A storm rolls through Volusia County. The next morning, you step outside and notice something’s off — missing shingles, a sagging spot, debris piled on your roof. Your first question: does insurance cover this?
In most cases, yes — but only if you follow the right steps. Florida’s property insurance landscape is complicated, and roofing claims are frequently denied or underpaid when homeowners make avoidable mistakes. This guide walks you through the entire process, from the moment the storm passes to when the check clears.
Step 1: Stay Safe — Don’t Get on the Roof
Before anything else: do not attempt to inspect your roof yourself. After a storm, roofing materials are wet, structurally compromised, and slippery. Every year, Florida homeowners are injured trying to assess storm damage on their own.
Instead, do a safe ground-level inspection and look for:
- Missing, cracked, or curled shingles visible from the yard
- Granules washing out of downspouts (looks like coarse sand)
- Visible dents or dings on gutters, fascia, or vents
- Water stains on ceilings or in your attic
- Fallen tree limbs or debris on or near the roof
Document what you see with photos and video. Date and timestamp everything — this becomes part of your claim file.
Step 2: Call a Licensed Roofing Contractor First
Here’s what most homeowners don’t know: you should get a professional roof inspection before you call your insurance company.
A licensed roofer can:
- Document all damage in detail (insurers require documentation, not just your photos)
- Distinguish storm damage from pre-existing wear — a critical distinction for your claim
- Provide a written damage report and repair estimate
- Apply temporary emergency tarping if there’s active water intrusion (this protects you from secondary damage denials)
At Affordable Roofing and Construction, we offer free post-storm inspections throughout Volusia County. We’ll give you an honest assessment and a documented report you can submit directly to your insurer. Call us at 386-392-8952 to schedule.
Watch out for storm chasers. After any major weather event, unlicensed contractors flood into Florida offering free inspections in exchange for signing over your insurance rights. This is called an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreement — and it can strip you of control over your claim and your property. Only work with contractors who hold a valid Florida roofing license (look for CCC prefix).
Step 3: Apply Emergency Tarping if Needed
If your roof has a hole, large gap, or active leak, you’re obligated to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. This is called mitigation, and your policy likely requires it.
Emergency tarping by a professional typically runs $300-$800 depending on roof size and damage extent. Keep every receipt. Your insurance company should reimburse emergency mitigation costs — but only if you document them properly.
Don’t let water continue to damage your attic, insulation, or interior while you wait for an adjuster. Act fast.
Step 4: File Your Claim Promptly
Florida law generally requires you to report storm damage to your insurer within a reasonable time — and most policies have specific notice requirements. Don’t wait weeks to file.
When you call your insurance company, have ready:
- Your policy number
- The date and time of the storm
- Your photos and videos from the ground inspection
- The roofing contractor’s damage report (if you’ve had an inspection)
- Any emergency repair receipts
Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster and schedule an inspection, usually within a few days to a few weeks depending on the scale of the storm event.
Step 5: Be Present When the Adjuster Arrives
This is a step many homeowners skip — and it’s a mistake. Be home when the insurance adjuster inspects your roof, and consider having your roofing contractor present as well.
An independent adjuster is hired to represent the insurance company’s interests. Having your contractor there ensures:
- All damage gets documented — not just what’s easily visible
- The contractor can explain technical details the adjuster may overlook
- You don’t agree to anything on the spot without understanding what’s covered
Take your own photos during the adjuster’s visit. Write down the adjuster’s name, contact info, and claim number before they leave.
Step 6: Review the Claim Estimate Carefully
After the adjuster’s visit, your insurer will send you a claim estimate — an itemized breakdown of what they’ll pay and what they won’t. Read it carefully and compare it to your contractor’s estimate.
Common issues to watch for:
- ACV vs. RCV: Actual Cash Value pays depreciated value; Replacement Cost Value pays what it actually costs to replace. Know which your policy provides.
- Code upgrades: Florida building code may require upgrades (like new decking or drip edges) when a roof is replaced — your policy may or may not cover these separately.
- Wind vs. water damage: Some policies have separate deductibles for hurricane/windstorm damage — often 2-5% of your home’s insured value, not a flat dollar amount.
- Missing line items: If your contractor identified damage the adjuster did not include, this is a discrepancy worth disputing.
If you believe the estimate is too low or items were unfairly excluded, you have the right to dispute it. Your contractor can help you prepare a supplemental claim.
Step 7: Get the Work Done — Properly
Once your claim is approved, don’t just hire whoever’s cheapest or shows up at your door. Your insurer will expect the work to be completed by a licensed, insured roofing contractor — and you’ll need documentation of the completed work to receive any holdback (the depreciation your insurer withholds until repairs are done).
Make sure your contractor:
- Holds a valid Florida roofing license (CCC prefix)
- Carries general liability and workers’ comp insurance
- Pulls the required building permit
- Provides a written warranty on labor
Affordable Roofing and Construction meets all of these requirements. We’re licensed under CCC 1327602, fully insured, and we back every job with a 5-year labor warranty. We handle the permit process so you don’t have to.
Florida-Specific Roofing Insurance Rules You Should Know
The 25% Rule
If more than 25% of your roof is damaged or replaced, Florida building code requires the entire roof to be brought up to current code. This can significantly increase the scope of work — and cost. Make sure your policy covers code upgrade costs.
Hurricane Deductibles
Most Florida homeowners have a separate windstorm or hurricane deductible — typically 2-5% of your home’s insured value. On a $300,000 home, that’s $6,000-$15,000 out of pocket before your insurance pays for wind damage. Know your deductible before filing.
Roof Age and Coverage
Many Florida insurers have tightened roof age requirements. Roofs over 15-20 years old may only be covered for ACV (depreciated value) rather than full replacement cost, or may not be insurable at all with certain carriers. Keeping your roof in good condition and replacing it before it ages out protects your coverage.
When to Consider a Public Adjuster
If your claim is denied, significantly underpaid, or the process has stalled, you may want to hire a public adjuster — a licensed professional who negotiates with your insurer on your behalf. They typically charge 10-15% of the final claim payout.
A public adjuster is worth considering if:
- Your claim was denied but your contractor documented real damage
- The payout offered is far below the actual repair cost
- The process is dragging past 90 days with no resolution
Don’t Wait to Get Your Roof Inspected
We’re in the heart of Florida’s 2026 hurricane season. Even if last week’s storm seemed minor, the cumulative effect of wind, rain, and debris can create vulnerabilities that aren’t visible from the ground — but will absolutely cause problems during the next storm.
A free inspection from Affordable Roofing and Construction takes about 45 minutes and gives you a clear picture of your roof’s condition. We serve all of Volusia County including Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, DeLand, and Deltona.
Call 386-392-8952 or request a free estimate online — no pressure, no obligation, just honest answers from a contractor with 20+ years of experience in Central Florida.
Affordable Roofing and Construction is a licensed and insured roofing contractor serving Volusia County and Central Florida. License CCC 1327602.