotiate or Get a Public Adjuster

If insurance offer is too low, you have options:

Option A: Negotiate Yourself

Send written response with:

• Your roofer's detailed estimate
• Photos of overlooked damage
• Florida statute requirements
• Demand for re-inspection

Option B: Hire a Public Adjuster

A public adjuster works for YOU (not insurance). They take 10–20% of your settlement. Typical result: 200–500% increase over insurance's first offer.

Option C: Appraisal Clause

Most policies have an "appraisal clause" — you and insurance each pick an appraiser, they pick a tiebreaker. Often leads to better settlement.

Option D: Lawsuit

If insurance acts in bad faith, you can sue. Florida statute 627 protects homeowners. Many attorneys take cases on contingency (no upfront cost).

Step 7: Get the Work Done

Once you have a settlement:

• Choose a licensed roofer (not necessarily the lowest bid)
• Permit must be pulled by contractor
• Insurance typically releases funds in stages (ACV first, depreciation after completion)
• Final inspection by the city + your insurance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Signing AOB (Assignment of Benefits) with a roofer — gives them control of your claim
• ❌ Hiring storm-chasing out-of-state contractors — they disappear after collecting
• ❌ Accepting the first offer — insurance counts on you taking it
• ❌ Missing the deadline — claims expire (30–90 days depending on policy)
• ❌ Doing repairs before adjuster sees damage — destroys evidence
• ❌ Letting insurance company pick your contractor — they pick cheapest, not best

Frequently Asked Questions