Utah Roof Insurance Claims: Complete Guide to Storm Damage Coverage

Before a storm hits, you need to know what you're working with. Pull out your policy and understand these key points:

Replacement Cost Value (RCV) vs. Actual Cash Value (ACV): This is huge. RCV policies pay to replace your roof with new materials. ACV policies pay what your roof is "worth" after depreciation. A 15-year-old roof under ACV might be valued at almost nothing. Most Utah policies are RCV—verify yours.

Your Deductible: Know exactly what it is. Some policies have percentage-based deductibles (1-2% of home value), which can be substantial. A $500,000 home with 1% deductible means $5,000 out of pocket before insurance pays.

Wind and Hail Coverage: Some insurers have added separate wind/hail deductibles in hail-prone areas like Sandy, Draper, and Herriman. Check if you have these exclusions or higher deductibles.

Code Upgrade Coverage: Building codes change. If your old roof was legal when installed but doesn't meet current code, you might pay for upgrades out of pocket—unless you have ordinance/law coverage. It's usually a cheap add-on that's worth having.

Knowing your policy before you need it puts you ahead of most homeowners who scramble to understand coverage after damage occurs.

When storm damage hits, follow this process to maximize your chances of approval:

1. Document Immediately: Take photos and videos of damage from multiple angles. Photograph hail (with a ruler for scale), damaged shingles, dented vents, and any collateral damage (cars, siding, gutters). Save weather reports showing storm conditions in your area.

2. Get a Professional Inspection: Call a reputable local roofer before you call insurance. We know what damage looks like and can document it properly. A professional inspection report carries weight with adjusters.

3. File Your Claim Promptly: Most policies require "prompt" filing. Don't wait weeks. Call your insurance, report the storm date and damage, and get a claim number. Stick to facts—don't speculate or exaggerate.

4. Prepare for the Adjuster: The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. Have your roofer present during the inspection. We can point out damage the adjuster might miss and speak their technical language.

5. Review the Estimate: The adjuster's estimate often lowballs labor costs, misses damaged areas, or uses cheaper materials than what your roof requires. Compare it to your roofer's estimate. If there are discrepancies, you can request a supplement.

6. Understand Payment Structure: With RCV policies, you typically get ACV (depreciated value) upfront, then remaining depreciation after repairs are complete. Make sure you understand this before starting work.

Insurance companies deny claims for predictable reasons. Here's how to prevent the most common ones:

"Pre-existing Damage": Adjusters look for signs of previous damage or wear. Combat this by documenting your roof's condition periodically—take photos annually. File claims immediately after storms so there's clear timing between event and damage.

"Wear and Tear": Insurance covers sudden storm damage, not gradual deterioration. Keep your roof maintained so adjusters can't blame age for storm-caused damage. The older your roof, the more scrutiny you'll face.

"Cosmetic Only": Some policies exclude cosmetic damage. Focus documentation on functional damage—granule loss that exposes asphalt, compromised shingle integrity, potential leak points. It's not just how it looks, it's how it performs.

"Filed Too Late": Delayed claims invite denial. Inspect after every major storm. File within days of discovering damage, not weeks or months.

"Damage Below Deductible": Adjusters sometimes lowball to keep estimates under your deductible. Get competing estimates and supplement if needed.

The pattern here is clear: document thoroughly, act quickly, and don't let the adjuster's first word be the last word.

If your claim is denied or underpaid, you have options. Don't give up after the first "no."

Request Written Explanation: Get the denial reason in writing. Review it against your policy. Sometimes denials cite reasons that don't actually apply.

Submit Supplemental Documentation: If the adjuster missed damage or underestimated costs, submit a supplement with your roofer's detailed report. Include photos, measurements, and material specifications that justify higher costs.

Request Re-inspection: You can ask for a different adjuster to re-inspect. Fresh eyes sometimes see what the first adjuster missed.

Consider a Public Adjuster: Public adjusters work for you, not the insurance company. They charge 5-15% of your settlement but can significantly increase approvals on complex or denied claims. For claims over $20,000, they're often worth it.

File a Complaint: If you believe you're being treated unfairly, file a complaint with the Utah Insurance Department. Insurance companies pay attention to regulatory complaints.

Most homeowners give up too easily. Insurance companies count on this. If you have legitimate storm damage, advocate for yourself.