After a major storm—especially one that brings hail or high winds—the first thing many homeowners in Oklahoma think is: Is this covered by insurance? And that’s a fair question.
At Affordable Construction, we work with homeowners every day who are unsure how the insurance process works, what’s covered, and whether they’re about to get taken advantage of. If your roof has storm damage or is aging and showing signs of wear, understanding how roofing companies work with insurance can save you time, stress, and money.
Let’s walk through how the process typically works, clear up some common misconceptions, and answer the most frequently asked questions.
Step-by-Step: How Roofing Companies Help With Insurance Claims
1. Storm Hits or Damage Occurs
After a hailstorm, tornado, or strong winds hit your area, your first step should be to schedule a roof inspection—even if you don’t see visible damage. Many issues are hidden beneath shingles or in less obvious areas of the roof.
2. Free Inspection From a Trusted Roofer
Reputable contractors like Affordable Construction offer free roof inspections. We carefully assess your roof for damage and document everything with photos and notes. If damage is found that may be eligible for insurance coverage, we let you know right away.
Important: We’re not insurance adjusters, and we don’t “make up” damage to get work. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity—if your roof is fine, we’ll tell you that, too.
3. Filing a Claim With Your Insurance Company
If the damage is substantial, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider to start a claim. Many policies require homeowners to do this within a certain time frame after a storm—don’t delay.
You’ll provide them with basic info and schedule a visit from their adjuster.
4. Insurance Adjuster Inspection
Your insurance company will send out an adjuster to assess the damage. If possible, have your roofing contractor present during this visit. At Affordable Construction, we often meet adjusters on-site to:
- Ensure they see everything we found
- Answer questions about the condition of your roof
- Make sure nothing is overlooked
This keeps the process transparent and helps avoid lowball estimates or incomplete assessments.
5. Insurance Estimate and Scope of Work
The adjuster will send you a summary called a scope of loss—this outlines what the insurance company is willing to cover. Roofing companies like ours compare this scope to our inspection to make sure nothing is missing.
If there’s a discrepancy (e.g., they didn’t include flashing or vents), we’ll help you request supplemental coverage from the insurance company.
6. Roof Repair or Replacement Begins
Once everything is approved, you choose a roofing company (hopefully us!) to start the work. The insurance payment is usually made in two parts:
- ACV (Actual Cash Value): The first payment is what your roof is worth today, minus depreciation.
- RCV (Replacement Cost Value): The second payment is made after the work is completed, covering the remaining cost—assuming your policy covers full replacement.
Note: Some newer policies have non-recoverable depreciation—meaning you won’t get that second check. We explain this more below.
Common FAQs About Roofing & Insurance
Q: Will my insurance premium go up if I file a claim?
**No—**at least not for storm-related claims. These are considered “Acts of God,” and your rates are not increased individually. Instead, rates increase by ZIP code, based on storm activity in the area.
So if a storm hits your neighborhood and you don’t file a claim, your premium may still go up—but without getting the benefit of a new roof. In that case, you’re paying more and still living with damage.
Q: I can’t afford my deductible. What should I do?
We get it—deductibles can feel like a big burden, especially after an unexpected storm. But not addressing roof damage could result in leaks, mold, interior damage, and even policy cancellation.
Affordable Construction can help you explore options like:
- Phased repairs
- Financing plans
- Documentation that may help with other programs
What we won’t do is commit insurance fraud by “waiving” your deductible—that’s illegal in Oklahoma.
Q: How do I know the roofer won’t just say there’s damage to sell me a new roof?
Unfortunately, that kind of behavior exists in our industry—but not at Affordable Construction. We’ve been in business for over 40 years with the same phone number and location off I-35 in Norman. We don’t need to pressure anyone into unnecessary work.
Our promise: If your roof doesn’t need repairs or a replacement, we’ll tell you.
Q: I’m afraid your inspection will cause damage to my roof.
Not a problem—we use drone inspections for homeowners who want a no-touch assessment. That means zero risk to your roof, and you’ll still get a full photo report of any potential damage.
Q: What does my roof warranty cover—and how does that work with insurance?
Insurance covers sudden, accidental damage (like hail, falling trees, or high winds). Your manufacturer’s warranty may cover defects in the roofing material, while a workmanship warranty covers installation errors.
At Affordable Construction, we stand behind our work and offer warranties on labor and materials, giving you multiple layers of protection.
Q: What is non-recoverable depreciation?
It’s an important change in many newer insurance policies. In the past, homeowners got the full replacement value of a damaged roof after it was replaced. Now, some insurers only pay the cash value of the old roof—leaving you to pay the difference.
That means if your roof is over 10 years old and damaged in a storm, you may not get enough money from your insurance to fully replace it. This is why getting ahead of policy changes is so important.
Bonus: Tips to Make the Insurance Process Easier
- Document everything. Take pictures after a storm—even if you don’t see damage.
- Get an inspection right away. Most policies limit how long you have to file a claim.
- Work with a local, licensed contractor. Out-of-state storm chasers rarely stick around for warranty work.
- Don’t ignore minor damage. What looks small now can lead to major problems in 6 months.
Final Thoughts: Roofing + Insurance Doesn’t Have to Be a Headache
Dealing with roof damage is stressful enough—navigating insurance shouldn’t make it worse. At Affordable Construction, we’ve helped thousands of Oklahoma homeowners through the process, from the first inspection to the final claim paperwork.
If your home in Norman, Moore, Valley Brook, Blanchard, or South Oklahoma City has been through a recent storm, don’t wait. Call us for a free, no-obligation inspection. We’ll help you figure out what’s covered, what your options are, and how to get your home back to safe and secure—without the stress.
