How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Indiana — Step by Step

Filing a roof insurance claim in Indiana doesn’t have to be stressful — but it does have to be done right. Every year, thousands of Lake County and Porter County homeowners leave money on the table because they don’t know the process, accept the first settlement offer, or wait too long to file. This guide walks you through every step.

Step 1 — Call a Licensed Roofing Contractor Before You Call Your Insurance Company

This is the step most homeowners skip — and it costs them. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company. Their job is to assess damage accurately, but they’re under pressure to close files quickly. A licensed contractor who inspects your roof first can document every impact, lifted shingle, damaged flashing, and dented vent before anything is touched.

Alamo Roofing provides free drone inspections for all storm damage assessments. Our inspection report becomes the foundation of your claim — and it consistently results in higher settlements than homeowners who let the adjuster’s assessment stand alone.

Step 2 — Document Everything Immediately After the Storm

Before anyone touches your roof:
– Walk your entire property and photograph all damage from ground level
– Video everything — walk slowly and narrate what you see
– Photograph damaged gutters, siding, windows, vents, and any interior water damage
– Note the exact date, time, and storm conditions
– Pull the official storm report from weather.gov for your county and date — this is supporting evidence for your claim

Timestamped photos are your most valuable insurance claim asset.

Step 3 — Prevent Further Damage (Save Every Receipt)

Indiana homeowners insurance policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage after a storm. This means:
– Place buckets under active leaks
– Request emergency tarping from your contractor
– Cover broken windows

Keep all receipts — emergency mitigation costs are typically reimbursable under your policy.

Step 4 — File Your Claim Promptly

Contact your insurance company within 24-48 hours of discovering damage. Have ready:
– Your policy number
– Date and time of the storm
– Brief description of visible damage
– A claim number request and your adjuster’s direct contact

Indiana law requires insurers to acknowledge your claim promptly and begin investigation within a reasonable timeframe.

Step 5 — Understand Your Policy Before the Adjuster Arrives

Two things matter most:

RCV vs ACV:
– RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays for a new roof of similar quality with no depreciation deduction
– ACV (Actual Cash Value) subtracts depreciation — a 10-year-old roof may only pay half the replacement cost
Check your Policy Declarations Page to find out which you have.

Your Deductible:
Standard deductibles run $500–$2,500. Some Indiana policies have separate, higher wind/hail deductibles expressed as a percentage of your home’s insured value. A $300,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible means $6,000 out of pocket before insurance pays.

Step 6 — Be Present During the Adjuster’s Inspection

Never let an adjuster inspect without you. Walk every inch of the property with them. Point out every area of documented damage. Ask them to write down everything they observe and request their written scope of damage before they leave.

What to say:
– “This gutter was perfectly straight before the storm — these dents are hail impact marks.”
– “Can you document this flashing damage on your report?”

What not to say:
– Don’t estimate your roof’s age unless you’re certain
– Don’t say damage was pre-existing unless you know for certain

Step 7 — Compare the Adjuster’s Estimate to Your Contractor’s Estimate

Common items adjusters miss or undervalue:
– Ice and water shield replacement
– Starter strip shingles
– Ridge cap replacement
– Drip edge replacement
– Pipe boot replacements
– Code upgrade requirements
– Proper disposal and debris removal costs

If the adjuster’s estimate is lower than Alamo’s estimate — which is common — we file a formal supplement on your behalf at no charge.

Step 8 — Collect Your Recoverable Depreciation (RCV Policies)

With an RCV policy, you receive two checks:
1. First check: The depreciated (ACV) value — issued immediately after approval
2. Second check: The recoverable depreciation — issued after you complete repairs and submit proof

You must complete the repairs and submit documentation to receive the second check. There’s typically a 180-day to 2-year window. Don’t wait.

How Alamo Handles Insurance Claims for Lake County and Porter County Homeowners

We’ve helped hundreds of Northwest Indiana homeowners navigate this process since 2017. Our service is completely free — we get paid when we do the roofing work. What we do:
– Free drone inspection and damage documentation
– Written damage report formatted for insurance submission
– Present with you during the adjuster’s inspection
– Prepare and submit supplemental claims when needed
– Advocate for a full and fair settlement

Ready to get started? Call us at (219) 224-2636 or schedule your free inspection.

About Alamo Roofing Contractors

Alamo Roofing Contractors is a GAF Master Elite certified roofing contractor serving Northwest Indiana and northern Illinois since 2017. Based in Portage, Indiana, we serve Lake County, Porter County, LaPorte County, Cook County, Will County, and DuPage County with residential and commercial roofing, siding, gutters, and exterior services.

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