How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Indiana (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)
Filing a roof insurance claim in 2026 is more complicated than it used to be. Higher deductibles, the shift to Actual Cash Value coverage for older roofs, and new “cosmetic damage” exclusions have changed the game. This guide walks you through the entire process step by step, from documenting damage to collecting your final payment. Whether you hire us or not, we want you to understand how this works and get what you’re owed.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to expect, what the new 2025-2026 policy changes mean for your claim, and how to avoid the most common mistakes we see homeowners make.
What Changed in 2025-2026 That Affects Your Roof Claim?
Quick Answer: Higher deductibles, more ACV-only policies, new depreciation schedules, and cosmetic damage exclusions. Understanding these changes before you file is essential.
1. The Shift from RCV to ACV for Older Roofs
Many insurers now only offer Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage for roofs older than 10-15 years, instead of Replacement Cost Value (RCV).
“Replacement cost value is the total amount it’s gonna cost to replace,” Lyle explains. “ACV is actual cash value. They take the RCV and depreciate it. So the older your roof is, the more depreciation they hold back.”
Here’s a real example of how this plays out:
• 20-year-old roof replacement cost: $15,000
• With RCV coverage: You pay $1,000 deductible, insurance pays $14,000
• With ACV coverage: Depreciated value $6,000, minus $1,500 deductible = insurance pays $4,500. You pay $10,500 out of pocket.
Why do insurers depreciate? “They used to pay everything up front, and then people wouldn’t get it done,” Lyle explains. “They depreciate it to have people actually do it. So if people don’t get it done, the insurance saves money.”
2. Deductibles Have Exploded
Deductibles jumped from $500-$1,000 to 1-5% of your home’s insured value. For a $250,000 home with a 2% deductible, that’s $5,000 out of pocket. With a 5% wind/hail deductible, you’re looking at $12,500.
Lyle’s Pro Tip: With $5,000-$7,500 deductibles now common, if your damage is under $8,000, you’ll end up paying the majority out of pocket anyway. Sometimes it’s not worth filing.
3. Cosmetic Damage Exclusions
If your roof still keeps water out, carriers may classify hail dents as “cosmetic only” and deny your claim. This is especially common with metal roofs.
“Usually on a metal roof, if you could see the hail dents, they would cover it,” Lyle explains. “But more and more they’re leaning towards cosmetic. The roof is still functioning, it doesn’t get affected functionality-wise, but cosmetically it’s obviously dented and dinged up.”
Lyle’s Pro Tip: Look for “stated limit” or “roof coverage limit” in your policy. Some policies cap roof payouts (e.g., $10,000 max) regardless of actual replacement cost.
Should I File a Roof Insurance Claim?
Quick Answer: Only for legitimate storm damage that exceeds your deductible. Filing frivolous claims damages your record and your contractor’s reputation with adjusters.
“If they don’t have adequate damage, we try to say: you can file a claim if you want, but we’re not going to be involved,” Lyle says. “We don’t think it has enough damage.”
Why does this matter? Your reputation follows you. “If you file a claim and the adjuster comes out and you’re there on site, and it’s not sufficient damage, the next claim he has where you show up, he’s gonna think, ‘Oh right, just another one with very little damage, if any.'”
File a claim for:
• Hail damage (dents, granule loss exposing the mat)
• Wind damage (missing or lifted shingles)
• Fallen tree damage
• Storm-related leaks
Don’t file for:
• Normal wear and tear
• Roofs at end of lifespan
• Installation defects
• Damage that’s under your deductible
Should I Call My Insurance or My Roofer First?
Quick Answer: Call a trusted local roofer first. They can confirm whether you have claimable damage before you put a claim on your record.
A good roofer will provide a free inspection, proper documentation with photos, tell you whether it’s worth filing given your deductible, and know what adjusters are looking for.
Then call insurance once damage is confirmed.
Lyle’s Pro Tip: Never let your roofer file the claim for you. You’re the policyholder. You must file it yourself.
The Roof Insurance Claim Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Document the Damage
Before anything else, take photos of damaged shingles (close-up and wide shots), interior damage (water stains, leaks), dented gutters, vents, and flashing, granules collected in gutters, and any debris from the storm.
Lyle’s Pro Tip: If you don’t have “before” photos, check Google Street View or old real estate listing photos. Even older photos can help prove the roof was in decent shape before the storm.
Step 2: Get a Professional Inspection
Have a local roofing professional provide a detailed damage report, photos from on the roof, and an honest assessment of whether you have adequate storm damage for a claim.
“With all the proper documentation from your contractor, you should be able to see the damage,” Lyle explains. This documentation becomes critical if you need to dispute the adjuster’s findings later.
Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company
Say: “I believe I have storm damage from [date]. I’d like to file a claim.”
They’ll provide your claim number, adjuster contact info, and an inspection timeline (usually 3-14 days, but can stretch to 2-3 weeks after big storms).
Lyle’s Pro Tip: While on the phone, ask about your deductible amount and whether you have RCV or ACV coverage if you don’t have your policy handy.
Step 4: Meet the Adjuster (With Your Roofer Present)
This is a critical moment. Have your roofer present if possible.
“It can be helpful to point out damaged areas, make sure the adjuster doesn’t miss anything,” Lyle says. “That being said, it’s still up to the insurance for the final say.”
Remember: the adjuster works for the insurance company, not you. “Do you trust the people that owe you money to tell you how much they owe you?” Lyle asks. They may miss damage or classify legitimate damage as “cosmetic.”
Lyle’s Pro Tip: If the adjuster dismisses damage, ask them to document specifically why. You can request a re-inspection if needed.
Step 5: Review the Insurance Estimate
You’ll receive a scope of work (what’s covered), an ACV cheque (minus depreciation and deductible), and recoverable depreciation info (if you have RCV coverage).
“Scope of work is all the line items for your roof replacement, all the different materials, parts, labour that is needed to get it back to pre-storm condition,” Lyle explains. “Sometimes insurance will skip line items, or they just simply miss them and don’t put them on.”
Lyle’s Pro Tip: Share your insurance estimate with your contractor. “It helps them understand the scope of work that the insurance is allowing.” Without this, you might miss line items you’re entitled to.
Step 6: Understand Your Payout
With RCV coverage (two payments):
• First payment: ACV cheque (total minus depreciation and deductible)
• Second payment: Recoverable depreciation (after work completes)
With ACV coverage (one payment only):
• You receive the depreciated value only
• No recoverable depreciation, you pay the difference out of pocket
Step 7: Hire Your Contractor
Choose a local roofing professional experienced with insurance claims. Make sure they’re licensed, insured, and bonded. They should be able to supplement for missed items and have strong local reviews.
If your contractor’s estimate is higher than the insurance estimate, don’t panic. “If your contractor comes in at $21,000 and the insurance is at $18,000, but they missed half a dozen line items, a contractor that’s professional about it can add those line items, document everything, showing that it’s needed to get proper recovery,” Lyle explains.
Lyle’s Pro Tip: “If a contractor is professional with insurance claims, he can supplement it to get it to where it needs to be, so that the homeowner isn’t out of pocket anything, unless the homeowner wants upgrades. Insurance will only pay like-kind replacement.”
Step 8: Complete the Work and Collect Depreciation
After installation (if you have RCV coverage), your contractor provides a completion certificate. Submit it to insurance and receive your recoverable depreciation cheque.
The entire process typically takes about a month from filing to final payment, though it can range from one week to six weeks depending on storm volume and complexity.
What If My Claim Gets Denied or the Payout Is Too Low?
Quick Answer: You have options. Request a re-inspection, have your contractor submit a supplement, or in some cases, hire a public adjuster.
Denials happen, and adjusters miss damage all the time. “Especially if hail hits in a certain area, adjusters are running and gunning,” Lyle explains. “The adjuster may show up, he’s in a hurry, he’s already approved two or three, so he’s got to deny one.”
“If the claim’s denied and it has proper damage, I would advise them to file for a re-inspection,” Lyle says. “They’re eligible to have a re-inspection done if they think otherwise. Just tell them you’re not happy with the first adjustment.”
We’ve written two detailed guides on this topic: → Why Indiana Roof Insurance Claims Get Denied in 2026 covers the five most common denial reasons and how to tell if yours is worth fighting. → What To Do When Your Indiana Roof Claim Is Denied walks through re-inspections, supplements, public adjusters, and appeals step by step.
Lyle’s Pro Tip: If your contractor finds hidden damage during tear-off, they can submit a supplement to the insurance with photos for proper payment recovery.
Will Filing a Claim Raise My Insurance Rates?
Quick Answer: It depends on your insurer and claim history, but rates have been climbing anyway.
What we see in Indiana: a first storm claim usually doesn’t trigger an increase. Multiple claims in 3-5 years likely will. Claims under $10,000 tend to have less impact.
The 2026 reality: insurance rates climbed 15-20% in 2024-2025 even for homeowners who never filed a claim.
Lyle’s Pro Tip: If your repair is $7,000 and your deductible is $6,000, you’re only getting $1,000 but filing a claim on your record. Sometimes paying out of pocket makes more sense.
Red Flags: Storm Chasers to Avoid
Quick Answer: Be wary of contractors who show up uninvited after storms, pressure you to sign immediately, or guarantee claim approval.
After major storms, watch out for contractors who knock on your door right after the storm, pressure you to sign immediately, guarantee your claim will be approved, ask for full payment upfront, or have no local office or references.
Lyle acknowledges there are bad actors on both sides: “There are contractors that try and take advantage of the system too, and that’s what keeps insurance on their toes to give more pushback. So there’s bad insurance companies that want to cut corners, and there’s also bad contractors. It’s a combination of both.”
Lyle’s Pro Tip: Reputable Indiana and Michigan roofers will educate and guide you through the process, not pressure you into signing anything.
What Our Customers Say:
“I’m very happy with both the work and communication from both the Lehman brothers, even the insurance adjuster pointed out how he likes dealing with them as they are very professional and easy to work with.”
Abe P., Indiana
Related Reading: Indiana Roof Insurance Guides
We’ve created a series of guides to help Indiana homeowners navigate every part of the insurance claim process:
Why Indiana Roof Insurance Claims Get Denied in 2026 Understand the five most common denial reasons: “no storm damage found,” roof too old, cosmetic damage exclusions, pre-existing damage claims, and ACV payouts so low they feel like denials. Learn how to tell if your denial is worth fighting.
What To Do When Your Indiana Roof Claim Is Denied Your action plan after a denial: how to request a re-inspection, what supplements are and how contractors use them, when to hire a public adjuster (and when you don’t need one), and how to escalate if nothing else works.
Indiana Roof Insurance Claims: Your Questions Answered Quick answers to the most common questions: How long does the process take? Should I share my estimate with my contractor? Is the adjuster on my side? What’s a scope of work? And more.
Quick FAQ
How long does the claim process take?
“It could be as little as a week, or it could be as much as six weeks. Typical turnaround, I would say, is probably right around a month.”
Do I have to use the insurer’s recommended contractor?
No. You choose your contractor.
Can I upgrade my roof during a claim?
Yes, but you pay the difference. Insurance covers “like for like” only.
How long do I have to file?
Typically one year, but file as soon as possible.
What if I need emergency repairs while waiting?
“A contractor can come out and tarp it or repair it temporarily and then charge the insurance on the back end.” Just be aware that if the claim is denied, you could be liable for that work.
For more detailed answers, see our full FAQ: Indiana Roof Insurance Claims: Your Questions Answered
What Our Customers Say:
“Outstanding experience from start to finish working with these guys. They’re detail oriented, communicative, flexible, and they keep their word. I couldn’t have asked for a better company to help me manage a very stressful situation!”
Jonathon E., Indiana
Not Sure If Your Roof Has Claimable Storm Damage?
We’ll inspect your roof for free. If there’s enough storm-related damage, we can walk you through the complete process step by step. If there isn’t enough damage, we’ll show you what (if anything) we’d recommend repairing. And if your roof is in great shape, we’ll tell you that too.
We’ve walked hundreds of Indiana and Michigan homeowners through this process and understand how the 2026 rules work: ACV coverage, higher deductibles, cosmetic exclusions, and all.
Schedule a free inspection: Call 574-370-8342 or contact us online
