How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Pennsylvania: Complete Guide

Understanding Your Pennsylvania Roof Insurance Coverage

Your homeowner's insurance policy likely covers roof damage — but the details matter. Understanding what's covered, what's excluded, and how to maximize your claim can mean the difference between a fully covered replacement and thousands out of pocket.

What Pennsylvania Homeowner's Insurance Typically Covers

Most standard HO-3 policies in Pennsylvania cover roof damage caused by:

• ■Wind and hail — The most common covered perils for roofs
• ■Falling trees and branches — Including damage from neighbor's trees
• ■Fire and lightning — Full replacement typically covered
• ■Weight of ice and snow — Including ice dam damage in most policies
• ■Vandalism — Intentional damage by others

What's Typically NOT Covered

• ■Normal wear and tear — Aging, weathering, and gradual deterioration
• ■Neglected maintenance — Damage that could have been prevented with proper upkeep
• ■Cosmetic damage — Some policies exclude hail damage that doesn't affect function
• ■Flood damage — Requires separate flood insurance
• ■Earthquakes — Requires separate earthquake coverage

RCV vs. ACV: The Most Important Distinction

Pennsylvania policies use one of two methods to value your roof:

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

• ■Pays the full cost to replace your roof with equivalent materials
• ■No deduction for age or depreciation
• ■The better option for homeowners
• ■More common in newer policies

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

• ■Pays replacement cost minus depreciation
• ■A 15-year-old roof might only be valued at 40-50% of replacement cost
• ■Can leave you with a significant out-of-pocket expense
• ■More common in older policies or for roofs over 15-20 years old

Check your policy now. If you have ACV coverage, consider upgrading to RCV before you need to file a claim.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your Roof Insurance Claim

Step 1: Document the Damage (Before Anything Else)

Documentation is the foundation of a successful claim. Before making any repairs:

• ■Photograph everything — Exterior damage, interior water stains, damaged belongings
• ■Video walkthrough — A video showing the full scope of damage is powerful evidence
• ■Save weather data — Screenshot local weather reports showing the storm event
• ■Keep receipts — For any emergency repairs or temporary measures (tarps, buckets)
• ■Note the date and time — When you first noticed the damage

Step 2: Prevent Further Damage

Your policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. This is called your duty to mitigate:

• ■Cover leaks with tarps
• ■Board up broken skylights
• ■Place buckets under active drips
• ■Move belongings away from water

Keep all receipts — these emergency expenses are typically reimbursable.

Step 3: Get a Professional Inspection

Before calling your insurance company, have a licensed roofing contractor inspect your roof. A professional inspection provides:

• ■Detailed damage documentation with photos
• ■A scope of work for repairs or replacement
• ■An estimate that serves as a comparison to the adjuster's assessment
• ■Expert testimony if there's a dispute

RoofOps offers free storm damage inspections — schedule yours here.

Step 4: File the Claim

Contact your insurance company to file the claim. You'll need:

• ■Your policy number
• ■Date of the storm/damage
• ■Description of the damage
• ■Photos and documentation
• ■Your contractor's inspection report (if available)

Pro tip: File the claim by phone, not online. Speaking with a representative allows you to provide context and ask questions about your coverage.

Step 5: The Adjuster Visit

Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage, usually within 1-2 weeks. This is the most critical step in the process.

Have your roofing contractor present. This is not adversarial — it's about ensuring accuracy. Your contractor can:

• ■Point out damage the adjuster might miss (especially hail damage)
• ■Explain why certain repairs are necessary
• ■Ensure the scope of work matches the actual damage
• ■Provide technical expertise on roofing systems

Step 6: Review the Adjuster's Report

After the inspection, you'll receive the adjuster's report and estimate. Review it carefully:

• ■Does it include all damaged areas?
• ■Are the material specifications correct?
• ■Is the labor pricing reasonable for the Lehigh Valley market?
• ■Are supplemental items included (ice shield, ventilation, flashing)?

If the estimate seems low, your contractor can help you file a supplement with additional documentation.

Step 7: Approve Repairs and Receive Payment

Once approved, insurance typically pays in two installments:

1. 01Initial payment — Replacement cost minus depreciation minus deductible
2. 02Recoverable depreciation — Paid after repairs are completed and documented

Common Mistakes That Reduce Your Claim

1. 01Waiting too long to file — File within 30 days if possible
2. 02Not documenting damage — Photos are your strongest evidence
3. 03Making permanent repairs before the adjuster visits — Emergency repairs are fine, but wait for the inspection before full repairs
4. 04Not having your contractor at the adjuster meeting — This is the single biggest mistake homeowners make
5. 05Accepting the first estimate without review — Adjuster estimates are often negotiable
6. 06Signing with storm chasers — Out-of-town contractors who won't be around for warranty claims

Pennsylvania-Specific Insurance Rules

• ■Time limit to file: Most policies require claims within 1 year of the damage event
• ■Right to choose your contractor: Your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific contractor
• ■Supplement rights: You can request additional payment if the initial estimate doesn't cover the full scope
• ■Bad faith laws: Pennsylvania has strong consumer protection laws — if your insurer unreasonably denies or delays your claim, you may have legal recourse

How RoofOps Helps with Insurance Claims

We work with insurance companies every day. Here's how we help Lehigh Valley homeowners:

• ■Free storm damage inspection with detailed documentation
• ■Attend adjuster meetings to ensure accurate damage assessment
• ■File supplements when the initial estimate falls short
• ■Handle all paperwork so you can focus on your family
• ■Flexible financing through Acorn Finance if your claim doesn't cover everything

Ready to File a Claim?

If your roof was damaged by a storm, the first step is a professional inspection. Contact RoofOps for a free storm damage assessment — we'll document everything, give you an honest evaluation, and guide you through the insurance process.

Call (835) 248-0004 or schedule your free inspection today.