Understanding the Roofing Insurance Claim Process

When a storm or fire damages your roof, dealing with insurance can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage or fire damage, filing claims and negotiating with adjusters can feel impossible — especially when your home is exposed to the elements.

As a roofing contractor, Cigna Roofing can inspect visible damage, prepare a written repair estimate, and explain its proposed scope. The homeowner remains responsible for filing the claim and making coverage decisions with the insurer.

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

As soon as it’s safe, take photos and video of any visible damage — both to your roof and any interior water damage. Document everything, even if it seems minor. This becomes critical evidence for your insurance claim.

Don’t attempt to climb onto your roof. Damaged roofs are dangerous. Call a professional roofer for a safe, thorough inspection.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

File your claim as soon as possible. Most insurance policies have time limits for reporting damage. When you call, have your policy number ready and provide a general description of the damage.

Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to your claim. This is the person who will inspect your roof and determine what the insurance company will cover.

Step 3: Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Before the adjuster arrives, have a professional roofer inspect your roof and document all damage. A thorough inspection catches damage that’s not visible from the ground — damaged underlayment, compromised flashing, soft spots in the decking, and more.

At Cigna Roofing, we provide free storm damage inspections and create detailed documentation that supports your claim.

Step 4: Meet the Adjuster On-Site

You may ask your roofing contractor to be present when the insurer inspects your roof. The contractor can answer questions about visible roof conditions and explain the work included in its written estimate.

We can attend at your request. Cigna Roofing can explain its proposed repair scope, but it does not negotiate a settlement or make coverage decisions.

Step 5: Review the Estimate

After the inspection, your insurance company will provide an estimate of what they’ll cover. Review this carefully with your roofer. Sometimes the initial estimate doesn’t account for all necessary repairs.

If the insurer’s scope differs from the contractor’s repair estimate, ask both parties to clarify the specific work and documentation. You or a licensed public adjuster should handle any claim or settlement request.

Step 6: Approve and Schedule the Work

Once the claim is approved and the scope of work is agreed upon, it’s time to schedule the repair or replacement. A good roofing contractor will handle the project efficiently and minimize the time your home is exposed.

Common Insurance Claim Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to file. Most policies have strict deadlines.
• Not documenting damage immediately. Photos and video are your best evidence.
• Skipping a written contractor estimate. A detailed scope makes repair comparisons clearer.
• Not comparing the scopes. Ask questions when the insurer’s scope and contractor’s written estimate differ.
• Hiring a contractor who asks for the full insurance check upfront. Reputable contractors don’t operate this way.

How Cigna Roofing Helps

We support Long Island homeowners in a clearly defined contractor role:

1. Free inspection and damage documentation
2. Written repair estimate describing our proposed work
3. Insurer site meeting at your request to explain that scope
4. Emergency tarping to help prevent further damage
5. Authorized repair or replacement after you accept the proposal
6. Written coverage terms supplied with qualifying proposals

Cigna Roofing does not act as a public adjuster, file or negotiate claims, interpret policies, or make coverage decisions.

Need Help With an Insurance Claim?

If your roof has been damaged by a storm or fire, contact Cigna Roofing for a free inspection. We’ll document visible roof damage, prepare a written repair estimate, and explain the proposed work.

Schedule a free inspection or call us for immediate assistance.