A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Roof Insurance Claim —

Filing a roof insurance claim doesn’t have to be confusing. The key is moving through the process in the right order — with the right documentation at each step.

This checklist walks you through all five phases, from the moment the storm passes to the day your final payment clears. Each step covers what to do, what to watch for, and what 5Coat handles for you along the way.

💡 A note before you start: The strongest claims begin with documentation, not a phone call. Getting a professional inspection first puts you in a better position to file a complete, accurate claim from day one.

01

Phase 1 — Right After the Storm

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What this means for you:

Stay safe and document what you can see from the ground. The photos and notes you take in the first 24 hours become part of your claim's foundation.

verifiedSafety First

Stay inside until the storm has fully passed
Check for downed power lines and standing water before going outside
Do not climb on your roof under any circumstances

photo_camera Document Visible Damage

Photograph and video everything you can safely see: gutters, siding, soffit, windows, and the roof from the ground
Check interior for water stains, dripping, or ceiling damage
Record the exact date and time of the storm
Save any weather alerts, radar reports, or news coverage of the event

warningDo NOT Do These

Do not begin significant repairs before a professional inspection
Schedule a professional inspection BEFORE filing — so you have documentation in hand when you contact your carrier
Do not accept a claim settlement on the spot from any contractor
Do not agree to sign anything with a storm-chasing contractor at your door

02

Phase 2 — Before You Contact Your Carrier

The Preparation Window

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What this means for you:

Filing prepared puts you in a stronger position from the first phone call. The carrier responds to documentation, not stories — and this is where you build yours.

roofingSchedule a Professional Inspection

Drone Imagery — full aerial coverage of all roof planes
5Coat Evidence Package — professional damage documentation from climber inspection with timestamped photos
Weather Report — verified storm data tied to your address and storm date
Estimate — written damage assessment covering all affected components

policyUnderstand Your Policy

Confirm whether your coverage is RCV or ACV — this affects your total payout
Know your deductible amount and whether a separate wind/hail deductible applies
Identify your carrier’s notification deadline — typically 6–12 months from the storm event
Ask Bryan to review your policy language — he identifies non-recoverable depreciation clauses and ACV conversion triggers before you file

folder_openPrepare Your Documentation Package

5Coat Evidence Package with timestamped inspection photos
Verified weather data tied to your specific address

Your own photos and video from immediately after the storm
Records of the storm date, time, and any news or weather alerts

03

Phase 3 — Filing the Claim

Active Engagement

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What this means for you:

The adjuster visit determines what your claim pays. Showing up with documentation in hand and your contractor on site keeps the scope accurate from the start.

upload_file File With Documentation Attached

Submit your 5Coat inspection report, weather verification, and photo documentation with your claim
Reference the specific storm date from your verified weather report when contacting your carrier
Note the claim number and record the name of every person you speak to

roofing Request a Roof-Level Adjuster Inspection

Insist that the adjuster physically accesses your roof — not a driveway assessment
Ask 5Coat to be present during the adjuster visit
Do not accept an estimate based on a ground-level assessment only

fact_check During the Adjuster Visit

Have your 5Coat inspection report available for the adjuster to reference
Ensure all components are included in the adjuster’s scope: shingles, flashing, ridge cap, gutters, soffit, fascia
Get a copy of the adjuster’s written scope before they leave
Do not sign off on the estimate until you’ve had time to review it

Do not let the adjuster pressure you. You are entitled to review the scope, ask questions, and have your contractor present. Take your time.

04

Phase 4 — After the Adjuster Visit

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What this means for you:

Adjusters miss things — sometimes a flashing run, sometimes a full component. Reviewing the estimate before you sign is your chance to catch what was overlooked and recover what you're owed.

fact_checkReview the Settlement Estimate

Compare the adjuster’s scope against 5Coat’s documented damage report
Identify any components that were missed or undervalued
Bryan reviews the initial estimate and flags supplement opportunities

description If the Estimate Is Incomplete — File a Supplement

5Coat prepares and submits supplement documentation to correct missed items or pricing gaps
Supplement claims are a normal part of the process — not a dispute
No need to re-file or restart your claim

paymentsUnderstand Your Payment Structure (RCV Policies)

First check (ACV payment): replacement cost minus depreciation — paid upfront

Second check (recoverable depreciation): released after repairs are complete and final invoice is submitted

Do NOT cash the first check and consider the claim closed. You are owed additional funds upon project completion.

05

Phase 5 — Restoration & Final Payout

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What this means for you:

A properly closed claim with complete documentation gives you a clean record — and protects you if your carrier questions the project in the future.

verifiedProject Completion

5Coat completes restoration using GAF Certified materials on a disciplined schedule
Bryan walks the completed project with you before the crew leaves
You receive your 10-year workmanship warranty from 5Coat at project completion. Replacement projects with GAF materials also include the GAF Silver Pledge — a 10-year workmanship warranty backed by GAF plus a 50-year non-prorated material warranty on the full roofing system.

receipt_longSubmit Final Invoice to Trigger Second Payment

5Coat submits the final invoice to your carrier
This triggers the release of recoverable depreciation — the second check many homeowners don’t know to request
Bryan confirms your documentation is complete and closes the project file

folder_managedKeep Records

Save all inspection reports, claim correspondence, and payment records
Keep your warranty documentation in a safe location
A copy of your 5Coat Evidence Package is available anytime — ask Bryan

dangerousCommon Pitfalls to Avoid

Calling your carrier before getting an inspection — files the claim without the documentation that supports it
Filing with incomplete documentation — gives carriers room to reduce or dispute the scope
Missing the carrier’s notification window — even with Oklahoma’s 24-month claim window, carrier deadlines are often 6–12 months
Cashing the first check and stopping — leaves recoverable depreciation unclaimed on RCV policies
Accepting a driveway-only adjuster assessment — misses the majority of hail and wind damage
Signing with a contractor who offers to waive your deductible — that’s insurance fraud under Oklahoma law and can result in claim denial and policy cancellation