Insurance Claims & Roofing Repairs: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

J & D Independant Roofing
Jun 5
4 min read

When disaster strikes your roof, whether it’s from a sudden hailstorm, fierce wind, falling debris, or a surprise leak, it’s not just your home at risk. Your financial peace of mind is, too. And for many Edmonton homeowners, filing a roofing insurance claim can feel like navigating a maze of paperwork, policies, and phone calls. That’s where we come in.

At J & D Independent Roofing Inc., we’ve spent over 30 years helping Alberta homeowners protect their homes from the unpredictable elements, and guiding them through the often overwhelming insurance claim process. We don’t just repair roofs. We educate, advocate, and ensure your claim is handled the right way.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Will insurance cover this?” or “Am I responsible for part of the damage?”, this is the blog for you.

What Your Insurance Actually Covers

An insurance policy on desk next to glasses and magnifying glass

Let’s start with the basics. Most standard homeowners' insurance policies in Alberta cover sudden and accidental damage to your roof, such as:

Hail damage
Windstorm damage
Falling trees or debris
Fire or lightning
Weight of snow or ice (in some cases)

However, they don’t typically cover:

General wear and tear
Aging roofs
Poor maintenance
Pre-existing issues
DIY repairs gone wrong

Translation? If your roof is 20+ years old and starts leaking after a rainstorm, your insurance likely won’t cover it unless a specific, sudden event caused the damage.

Step-by-Step: How to File a Roofing Insurance Claim

If your roof is damaged and you think it qualifies for coverage, time is of the essence. Here’s a simplified guide to protect your interests:

1. Document Everything Immediately

As soon as it’s safe:

Take clear, dated photos of the damage (inside and out)
Note the time and cause of the damage if possible (e.g., "hailstorm at 5:00 PM")
Keep any items affected by water damage (for evidence)

This documentation will be crucial for your claim.

2. Call a Trusted Roofing Professional First

Before you call your insurer, get a qualified roofing contractor like J & D Independent Roofing Inc. to inspect the damage.

Why first? Because:

We provide a neutral, expert opinion
We detect hidden damage adjusters often miss
We’ll give you an honest assessment of whether a claim is worth pursuing
We’ll create a detailed inspection report to support your claim

We work with your insurance adjuster, not for them.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve had a professional assessment:

Call your insurance provider and report the damage
File an official claim and get a claim number
Ask when an adjuster will be assigned and if you need to be present during the inspection

Be polite but firm. This is your home and your investment on the line.

4. Meet With the Adjuster (With Us by Your Side)

This is where things get tricky. The insurance adjuster evaluates the roof and determines the extent and value of the damage. But they’re not always roofing experts, and they may miss damage or undervalue repairs.

That’s why we recommend having our team present during the adjuster’s visit. At J & D Independent Roofing, we:

Advocate for your best interests
Show adjusters areas of concern
Clarify technical roofing issues
Help ensure nothing is overlooked

We work for you not the insurance company.

5. Understand the Payout

Most insurance policies offer:

Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Pays the full cost to replace your roof (minus deductible)
Actual Cash Value (ACV): Pays depreciated value (much less)

Check which type you have. And remember: Your deductible still applies. If your repair costs $8,000 and you have a $1,000 deductible, you’ll receive $7,000 from your insurer.

Not sure what your policy covers? We can help you decode it.

6. Get the Work Done Right the First Time

Once your claim is approved, it’s time to get to work. This is where many homeowners make a critical mistake: choosing a cheap or unqualified roofer.

You’re already dealing with insurance, don’t risk your home with cut-rate labor or subpar materials. At J & D Independent Roofing Inc., we provide:

Leak-proof, high-performance repairs
Industry-best materials built for Edmonton’s climate
Clear timelines, no hidden fees, and professional cleanup

We do the job right, so you don’t have to deal with the same issue next season.

Avoid These Insurance Claim Pitfalls

Many homeowners make these costly errors, don’t be one of them.

🚫 Waiting Too Long

Delaying your claim gives insurance providers room to argue the damage got worse due to neglect.

🚫 Hiring “Storm Chasers”

These are out-of-town roofers who swoop in after big storms, do rushed work, then disappear. Always work with a local, trusted roofing company.

🚫 Skipping the Inspection

Insurance adjusters may not find all the damage. Our roofers know where to look, and what insurers need to see.

🚫 Taking the First Estimate Without Question

Don’t settle. You have the right to request re-inspection or provide competing estimates from licensed professionals.

Pro Tips to Strengthen Your Claim

Keep roofing records: Save invoices, maintenance logs, and past repair receipts.
Act fast after storms: Many policies have a time limit on claim filing.
Photograph your roof regularly: This provides proof of “before” conditions.
Work with pros like J & D Roofing: We’ll back your claim with expert documentation, support, and experience.

When in Doubt, Call the Pros Who Know

At J & D Independent Roofing Inc., we’ve helped homeowners across Edmonton not just fix their roofs, but navigate the entire insurance process with confidence and clarity. From damage assessment to adjuster meetings to final repairs, we’re with you every step of the way.