After a hail storm or wind event damages your roof, you're suddenly dealing with two unfamiliar processes at once — finding a roofing contractor and navigating an insurance claim. For most Illinois homeowners this is new territory, and the relationship between roofing contractors and insurance companies can be confusing.
The good news is that experienced roofing contractors handle insurance claims regularly and can guide you through the entire process. Understanding how this works before you start protects you from mistakes that can delay or reduce your payout — and from contractors who take advantage of homeowners who don't know the process.
Key point: A roofing contractor can help you with the claims process, but they cannot legally negotiate your claim settlement or act as your representative with the insurance company. That role belongs to a licensed public adjuster. Understanding this distinction protects you.
The Full Process — Step by Step
The Contractor Inspects Your Roof First
Before you contact your insurance company, a reputable roofing contractor will inspect your roof and document all damage with photos, measurements, and a written report. This independent assessment is done before the insurance adjuster visits and gives you your own documentation to compare against the adjuster's findings. A good contractor does this inspection free of charge.
You File the Claim With Your Insurance Company
You — not your contractor — contact your insurance company to file the claim. Tell them the date of the storm, describe the damage, and ask them to schedule an adjuster inspection. Your contractor's inspection report supports this conversation but the claim is yours to file.
The Insurance Adjuster Visits the Property
Your insurance company sends an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine the scope of the claim. A good roofing contractor will offer to be present during this inspection. They can point out damage the adjuster might miss, answer technical questions about materials and labor costs, and ensure a thorough assessment. Having your contractor present during the adjuster visit often results in a more complete claim.
The Adjuster Issues a Scope of Loss
After the inspection the adjuster produces a document called a Scope of Loss that lists all covered damage and the insurance company's cost estimate for repairs. Your contractor reviews this document and compares it to their own assessment. If there are discrepancies — damage that was missed or costs that are underestimated — your contractor can communicate these differences to the adjuster and request a supplement.
The Supplement Process
Supplementing is when a contractor submits additional documentation to the insurance company to get coverage for items that were missed or undervalued in the initial scope. This is extremely common — most insurance claims go through at least one round of supplementing. An experienced contractor handles this communication directly with the insurance company on your behalf.
The Insurance Company Issues Payment
Once the claim is approved and any supplements are resolved, your insurance company issues an Actual Cash Value payment — the current value of the damage minus depreciation. This is usually the first check you receive. If you have Replacement Cost Value coverage, you receive a second payment for the depreciation amount after the work is completed.
Work Begins and Final Payment Is Released
Your contractor completes the roofing work. You pay your deductible directly to the contractor. If you have RCV coverage, you submit the completion documentation to your insurance company and they release the depreciation holdback — the second payment that brings the total up to full replacement cost.
What a Roofing Contractor Can Legally Do For You
- Inspect your roof and document damage before the adjuster arrives
- Be present during the adjuster inspection and point out damage
- Review the Scope of Loss for accuracy and completeness
- Submit supplemental documentation for missed or undervalued items
- Communicate directly with the adjuster about technical aspects of the repair
- Help you understand the claim documents and payment process
What a Roofing Contractor Cannot Legally Do
- Negotiate your claim settlement on your behalf — this requires a licensed public adjuster
- Waive your deductible — this is insurance fraud in Illinois
- Sign claim documents on your behalf
- Make decisions about your coverage or policy
Illinois law: Any contractor who offers to "handle everything" with your insurance company including negotiating your settlement is either crossing a legal line or misleading you about what they're actually doing. Your deductible is always your responsibility — no exceptions.
What to Look for in a Contractor Who Works With Insurance
Not every roofing contractor has experience with insurance claims. When evaluating contractors for a storm damage job in DuPage County, ask these questions:
- How many insurance claim jobs have you completed in the last year?
- Will you be present during the adjuster inspection?
- Do you handle the supplementing process?
- Can you walk me through the Scope of Loss document?
- What happens if the insurance payout doesn't cover the full cost of the work?
A contractor who is experienced with insurance claims will answer all of these questions confidently and clearly. A contractor who hedges or can't explain the process is probably not the right choice for a claim-funded roofing project.
Get Connected With Insurance-Experienced Roofers in DuPage County
Every contractor in our network has experience with Illinois insurance claims. We connect you with the right roofer for your specific situation — free, fast, no obligation.
Get My Free Estimates →Key Takeaways
- Get a contractor inspection before calling your insurance company
- Ask your contractor to be present during the adjuster visit
- Understand the difference between ACV and RCV payments
- Supplementing is normal — experienced contractors handle it regularly
- You always pay your deductible — anyone offering to waive it is committing fraud
- Your contractor helps but cannot legally negotiate your settlement
Need a roofing contractor in DuPage County who is experienced with insurance claims? Call us at (708) 581-6051 or fill out our form and we'll match you with a licensed, insurance-experienced contractor today.