If your roof has been damaged by a storm, wind, or hail, filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming — especially in Florida where the process has its own quirks. This guide walks you through every step so you don’t leave money on the table.
Step 1: Document the Damage Before Anything Else
The moment it’s safe to do so, document everything. If the storm was severe, see our guide on how to spot storm damage on your roof. Walk your property and photograph:
- Missing or damaged shingles from ground level
- Water stains on ceilings or walls inside the home
- Damaged gutters, fascia, or soffits
- Any debris from the storm that struck the roof
- Date and time stamps on every photo
Do NOT make permanent repairs before your insurance adjuster inspects the damage — that can void your claim. Temporary tarping or emergency patching to prevent further water intrusion is fine and usually reimbursable.
Step 2: Review Your Policy Before You Call
Pull out your homeowner’s insurance policy and look for two things:
- Your deductible — Florida policies often have a separate hurricane deductible (sometimes 2–5% of your home’s insured value, not a flat dollar amount)
- ACV vs. RCV coverage — Actual Cash Value pays depreciated value; Replacement Cost Value pays what it actually costs to replace your roof today. Know which one you have.
If your repair estimate is close to or below your deductible, it may not be worth filing. A claim that doesn’t pay out still goes on your record and can raise your premiums.
Step 3: File the Claim Promptly
Florida law gives insurers 14 days to acknowledge your claim and 90 days to pay or deny it. But you also have deadlines — most policies require you to report damage within a reasonable time after the event. Don’t wait.
When you call, get a claim number and the adjuster’s name. Write it down.
Step 4: Get a Licensed Contractor’s Inspection First
Before the insurance adjuster arrives, have a licensed roofing contractor inspect your roof independently. Here’s why:
- Adjusters are paid by the insurance company — their job is to pay as little as possible
- A licensed roofer can identify damage the adjuster might miss (or undervalue)
- Having a written estimate in hand gives you a baseline to compare against the adjuster’s report
At Affordable Roofing & Construction, we provide free roof inspections and can be present during the adjuster’s visit to make sure nothing gets overlooked. Call us at 386-392-8952.
Step 5: Meet the Adjuster — And Be There in Person
Don’t let the adjuster inspect alone. Walk the roof with them, point out every area of damage, and make sure they’re documenting everything. Bring your photos. Bring your contractor’s estimate.
Ask questions:
- What items are you including in the estimate?
- What items are being excluded, and why?
- Are you accounting for code upgrades (Florida building codes may require additional work during replacement)?
Step 6: Review the Adjuster’s Estimate Carefully
Once you receive the adjuster’s report, compare it line-by-line to your contractor’s estimate. Common things insurers undervalue or miss:
- Underlayment and ice/water shield
- Drip edge and flashing replacement
- Code upgrade costs (decking, ventilation requirements)
- Interior water damage tied to roof failure
- Gutters damaged in the same event
If the estimates are significantly different, you have the right to dispute. In Florida, most policies include an appraisal clause — a formal process where each side hires an appraiser and they agree on a neutral umpire to resolve the difference.
Step 7: Watch Out for Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Schemes
Florida has had serious problems with contractors who pressure homeowners to sign over their insurance rights through an “Assignment of Benefits” agreement. This transfers control of your claim to the contractor — meaning they negotiate directly with your insurer, not you.
Never sign an AOB without fully understanding what you’re agreeing to. A legitimate contractor doesn’t need you to sign away your rights. They’ll work with your insurance and bill them directly without requiring an AOB.
Step 8: Choose a Licensed, Local Contractor
Once your claim is approved, resist the urge to go with whoever knocks on your door first after a storm. Storm chasers come in from out of state, do subpar work, and disappear when there are problems. Choose a licensed Florida contractor with a local track record.
What to verify:
- Active Florida roofing license (CCC prefix for roofing)
- General liability and workers’ comp insurance
- Local address and verifiable history
- Written warranty on both labor and materials
Affordable Roofing & Construction holds license CCC 1327602 and has been serving Volusia County for over 20 years. We back every roof replacement with a 5-year labor warranty — on top of the manufacturer’s material warranty.
Florida-Specific Things to Know
Florida’s insurance landscape is complicated. A few things that catch homeowners off guard:
- 25% rule: If more than 25% of your roof is being replaced, Florida building code typically requires the entire roof to be brought up to current code standards. Your insurance should cover this.
- Separate hurricane deductibles: Apply when a named storm causes the damage. Before hurricane season, use our hurricane roof prep checklist to catch problems early. Can be significantly higher than your standard deductible.
- Statute of limitations: You generally have 3 years from the date of loss to file a lawsuit if your claim is denied, though policy language can shorten this.
- Citizens Insurance: If you’re insured through Citizens, the state’s insurer of last resort, the process is similar but timelines and rules may vary slightly.
Related Guides for Florida Homeowners
- How to Spot Storm Damage on Your Roof: A Florida Homeowner’s Guide
- How to Spot Roofing Scams in Florida: Protecting Yourself from Storm Chasers
- Is Your Roof Ready for Hurricane Season? A Florida Homeowner’s Checklist (2026)
- Wind Mitigation Inspections in Florida: What Every Homeowner Should Know
- What to Expect During a Roof Replacement in Florida
Ready to Get Started?
If your roof has been damaged and you’re not sure where to begin, start with a free inspection. We’ll assess the damage, give you a written estimate, and help you understand what your insurance should cover — no pressure, no AOB.
Affordable Roofing & Construction serves Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, DeLand, Deltona, and all of Volusia County.
Call 386-392-8952 or request your free estimate online.