After you file a storm damage claim in Arkansas, your insurance company assigns an adjuster to inspect your property and assess the damage. Understanding how adjusters work, what they’re looking for, and what your rights are during this process helps you prepare for the most important moment in your claim.
How Arkansas Adjusters Operate
Insurance adjusters in Arkansas work under the same general framework as adjusters nationwide, but after major storm events, the dynamics change significantly. Local staff adjusters may be supplemented by independent adjusters brought in from other states to handle the volume.
These independent adjusters are qualified professionals, but they may be less familiar with Arkansas-specific construction practices, local building codes, and the particular roofing materials common in the region. They’re also handling a high volume of inspections under time pressure, which means each individual property gets limited attention.
Adjusters typically schedule inspections within 10 to 14 days of a claim being filed, though after major events this timeline can stretch to several weeks.
What the Adjuster Looks For
The adjuster’s job is to determine the scope and cause of damage. They evaluate whether damage is storm-related (covered) or caused by normal wear, deferred maintenance, or pre-existing conditions (not covered).
On the roof, the adjuster looks for granule displacement on asphalt shingles, mat fracture from hail impact, wind-lifted or missing shingles, damage to flashing and penetration seals, and impact marks on ridge caps and vents.
At ground level, they document damage to gutters, siding, window screens, and other exterior surfaces. They also note the general condition of the roof — age, maintenance history, and any pre-existing issues.
The adjuster prepares an estimate using Xactimate or similar insurance-standard pricing software. This estimate becomes the basis for your claim payout.
Your Rights During the Visit
You have the right to be present during the adjuster’s inspection. You also have the right to have a representative present — including an independent inspector.
You have the right to ask questions about the adjuster’s findings. You have the right to point out areas of concern that you’ve identified or that your independent inspector has documented.
You have the right to receive a copy of the adjuster’s report and estimate. You have the right to disagree with the findings and request a re-inspection or supplement.
You do not have to accept the adjuster’s initial assessment as final. It is a starting point for your claim, not the last word.
Why Having a Professional Present Matters
The adjuster evaluates your roof once. Anything not identified during this single visit may not be included in your claim. Having a Haag Certified inspector present during the adjuster’s inspection provides several advantages.
Your inspector knows exactly where damage was documented during the initial Roof Report Card inspection. They can direct the adjuster’s attention to specific areas rather than relying on the adjuster to find everything independently in a limited time window.
Your inspector speaks the same technical language as the adjuster. They can discuss damage classification, material responses, and assessment methodology in professional terms that carry weight.
If the adjuster and your inspector disagree on a finding, the discussion happens on-site where both can examine the evidence together — far more productive than disputing findings after the fact through paperwork.
What to Do If You Disagree
If the adjuster’s assessment misses damage or underestimates the scope, you have several options. First, submit your Roof Report Card and any additional documentation as a supplement request through your insurance company.
If the supplement is denied, you can request a formal re-inspection. Some policies include an appraisal clause that allows a neutral third party to resolve disputes between your assessment and the insurer’s assessment.
As a last resort, you can file a complaint with the Arkansas Insurance Department at (501) 371-2600 or toll-free at 1-800-852-5494. The Department investigates complaints and can intervene when insurers act in bad faith.