How To Handle Insurance Adjuster Meetings As A Roofer: Dos & Don'ts

An insurance adjuster isn't a roofers enemy. Today, tomorrow, or at one point or another, you'll have to meet an insurance adjuster for the first time. Like 45% of the other Illinois roofers, you might not know what to do, what to say, or how to approach the meeting. 

The key things you must understand are:

• Insurance adjusters inspect the damage and adjust claims amount
• Meet the insurance adjuster on site (we'll explain)
• Roofing contractors work primarily for the property owner
• You both aren't adversaries, be truthful and cooperative
• Inspect and document before the adjuster arrives at the property

Understand Role Difference (IA vs RC)

The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company (insurer). Their sole role is to check the claims and identify if the wear & tear matches the insurance claim. Normally, an IA will:

• Document the property damage (including roof damage)
• Quantify the damage and correlate it to the roof insurance

In 90% of cases, you won't even have to meet the insurance adjuster. It's the public adjusters job to meet with the insurance adjuster. In 10% of cases, the homeowner might ask you to meet with the insurance adjuster.

Should a Roofer Meet With the Insurance Adjuster?

Yes, a roofer should meet with meet with the insurance adjuster on site for any roof claim. We recommend this because:

1. Roofers who skip the meeting often see lower payouts or denied claims.
2. Actively helping the homeowner improves client satisfaction.

Some roofing companies in Illinois even have in-house public adjusters. They might facilitate the meeting for better elaboration of the damage. Why? Because no one can explain the damage or costs better than the actual contractor. 

Plus, insurance adjusters often miss crucial details like:

• Damage to gutters, awnings, siding, decks, and exterior paint
• Differentiating normal wear and tear from actual damage
• Assessing missing shingles post hail damage
• Roof flashing damage post heavy winds or damage

Having a second expert (you) on the property, makes the claims process more authentic. However, you can't just wing the meeting. You have to be prepared for all of the questions and the points you must present.

How to Walk the Roof With the Insurance Adjuster

Walking the roof is the most important part of the adjuster meeting. The roofer's job is to guide the adjuster. Best practices for the roof walk with the insurance adjuster:

• Let the adjuster lead on safety and pace, then guide them to damage spots
• Show one slope at a time and confirm hits before moving on to the next
• Point at damage with a chalked square or a photo for visual proof
• Cover north, south, east, and west slopes even if one looks worse than the others
• Bring up the siding, soft metals, and gutters after the roof walk is complete
• Take time stamped photos as the adjuster takes theirs for a parallel record
• Stay quiet on opinions until the adjuster asks for the roofer's read

What to Say (and What to Avoid) to the Adjuster

Adjusters log statements and use them in the final report. So choose your words wisely and stick to factual observations about damage, while submitting evidence. Don't push too hard because the adjuster isn't your enemy.

Simultaneously, presents your facts instead of opinions. Want an idea? These are some things that you should and shouldn't say:

Speak in specifics, cite verified data, and keep the tone professional throughout the inspection. Some great things that you can do are:

• Always point out damage location and type with specific dimensions
• Always share photos and EagleView measurement reports without pressure
• Always avoid insults, threats, or accusations toward the insurance company
• Always avoid vague terms like "totaled" or "destroyed" without backing proof
• Always avoid language that suggests damage was preexisting wear and tear

Documenting Roof Damage During the Inspection

Every roofer (including you) should leave the adjuster meeting with their own complete file of photographic evidence. Document everything from minor leaks to major holes because that will decide the viability of claim. 

Some of the areas that you should document in a roof inspection are:

• All four roof slopes with wide shots and closeup detail photos
• Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for damage and lifting
• Roof deck condition if visible through missing shingles or attic access
• Gutters and downspouts for dents, separations, and impact marks
• Siding for impact marks, cracks, and crease lines from hail
• Window screens, AC condenser fins, and outdoor light fixtures
• Visible water damage in the attic or near roof penetrations

Use tools like Xactimate to keep clean copies of your documented results. The homeowner will use this documentation to file a claim. Naturally, the value of your work dictates whether the claim is approved or rejected. 

What Happens After the Adjuster Meeting (Claims Process)

Most adjusters do not approve claims on the spot. Field adjusters send photos and notes to a desk reviewer who issues the final decision within 7 to 14 days. Once the claim is approved, the insurance company sends an actual cash value check minus the deductible.

A typical timeline from inspection to roof replacement:

• Day 0: Adjuster inspection at the property with the roofing contractor present
• Day 1 to 14: Desk reviewer issues a scope of damage with approval or denial
• Day 14 to 21: Homeowner receives the first insurance payout (ACV check)
• Day 21 to 60: Roofer schedules and completes the roof repairs or replacement
• Day 60 to 90: Final inspection, depreciation released, and second check issued
• Day 90+: Final paperwork, certificate of completion, and warranty documents delivered

You as a roofing contractor aren't responsible for the whole process.

FAQs on Insurance Adjuster Meeting

Does the roofer have to be present at the insurance adjuster meeting?

Yes, in most cases the roofer should be present. A roofing contractor who attends the inspection catches damage the adjuster might miss and answers technical questions on the spot. Most reputable roofing companies treat the adjuster meeting as a standard step in every storm claim.

What does an insurance adjuster look for on a roof?

The adjuster looks for storm damage caused by a specific covered event like hail or wind. They count visible strikes, measure granule loss, and check for shingle creasing. Most insurers require 8 or more verified hits per 100 square feet for a hail damage claim to be approved.

Can the insurance adjuster deny a roof claim on the spot?

No, the field adjuster collects photos and notes but rarely makes the final call. Final approval or denial usually comes from a desk reviewer at the insurance company within 7 to 14 days of the inspection.

How long does the roof insurance claim process take?

Most roof claims take 30 to 90 days from first inspection to final payment. The exact timeline depends on the insurer, the scope of damage, and whether the homeowner needs to dispute the initial assessment. Catastrophic storm events can extend the timeline by another 30 days.

What if the insurance adjuster missed damage on the roof?

Request a reinspection in writing. Submit additional drone photos, an EagleView Assess report, or a second opinion from another licensed roofing contractor. Most insurance companies allow a reinspection within 60 to 180 days of the original adjuster visit.

Should a homeowner trust the insurance adjuster's roof assessment?

The insurance adjuster represents the insurance company and works to evaluate the insurer's liability. Their assessment may be accurate, and a second opinion from a licensed roofing contractor often catches missed damage or undercounted scope. Homeowners benefit from having both sets of eyes on the roof.

Can a roofer get the insurance company to pay for a full roof replacement?

Sometimes, depending on the scope of damage and the policy. Most insurance companies approve a full roof replacement when 8 or more hail hits per 100 square feet are documented. A discontinued shingle that cannot be matched also helps the case for full replacement.

What's the difference between ACV and RCV roof coverage?

ACV (actual cash value) pays the depreciated value of the roof at the time of damage. RCV (replacement cost value) pays the full cost to replace the roof with materials of similar kind and quality. RCV policies almost always result in a higher payout for the homeowner.

Bottom Line on Handling the Adjuster Meeting as a Roofer

A roofer who handles the insurance adjuster meeting well protects the homeowner, builds trust, and closes more roof claims. The meeting decides whether the claim gets approved, partially paid, or denied. However, the success of the meeting depends on the skill and ability of the roofing contractor.

Train yourself, document your processes, and understand the core answers to every tricky question. The best way to do that is to become the best in your trade and we can help you with that.