How Insurance Roofing Claims Actually Work
When storm damage, fallen trees, escape of water or accidental damage hit your roof, the buildings insurance policy pays for the repair — in theory. In practice, claims often stall over disputes about what's storm damage versus wear and tear, how much the repair should cost, whether a like-for-like replacement is reasonable, and whether the loss adjuster's preferred contractor is actually competent. A lot of homeowners come to us after their insurance company's first quote was rejected or seemed too low.
We've handled hundreds of roofing claims across Leicestershire, and the pattern is fairly consistent: a thorough independent inspection, a written report with photographs that establishes the cause and extent of damage, and a properly itemised quote that holds up to loss adjuster scrutiny. Most policies entitle you to use a roofer of your choice rather than the insurer's nominated contractor, provided the price is reasonable.
What Insurance Usually Covers
Standard buildings insurance policies typically cover: storm damage (wind, hail, freeze events), impact damage (fallen trees, vehicle impact, satellite dishes pulled off in wind), escape of water (burst tanks, failed plumbing causing roof void damage), and accidental damage if the policy includes accidental cover.
What's normally not covered: gradual wear and tear (worn-out felt, slipped tiles from age), maintenance failures (blocked gutters causing damp), pre-existing damage that hasn't been reported, work below the policy excess (typically £100-£500), and consequential damage to redecoration in some policies. The fine print matters — check your specific policy schedule.
Writing The Claim & Loss Adjuster Visits
A successful insurance claim depends on documentation. Before we start any temporary repairs (which the policy will normally cover separately), we photograph the damage from multiple angles, document the weather event that caused it (dates, wind speeds from the local Met Office record, any tree damage in the area), and note any obvious cause — a torn lead flashing, a missing chimney pot, an impact mark on a tile.
The loss adjuster typically visits within 7-14 days of claim. If you'd like us there, we can attend the visit and walk through the damage with the adjuster — this often shortens the process and avoids back-and-forth on the phone. Once the claim is approved, we agree the schedule of works with the insurer, complete the job, and invoice the insurer directly where possible.
When To Push Back On A Lowball Settlement
Insurers and loss adjusters sometimes propose a settlement based on the cheapest possible repair rather than a like-for-like restoration. Common examples: replacing damaged Welsh slate with concrete tile (not like-for-like), patching a flashing that should be fully replaced, or settling cash for a sum that wouldn't cover a competent contractor.
You don't have to accept a settlement that doesn't restore your roof to its pre-damage condition. We can write a counter-quote and supporting report explaining why the proposed settlement is inadequate — this is often enough to get the claim revised. In rare cases where the insurer continues to dispute, the Financial Ombudsman Service handles complaints free of charge to consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my insurance cover an emergency call-out?
Most domestic buildings policies cover emergency call-outs and temporary repairs to limit further damage from an insured event. Save the receipts.
Can I choose my own roofer?
Almost always — most policies entitle you to use a competent contractor of your choice, provided the price is reasonable. Insurers may push their own panel of contractors, but you don't have to use them.
How long do claims take?
Straightforward storm damage claims typically settle in 2-4 weeks from the loss adjuster visit. Disputed claims or large losses can take longer.
What if my insurer's offer is too low?
We can provide a written counter-quote and report. The insurer will usually revise the offer when faced with a competent contractor's documentation. If they don't, the Financial Ombudsman handles complaints free of charge.
Will making a claim affect my premium?
Probably yes — most insurers load the premium for one or two years after a claim. The decision to claim is yours; for a small loss it's sometimes cheaper to pay the repair yourself than absorb the premium loading.