Who Should You Call First: Your Insurance or a Roofing Company?

Home / Who Should You Call First: Your Insurance or a Roofing Company?

What’s the First Move: Call Insurance or Call a Roofer? Let’s Break It Down!

Woman holds a metal bucket to catch water leaking from ceiling while speaking on the phone.

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably noticed some troubling signs with your roof—maybe a few shingles missing after a storm or a sudden leak in your living room. You’re stressed, right? And who wouldn’t be?

It’s a big deal when your roof gets damaged. But before you grab your phone and make that first call, you probably ask yourself: Do I call my insurance company or the roofing company first?

We’ll give you a clear answer, step by step, so you’ll know exactly what to do even if you're overwhelmed.

Follow These 5 Recommendations!

1. Assess the Situation: How Bad Is It?

The first thing to do is take a moment to evaluate the damage. This doesn’t mean you need to climb up on the roof—don’t worry, we’re not asking you to risk your safety. Simply take a good look from the ground. Is there visible damage, like missing shingles or a sagging spot? Do you notice water stains or leaks inside your home?

Minor Issues (a few missing shingles, minor leak): You might not need to involve insurance if the repair cost is lower than your deductible.
Significant Issues (severe storm damage, roof caving in, multiple leaks): This is when you’re likely to involve insurance, and the situation becomes a bit more complicated.

Key Tip: Take photos of the damage if you can do so safely. It’ll help later whether you call a roofer or your insurance first.

2. Understand Your Insurance Policy (The Fine Print Matters)

Before picking up the phone, knowing what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers is crucial. Most policies cover sudden and accidental damage, like from a storm, but they usually don’t cover wear and tear or maintenance issues. Review your policy documents for a few minutes if you’re unsure about what’s covered.

Covered Damage: Storm damage, hail, wind, or a fallen tree.
Not Covered: Damage due to age, lack of maintenance, or gradual wear.

If you think the damage falls under something your policy would cover, you’re more likely to involve your insurance provider.

3. Call a Roofing Company First for an Honest Assessment

I often recommend calling a trusted local roofing company first: You’ll get a professional, unbiased assessment. A good roofer will inspect the damage, provide photos, and give you an honest opinion about whether it’s worth filing a claim.

Consider it this way: Your insurance company wants to minimize its payout; sometimes, they may downplay the damage to avoid covering it. A roofing contractor, on the other hand, will be focused on providing you with an accurate picture of the damage.

The Benefit: A roofer can often spot underlying issues you or the insurance adjuster might miss. This could mean a quick patch job and a complete replacement.
No Commitment: Most reputable roofing companies will offer a free inspection and won’t pressure you into repairs. They know you’re in a stressful situation and need clear, straightforward advice.

4. Should You Involve Your Insurance? Here’s When to Make the Call

Once you have a roofer’s report, you’ll be better positioned to decide whether it’s worth filing an insurance claim. Here’s a simple way to decide:

The Damage Cost is Lower than Your Deductible: Don’t bother with insurance. Just get the roof repaired out of pocket.
The Damage Cost is Higher than Your Deductible: It’s time to file a claim. Contact your insurance company with the roofer’s report and photos you’ve taken. This documentation will strengthen your case.

Quick Tip: Filing a claim unnecessarily (when the damage cost is less than your deductible) can increase your premiums without any payout benefit. So, be smart about when to involve your insurance.

5. Partner Up: Your Roofer Can Help You Navigate the Insurance Process

Once you’ve decided to file a claim, your roofer can actually be your biggest ally. Many roofing companies have experience dealing with insurance claims and can even meet with the insurance adjuster on your behalf. This ensures the adjuster doesn’t overlook any critical damage that needs to be addressed.

What to Expect: The adjuster will inspect your roof and compare their findings with the roofer’s report. If the roofer’s there, they can point out damage the adjuster might otherwise miss.
Negotiation Power: A reputable roofer can advocate for a fair settlement. They know the costs of roof repairs and replacements, so they can push back if the insurance company lowballs you.

A Quick Recap: When to Call Who

Step 1: Assess the damage from the ground (don’t climb up there!).
Step 2: Check your insurance policy to see what’s covered.
Step 3: Call a local roofing company for a free inspection.
Step 4: Use the roofer’s report to decide if filing a claim is worthwhile.
Step 5: If you file a claim, let the roofer help during the adjuster’s visit.

Take a Breath and Call Dyson Roofing Corp

Usually, calling a roofing company first can save you time, stress, and money. You get an accurate assessment, avoid unnecessary claims, and have a professional on your side from the get-go. It’s a win-win.

So next time your roof takes a hit, don’t just dial your insurance company in a panic. Take a deep breath, call a trusted roofer, and let them help you figure out the best next steps.

Reach out to Dyson Roofing Corp, we’ll help you with the claim process and leave your roof as if nothing happened. Trust our roofing company in Bellingham, WA; it will be a pleasure to help you!