Insurance claim assistance: navigating the process with you

We fight in your corner to get you the coverage you deserve.

Dealing with property damage after a storm is stressful enough without having to battle your insurance company on your own. Insurance policies are full of confusing language and technical terms that can make it difficult to know exactly what you are entitled to. At Smith Roofing and Restoration, we specialize in helping homeowners in Jacksonville and throughout coastal North Carolina manage their roofing claims. We understand that your home is your biggest investment and we are here to ensure it gets restored properly.

Our founder gained extensive experience working for one of the fastest growing construction companies in the state. This background gave us deep insight into how insurance adjusters think and what they look for. We use this knowledge to advocate for you. We document every inch of damage, provide clear reports, and communicate directly with your carrier to keep the process moving. You do not have to handle the paperwork and phone calls alone.

How the claim process works

Many homeowners are unsure where to start when they spot damage. We guide you through a simple step by step process to ensure nothing is missed.

Free professional inspection. Before you call your insurance agent, call us. We will inspect your roof to determine if there is enough damage to warrant a claim. Filing a claim for damage that is below your deductible is a waste of time and can still go on your record.
Filing the claim. If we find significant storm damage, we will advise you to contact your insurance carrier's claims department. We can help you answer their questions accurately regarding the date of loss and the type of damage found.
Meeting the adjuster. This is the most critical step. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the property. We make it a priority to meet them on site. We walk the roof with them to point out the specific damage we found. It is much harder for an adjuster to deny damage when a knowledgeable roofer is standing right next to them pointing it out.
Reviewing the scope of loss. Once the adjuster sends you their estimate, we review it line by line. Insurance estimates often leave out crucial code items or necessary components like flashing and vents. We identify these missing items and file a supplement to get them covered.
Restoring your home. Once the claim is approved and the scope is correct, we schedule the work. We use the funds provided by the insurance company to restore your home to its pre-storm condition using high quality materials.

Understanding RCV versus ACV

Insurance policies can be confusing. Two terms you will hear often are Replacement Cost Value (RCV) and Actual Cash Value (ACV). It is important to know the difference.

Replacement Cost Value (RCV). This coverage pays what it costs to replace your roof at today's prices, without deducting for age or wear and tear. This is the best coverage to have as it ensures you have enough money to pay for a new roof.

Actual Cash Value (ACV). This coverage pays you the value of your roof at the time of the loss. They take the replacement cost and subtract depreciation based on the age of your roof. If you have an old roof and an ACV policy, the payout might be significantly less than the cost of a new roof leaving you to pay the difference.

Why you need a contractor at the adjustment

Insurance adjusters are often overworked and handle multiple claims a day. They might move too quickly and miss subtle signs of wind lift or hail impact. Sometimes they are independent contractors who are incentivized to keep payouts low. Having Smith Roofing and Restoration present ensures there is a second set of eyes on your property. We respect the adjuster's job but we are there to protect your interests. We speak their language and can explain why certain repair methods are necessary according to North Carolina building codes.

Get help with your claim

Questions and answers

Common insurance claim questions

The insurance process generates a lot of questions. Here are the honest answers you need to know before filing a claim.

Yes. It is required by law. Your deductible is the portion of the claim you agreed to pay when you purchased your policy. Any contractor who offers to "waive" your deductible or "pay it for you" is asking you to commit insurance fraud. We handle claims honestly and legally.
Typically, insurance companies cannot raise your individual rates for filing a claim caused by an "act of God" like a hurricane or hail storm. However, if a storm causes massive damage to a whole region, base rates for everyone in that area might increase regardless of whether you filed a claim.
This is standard procedure. Since the mortgage company has a financial interest in your home, they want to ensure the repairs are actually done. You will need to contact your mortgage company to get their endorsement on the check so you can pay for the repairs. We can help guide you through this process.
No. Insurance pays for the actual cost of repairs. If we complete the work for less than the insurance estimate, you are generally required to return the difference to the insurance company. Keeping the extra funds is considered insurance fraud.

A denial is not always the final word. If we believe there is legitimate storm damage that was overlooked, we can request a re-inspection with a different adjuster. We can also provide photos and code documentation to support your case and ask them to review the file again.
Insurance adjusters use software that sometimes uses outdated pricing or misses local code requirements. This is very common. We simply submit a supplement to the insurance company explaining the difference and providing proof of current material and labor costs to get the correct amount approved.
No. You have the right to choose any contractor you trust to work on your home. The insurance company cannot force you to use their preferred vendor. It is your home and your choice.
It varies by carrier and the severity of the storm event. In a normal situation, it might take two weeks from filing to approval. After a major hurricane involving thousands of homes, it can take much longer. We stay in contact with the desk adjuster to keep things moving as fast as possible.