How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in SC

Filing a Roof Insurance Claim Does Not Have to Be Stressful

When a storm damages your roof, the last thing you want to deal with is a complicated insurance process. But understanding how the process works before you are in the middle of it can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether you are dealing with hail damage, wind damage, or water intrusion, this guide walks you through filing a roof insurance claim in South Carolina from start to finish.

Step-by-Step: How to File Your Claim

1. Document the Damage Immediately

As soon as conditions are safe, begin documenting everything. Thorough documentation is the foundation of a successful insurance claim.

Take photos and video of your roof from the ground, your gutters, siding, and any interior damage such as water stains or leaks.
Write down notes about the storm, including the date, time, type of weather, and what you noticed first.
Save any damaged materials. If shingles or other debris have fallen into your yard, keep them as physical evidence.
Record a timeline. Note when the storm occurred and when you first discovered the damage. This timeline matters for your claim.

The more detailed your documentation, the stronger your position when working with your insurance company.

2. Review Your Homeowner's Insurance Policy

Before you file, take a few minutes to review your policy so you understand what you are working with.

Know your deductible. Many South Carolina homeowner's policies have separate wind and hail deductibles, which may be a flat dollar amount or a percentage of your home's insured value.
Understand your coverage limits. Your policy will specify whether your roof is covered at replacement cost value (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV). RCV covers the full cost of a new roof, while ACV factors in depreciation.
Check filing deadlines. South Carolina requires timely filing of insurance claims. While specific deadlines vary by policy, most insurers expect you to report damage promptly. Waiting weeks or months can jeopardize your claim.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company to Open a Claim

Call your insurance company or file through their app or website to open the claim. Provide the basic facts: the date of the storm, the type of damage you have observed, and your documentation. Your insurer will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster visit.

Keep a record of every conversation with your insurance company, including the name of the representative, date, and what was discussed.

4. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Before the insurance adjuster arrives, get an independent assessment of your roof from a qualified roofing contractor. A professional inspection will identify all areas of damage, including issues that are not visible from the ground.

Having a contractor's detailed report in hand before the adjuster visit ensures nothing gets overlooked. At Sands Roofing, we provide free storm damage inspections and comprehensive written assessments that you can share with your insurer.

5. Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

When the insurance adjuster comes to inspect your roof, be there in person if at all possible.

Walk the property with the adjuster and point out all areas of damage you and your contractor have identified.
Have your contractor's report ready to share. A detailed, professional assessment can help the adjuster see the full scope of the damage.
Ask questions. If the adjuster does not inspect a certain area or skips part of the roof, ask why. You have the right to understand how the assessment is being conducted.

6. Review the Adjuster's Estimate

After the inspection, your insurance company will send you an estimate outlining what they are willing to cover. Review this document carefully.

Compare it to your contractor's assessment. Are all damaged areas accounted for? Does the estimate include proper materials and labor costs for your area?
Check for line items that seem too low. Insurance estimates sometimes use pricing that does not reflect actual local costs for materials and labor in the Columbia and Midlands market.
Look for items that were missed entirely. Damaged flashing, compromised underlayment, and soffit or fascia damage are commonly overlooked.

7. Request a Re-Inspection or File a Supplement

If the adjuster's estimate does not match the actual scope of damage, you have options.

Request a re-inspection. Ask your insurance company to send the adjuster back to review specific areas that were missed or undervalued.
File a supplement. Your roofing contractor can prepare a supplement, which is a formal request for additional funds to cover damage or costs not included in the original estimate. This is a normal part of the process and happens frequently.

Do not feel pressured to accept an estimate that does not cover the full cost of proper repairs.

8. Choose Your Contractor and Schedule Repairs

Once you have an approved claim and a fair estimate, it is time to choose your contractor and get the work scheduled.

Select a licensed, insured, local contractor with a track record in your area. Check reviews, ask for references, and confirm they carry proper liability and workers' compensation insurance.
Get a written contract that clearly outlines the scope of work, materials, timeline, and cost.
Never pay the full amount upfront. A reputable contractor will work with your insurance company's payment schedule.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even well-intentioned homeowners make mistakes that can cost them during the claims process. Here are the most common ones:

Waiting too long to file. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove the damage was caused by a specific storm. File promptly.
Making permanent repairs before the adjuster visits. It is fine to make temporary, emergency repairs to prevent further damage, such as tarping a hole, but do not replace shingles or make permanent fixes before the adjuster has documented everything.
Accepting the first estimate without review. The initial estimate is not always the final word. You have the right to get your own assessment and request supplements.
Hiring storm chasers. After major storms, out-of-town contractors canvas neighborhoods looking for work. These companies often lack local accountability, may do subpar work, and can disappear when warranty issues arise. Choose a contractor who has been serving your community long before the storm hit.

How Sands Roofing Helps with Insurance Claims

We work with homeowners throughout the Columbia, Lexington, and Irmo areas on insurance claims every year. Here is how we make the process easier:

Free damage assessment and documentation. We inspect your roof at no cost and provide a detailed report you can use with your insurance company.
Meeting with adjusters on your behalf. Our team can be on-site during the adjuster's inspection to ensure all damage is properly identified and documented.
Filing supplements when estimates fall short. If the initial insurance estimate does not cover the full scope of necessary roof repair or replacement, we prepare and submit supplements with supporting documentation.
Working within your insurance budget. We help you understand what your policy covers and provide repair solutions that align with your approved claim amount.

South Carolina Considerations

South Carolina homeowners should be aware of a few state-specific factors:

Timely filing is essential. While the exact window varies by insurer, South Carolina law expects policyholders to report damage within a reasonable time frame. Do not assume you can wait months to file.
Wind and hail deductibles may differ from your standard deductible. Review your declarations page to understand your specific deductible structure.
Replacement cost vs. actual cash value coverage makes a significant difference in your payout. If you are unsure which type you have, call your agent and ask before you need to file.

We Are Here to Help You Through the Process

Dealing with roof damage is stressful enough without having to navigate insurance paperwork on your own. Whether you need a damage assessment to start the claim, support during the adjuster visit, or a contractor you can trust to make the repairs right, our team is ready to help.

Schedule your free roof inspection or call us at (803) 520-6154.