Insurance Claims

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How to File a Roof Damage Insurance Claims

File a Roof Damage Insurance Claims

Roofing, Siding, and Gutter Installation Support in Denver

Most homeowners think their insurance agent is on their side. That’s an easy assumption to make—you’ve paid your premiums on time for years, and when something goes wrong, you expect help.

Here’s the straight truth.

Your insurance agent works for the insurance company. Their job is to protect the company’s bottom line, not yours.

Some agents go the extra mile. Most follow company policy, cost guidelines, and internal pricing models designed to limit payouts whenever possible. When an adjuster comes out to inspect your roof, siding, or gutters, their goal is to minimize the scope of the claim, not maximize your recovery.

That’s why homeowners across Denver choose to work with Ernie’s Roofing & Gutter as their advocate during the insurance claims process.

We don’t work for the insurance company.
We work for you.


Why Homeowners Need a Roofing Contractor Before Calling Insurance

If this is your first time hearing this, here’s something important:

Once an insurance company sends an adjuster to your property, it is logged as a claim—even if no money is paid out.

That means:

  • Your claim history is affected

  • Your premiums can increase

  • You may lose claim eligibility later

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Before you ever call your insurance company, you should know whether the damage actually qualifies.

That’s where we come in.

We inspect your roof, siding, and gutters first and tell you—plain and simple—whether filing a claim makes sense. If the damage doesn’t qualify, you avoid a needless claim on your record. If it does qualify, we help you move forward the right way.


Insurance Claim Assistance Without the Headaches

When a claim moves forward, most homeowners quickly feel overwhelmed. Calls, emails, paperwork, adjusters, contractors—it piles up fast.

Our job is to take that off your plate.

We assist homeowners by:

  • Handling communication with the insurance company

  • Reviewing estimates line by line

  • Identifying missing or underpaid items

  • Explaining policy language in plain English

  • Meeting the adjuster on-site when needed

Insurance policies are full of jargon, exclusions, depreciation schedules, and fine print. Most homeowners have never had to interpret this before—and shouldn’t have to learn it under stress.

We step in, translate the details, and make sure nothing critical is overlooked.


What Insurance Adjusters Commonly Miss on Roof Claims

One of the biggest problems we see is incomplete estimates.

Insurance adjusters often miss necessary components required to properly rebuild a roof system. When that happens, homeowners either:

  • Pay out of pocket later, or

  • End up with a rushed, sub-standard repair

Here are common items we double-check on every claim:

  • Proper linear footage for drip edge, valley metal, and ridge vent

  • All vent caps, pipe jacks, chimney flashing, and boots

  • Steep-slope and two-story labor charges

  • Tear-off layers and disposal costs

  • Damaged decking boards that require replacement

  • Current market pricing after major storms

  • Local labor conditions and material availability

If recent hail or wind events have impacted the Denver market, pricing lists can lag behind reality. We make sure the estimate reflects real-world conditions, not outdated numbers.


Roofing, Siding, and Gutter Claims Must Be Coordinated

Roof damage rarely happens alone.

Hail and wind often affect:

  • Roofing materials

  • Siding panels

  • Fascia and trim

  • Gutters and downspouts

  • Window and flashing components

If these systems aren’t evaluated together, important damage gets missed—and insurance won’t pay for what isn’t documented.

We look at the entire exterior envelope, not just shingles. That protects you from partial repairs and mismatched systems that cause problems later.


Negotiating a Fair Insurance Settlement

Once the claim is opened and an adjuster is assigned, the negotiation phase begins.

This is where experience matters.

We:

  • Review the adjuster’s scope of loss

  • Compare it against actual field conditions

  • Identify recoverable depreciation

  • Clarify replacement-cost coverage

  • Document overlooked damages

Most homeowner policies include recoverable depreciation, meaning the withheld amount is paid once repairs are completed and receipts are submitted. Many homeowners never collect this money simply because they don’t understand the process.

We make sure you do.

Remember:
We represent your interests, not the insurance company’s.


Why Proper Claim Handling Matters

The way a claim is filed and managed directly affects the outcome.

A properly handled claim:

  • Minimizes out-of-pocket costs

  • Avoids unnecessary upgrades you pay for

  • Results in a complete, code-compliant system

  • Often delivers a better roof than what was originally installed

A poorly handled claim can:

  • Be denied entirely

  • Leave critical items unpaid

  • Cost the homeowner thousands unnecessarily

This process doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right contractor involved early, it’s often straightforward and predictable.

If you have questions—or even just want a second opinion—call 720-346-7773. We’ll walk you through the process step by step.


Insurance Claims FAQs

Do I need a contractor before calling my insurance company?

  • Yes. A pre-inspection helps determine if the damage qualifies

  • It prevents unnecessary claims on your record

Will filing a claim raise my insurance rates?

  • It can, depending on your policy and claim history

  • Even denied claims may still be recorded

What types of damage are usually covered?

  • Hail damage

  • Wind damage

  • Storm-related impacts

  • Fire or debris damage

What if the adjuster says the damage isn’t enough?

  • A contractor can provide documentation and justification

  • Missing items can often be corrected

Do I have to use the insurance company’s contractor?

  • No. You choose your contractor

  • Insurance cannot require a specific company

What is recoverable depreciation?

  • Money withheld until repairs are completed

  • Paid once receipts are submitted

Can gutters and siding be included in a roof claim?

  • Yes, if damaged by the same event

  • They must be documented correctly

How long do I have to file a claim?

  • Most policies allow 6–12 months

  • Delays can limit coverage

 

General Information Disclaimer
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional construction, roofing, or contracting advice. Every property, structure, and situation is different. Always consult a qualified roofing or gutter professional for inspections, recommendations, and repairs specific to your home or building.

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When it comes to Gutter Repair, it can be difficult to determine whether the damage was caused by hail or wind or age. While all types of damage can cause similar symptoms, they have different causes and require different repair methods.