Everything You Need to Know

Filing deadlines vary by state and policy. In Arkansas, most policies require you to file within one year of the damage occurring. In Missouri, the standard window is also one year, but some policies may specify different timeframes. The critical point: the clock starts when the damage happens, not when you discover it. After a major storm, get an inspection promptly so you have documentation even if you're not ready to file immediately. Waiting too long risks missing your deadline entirely — and at that point, your insurance company has no obligation to cover the damage.

A denial isn't necessarily the end. Insurance companies deny claims for several reasons: they may determine the damage is cosmetic rather than functional, the damage may fall below your deductible, or the adjuster may have missed damage during their inspection. You have the right to request a re-inspection, provide additional documentation (like your Roof Report Card), or file an appeal through your state's Department of Insurance. Having a Haag Certified inspector's documentation significantly strengthens any appeal because it meets the same professional standards insurance companies use internally.

Yes — your deductible applies to storm damage claims just like any other covered claim. The amount depends on your policy. Some homeowner policies have a separate wind/hail deductible that may be higher than your standard deductible. Check your declarations page for the specific amount. Important: it is illegal for any contractor to offer to "cover" or "waive" your deductible. If a contractor makes this offer, it's a red flag. Your deductible is your contractual obligation to your insurance company.

You have the legal right to choose your own contractor in every state. Your insurance company may suggest or recommend contractors through a "preferred vendor" program, but they cannot require you to use a specific company. Choosing an independent contractor — especially one with Haag Certification — means you have someone advocating for the full scope of damage, not someone whose relationship with the insurance company might limit what they report.

ACV (Actual Cash Value) pays the replacement cost minus depreciation. If your 15-year-old roof needs replacement, ACV factors in 15 years of wear and tear, reducing your payout significantly. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays the full cost to replace with equivalent new materials, regardless of age. Most modern homeowner policies include RCV for the dwelling, but some older or budget policies default to ACV. Check your declarations page — the difference can be thousands of dollars on a roof replacement.

It happens more often than homeowners realize. Insurance adjusters handle high volumes of inspections, especially after major storm events. They may spend limited time on each property. If damage is missed, you can request a re-inspection and present your Roof Report Card as supporting documentation. This is exactly why having a certified inspector present during the adjuster's visit matters — they can point out areas of concern in real time rather than hoping the adjuster catches everything independently.

Absolutely. You can hire an independent inspector to evaluate your roof and provide their own documentation. If their findings differ significantly from the adjuster's report, you can submit the independent report to your insurance company and request a re-evaluation. In some cases, your policy may include an "appraisal clause" that allows for a neutral third party to resolve disputes between your estimate and the insurer's estimate.

We recommend getting an independent inspection first. Here's why: when you call your insurance company to report damage, they open a claim. If the adjuster then finds no damage (or damage below your deductible), that claim stays on your record — even without a payout. Multiple claims on your record can affect your ability to get coverage in the future. Get your Roof Report Card first. If damage exists, then file the claim with documentation already in hand. If no damage exists, you've avoided an unnecessary claim on your record.

At minimum: photos of the damage, the date the storm occurred, and your policy number. Having a professional inspection report dramatically strengthens your claim. The Roof Report Card provides exactly what insurance companies look for: dated photos of specific damage, measurements, identification of affected materials, and a professional assessment from a certified inspector. Additional helpful documentation includes before/after photos if available, and any weather service reports confirming storm activity in your area on the date in question.

It depends on your policy type (ACV vs RCV), your roof's age, and any policy endorsements. Some policies include a "roof schedule" that reduces coverage based on roof age — for example, a roof over 10 years old might only receive ACV payment even if the rest of your dwelling is covered at RCV. Some insurers have introduced "cosmetic damage exclusions" that deny coverage for hail damage that doesn't affect the roof's function. Read your policy carefully, and ask your agent specifically about roof coverage limitations.

Haag Engineering is the leading forensic engineering firm specializing in roof damage assessment. Haag Certification means an inspector has completed rigorous training in identifying storm damage across all roofing materials and can distinguish between storm damage, normal wear, manufacturing defects, and installation errors. Insurance companies recognize Haag Certification as the industry standard — it's the same training their own adjusters receive.

The Roof Report Card is a comprehensive inspection document that includes: high-resolution photos of every finding on your roof, identification of the roofing material type and approximate age, documentation of any damage with measurements and locations mapped on a roof diagram, assessment of remaining useful life, notation of areas that may need monitoring even if not currently damaged, and a clear summary written in plain language — not insurance jargon. Whether damage is found or not, you receive the full report.

Three fundamental differences. First, SDAT was founded by a licensed insurance adjuster — we understand the claims process from the inside, not just from the contractor side. Second, we inspect first and sell never — the Roof Report Card documents reality, whether that means damage or a clean bill of health. Many roofing companies only tell you what generates a job. Third, we are present during the insurance adjuster's visit to advocate for the full scope of damage.

We work with all insurance companies. Our role is to provide professional documentation and be present during the adjuster's inspection to ensure thoroughness. We don't argue with adjusters — we present clear, Haag-level evidence and let the documentation speak for itself. We are cooperative and professional with every adjuster because adversarial relationships don't serve homeowners.

We currently serve the St. Louis metropolitan area and Little Rock, Arkansas, with expansion underway into Kansas City and additional markets. Our team monitors storm activity nationwide, and we are actively building partnerships with certified contractors in new territories. If you're outside our current service area, enter your zip code on our website and we'll notify you the moment we have coverage in your area.

SDAT partners with established roofing contractors who share our standards: minimum 10 years of experience, zero unresolved BBB complaints, proper licensing and insurance, and a commitment to homeowner-first service. We provide pre-qualified, consented leads with complete property documentation. Our partnership model is performance-based — you pay for results, not promises. Visit our Partner page or contact us directly to start the qualification process.

You receive your Roof Report Card documenting the clean findings — at no cost. This is actually valuable: you now have a dated, professional record of your roof's condition that you can reference for your own records, share with potential buyers if you sell your home, or use as a baseline if a future storm does cause damage. No damage found means peace of mind, and that has real value.

Most residential inspections take 30 to 60 minutes depending on roof size, complexity, and accessibility. The inspector examines the entire roof surface, all penetrations (vents, skylights, chimneys), flashing, gutters, and relevant siding and window areas. Larger or multi-level homes may take longer. You receive your Roof Report Card typically within 24 hours of the inspection.

It's helpful but not always required. The inspector needs access to the property exterior and the ability to safely access the roof. If you have a locked gate, aggressive pets, or other access considerations, being home ensures the inspection can proceed without delays. If you can't be present, we can coordinate in advance. Being home also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and hear the inspector's findings in real time.

It means the person who founded SDAT has direct, professional experience working as a licensed insurance adjuster — the same role your insurance company sends to evaluate your roof. This isn't a marketing phrase. It means we understand exactly what adjusters look for, what documentation standards they require, how claims are evaluated internally, and where the common gaps are between what's damaged and what gets approved.