When your roof is damaged by a storm, hail, or other unexpected event, one of the first people you’ll hear from is an insurance adjuster. They play a key role in the claims process, but many homeowners aren’t exactly sure what they do or how their work affects a roof repair or replacement. Knowing how adjusters operate will help you feel confident and prepared when filing a roof claim.
What Is an Insurance Adjuster?
Definition
A representative of the insurance company
An insurance adjuster is hired by your insurance company to inspect property damage, estimate repair costs, and determine how much of the damage is covered under your policy. They essentially act as the “eyes and ears” of your insurance provider.
Types of Adjusters
- Staff Adjusters – Direct employees of the insurance company.
- Independent Adjusters – Contractors hired by insurance companies to handle claims.
- Public Adjusters – Hired by homeowners to represent their interests (not the insurance company’s).
What Insurance Adjusters Do With Roof Damage
Inspect the Roof
Assess the extent of the damage
An adjuster’s first job is to inspect your roof after a claim is filed. They’ll look for signs of hail impact, wind damage, missing shingles, or leaks. Their inspection determines whether your roof qualifies for a repair or full replacement under your policy.
Document Findings
Photos, notes, and measurements
The adjuster will take detailed photos, notes, and sometimes measurements. This documentation is submitted to the insurance company as part of your claim file.
Estimate Repair or Replacement Costs
Create a report for the insurer
Using their findings, the adjuster will create a cost estimate. This includes materials, labor, and sometimes related repairs like gutters or flashing. The insurance company uses this estimate to determine how much money to pay out.
Decide Coverage
Compare damage to your policy
The adjuster reviews your homeowner’s policy to see what is covered. For example, storm or hail damage is often covered, but wear-and-tear from age may not be. Their assessment is what drives the insurance company’s final payout decision.
When to Be Cautious
While adjusters are important, it’s good to remember they work for the insurance company, not for you. This means:
- They may try to minimize the amount of damage noted.
- They could recommend a repair when a replacement is truly needed.
- They might overlook subtle issues that could worsen later.
How Browns Roofing Helps Homeowners
Roof Inspection Support
Our team can perform a pre-adjuster inspection to identify damage and ensure nothing gets missed.
Meet With the Adjuster
We often meet adjusters on-site to walk the roof with them, pointing out damage so your claim is more accurate.
Advocate for Proper Repairs
If the adjuster’s estimate doesn’t match the true condition of your roof, we provide additional documentation and photos to support your claim.
Having an insurance adjuster on your roof is a standard part of the claims process. They document, estimate, and report damage to determine your payout. But remember — their loyalty is to the insurance company. Partnering with a trusted roofing contractor like Browns Roofing ensures your roof damage is properly represented and your home gets the repair or replacement it truly needs.
👉 Need help with a roof claim? Schedule an inspection with Browns Roofing today — we’ll guide you through the insurance process and work with your adjuster to make sure your roof is fully covered.