You have storm damage on your roof and an insurance policy that is supposed to cover it. But between confusing terminology, adjuster visits, and repair estimates, the claims process feels designed to overwhelm you.
It does not have to be. We have guided thousands of Michigan homeowners through this exact process over the past 40 years. Here is the step-by-step playbook.
Step 1: Document Everything Before You Touch Anything
This is where most homeowners lose money. Before making any repairs — even temporary ones — capture evidence:
- Wide-angle photos of your entire roof from every corner of the property
- Close-up photos of specific damage: missing shingles, cracks, exposed areas
- Interior damage including water stains, puddles, and damaged belongings
- Surrounding property damage: dented gutters, marked siding, damaged deck furniture
- Date and time stamp everything (your phone does this automatically)
Save weather alerts, radar images, and any local news coverage of the storm. These strengthen your claim.
Step 2: File Your Claim Within 48 Hours
Call your insurance company as soon as safely possible. When you call:
- Have your policy number and agent contact info ready
- Describe damage factually — “missing shingles on the south slope, active leak in the upstairs bedroom”
- Do not estimate costs or say “I think I need a new roof”
- Ask for your claim number, adjuster assignment, and timeline
- Confirm that temporary repair costs are covered (they almost always are)
Michigan law: You have 12 months from the date of damage to file. But claims filed within days are taken more seriously than claims filed months later.
Step 3: Make Temporary Repairs (and Keep Every Receipt)
You are allowed and expected to prevent further damage. Reasonable temporary measures:
- Tarping exposed roof areas
- Placing buckets under active leaks
- Boarding up broken skylights or windows
- Applying roofing cement to small exposed areas
Keep all receipts. Your policy covers reasonable temporary repair costs. This is not the same as permanent repairs — do not start those until insurance approves.
Step 4: Get Your Own Professional Inspection
Before the adjuster arrives, hire a certified roofing contractor to inspect independently. This gives you a professional baseline to compare against the adjuster’s assessment.
At Reasonable Roofing, our storm damage inspections are free. We provide a written report with detailed photos that is formatted for insurance submission.
Why this matters: Adjusters are professionals, but they inspect dozens of roofs per week. Your contractor spends focused time on your roof only.
Step 5: Attend the Adjuster’s Visit
You have the right to be present when the insurance adjuster inspects your property. Bring:
- Your contractor’s inspection report
- Your own photos and documentation
- A notebook to record the adjuster’s findings
Point out damage the adjuster might miss, especially:
- Soft spots on shingles (hail bruising is invisible but structurally damaging)
- Attic-side water stains that indicate active leaks
- Flashing damage around vents, chimneys, and skylights
Step 6: Compare and Negotiate
When you receive the adjuster’s scope of work, compare it line by line with your contractor’s estimate. Common disagreements:
| Adjuster Often Misses | Your Contractor Should Catch |
|---|---|
| Hail damage on non-visible slopes | Full-roof bruise testing |
| Flashing damage | Every penetration inspected |
| Gutter and downspout damage | Full perimeter assessment |
| Starter strip and ridge cap damage | Edge-to-edge scope |
| Ice and water shield replacement | Underlayment assessment |
If the adjuster’s scope is significantly lower than your contractor’s, you have the right to:
- Request a re-inspection with both parties present
- Submit your contractor’s detailed estimate as a counter
- File a supplemental claim when additional damage is found during repairs
Michigan-Specific Insurance Facts
- You choose your contractor. No insurer can force you to use a specific company.
- RCV policies pay full replacement cost. ACV policies deduct depreciation based on roof age.
- Supplements are normal. Hidden damage discovered during repair is a legitimate supplemental claim.
- Your premium typically does not increase for a single weather-related claim in Michigan.
Common Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Thousands
- Waiting weeks to file. Delays weaken your claim and allow secondary damage.
- Not documenting before temporary repairs. Photos are your strongest evidence.
- Accepting the first offer without review. Adjusters expect some negotiation.
- Hiring a storm chaser who “handles everything.” Many inflate scopes, do poor work, and leave town.
- Starting permanent repairs before approval. This can void coverage for the unapproved work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my claim is denied?
Request the denial in writing with specific reasons. You can appeal, provide additional documentation, or hire a public adjuster. Denied claims are often reversed with better evidence.
How long does the process take?
Typically 2-6 weeks from filing to approval. Emergency repairs can begin immediately. Permanent work starts after approval.
Should I get multiple contractor estimates?
One thorough estimate from a certified contractor is better than three quick ones. Quality of documentation matters more than quantity.
Can my contractor meet with the adjuster?
Yes, and we recommend it. Your contractor can point out damage the adjuster may overlook. At Reasonable Roofing, we attend adjuster meetings regularly.
Need Help Navigating Your Claim?
Reasonable Roofing has been helping Michigan homeowners with insurance claims since 1984. We provide free estimates, detailed reports formatted for insurance submission, and we work directly with your adjuster.
For the complete storm damage process, read our complete storm damage repair guide.
Call (810) 984-3420 for a free storm damage assessment.