You’ve scheduled your free inspection, the inspector has examined your roof, and now you’re waiting for results. Here’s exactly what happens next — whether damage is found or not — and what decisions you’ll need to make along the way.
Step 1: You Receive Your Roof Report Card
Within 24 hours of your inspection, you receive your Roof Report Card — a comprehensive document that includes photos of every finding, damage measurements and locations, material type and condition assessment, and a clear summary written in plain language.
The report categorizes findings as storm-related damage, pre-existing conditions, or maintenance items. This categorization is important because insurance covers storm damage but not maintenance or normal aging.
If no damage is found, the report documents that as well. A clean Roof Report Card is valuable as a dated baseline of your roof’s condition.
Step 2: Decide Whether to File a Claim
If storm damage is documented, you’ll need to decide whether to file an insurance claim. Consider the scope of damage documented in your Roof Report Card, your deductible amount (remember to check for a separate wind/hail deductible), and whether the estimated repair cost exceeds your deductible by enough to warrant a claim on your record.
Your inspector can help you understand the scope of damage, but the filing decision is yours. If the damage is clearly below your deductible, filing may create a claim on your record without a payout. If the damage is substantial, filing promptly protects your rights under your policy’s deadline.
Step 3: Schedule the Adjuster
If you decide to file, call your insurance company’s claims line. They’ll assign an adjuster to inspect your property. Request that the adjuster schedule their visit at a time when your SDAT inspector can also be present.
Having your inspector present during the adjuster’s visit ensures every area of documented damage is examined. Your inspector knows exactly where damage was found and can direct the adjuster’s attention to specific areas.
Step 4: The Adjuster’s Visit
The adjuster examines your property and prepares an estimate using insurance-standard pricing software. Your inspector presents the Roof Report Card findings and ensures all documented damage is included in the adjuster’s evaluation.
After the visit, you’ll receive the adjuster’s report and estimate. Review it carefully against your Roof Report Card. If damage documented in your inspection is not included in the adjuster’s scope, you can request a supplement.
Step 5: Choose Your Contractor
You choose your contractor — not your insurance company. Look for proper licensing in your jurisdiction, Haag Certification or equivalent professional credentials, BBB accreditation and clean complaint history, local presence and permanent address, and detailed written estimates.
Get at least two estimates to ensure pricing is competitive. Be cautious of estimates that are dramatically lower than others — they may indicate shortcuts on materials or labor.
Step 6: Repairs and Final Payment
Once you’ve selected a contractor and agreed on scope and pricing, repairs are scheduled. Most residential roof repairs or replacements take 1 to 3 days depending on the scope.
For RCV policies, your insurance company releases the recoverable depreciation payment after you submit documentation that repairs are complete. Keep copies of all invoices, contracts, before/after photos, and any correspondence with your insurance company.
After repairs are complete, do a final walkthrough with your contractor. Confirm that all agreed-upon work was performed, materials match what was specified, and the worksite is clean. Your contractor should provide warranty documentation for both materials and labor.
If No Damage Was Found
A clean Roof Report Card is not a wasted inspection — it’s valuable documentation. You now have a dated, professional record of your roof’s condition that serves as a baseline for future storm damage comparison, documentation for your records or home sale, and evidence that your roof was professionally examined and found to be in good condition.
Peace of mind has real value, and it came at no cost to you.