What Happens During a Roof Insurance Adjuster Visit (And How to Prepare)

You’ve filed a roof damage claim. Now the insurance company is sending an adjuster to inspect your property. For most homeowners, this is unfamiliar territory — and the uncertainty makes people anxious.

Here’s the thing: the adjuster visit is the single most important moment in your claim. What gets documented during this inspection determines your payout. What gets missed stays out of your claim.

This guide walks you through the entire process so you know what to expect, what to prepare, and how to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Before the Adjuster Arrives

1. Get Your Own Inspection First

This is the most important step, and we covered it in depth in our insurance claim guide. Call a reputable local roofing contractor before the adjuster comes.

Why this matters:

• A trained roofer identifies all damage areas before the adjuster arrives
• They create a documented report with photos that serves as your reference
• They can be present during the adjuster’s inspection to point out damage the adjuster might miss
• The adjuster is representing the insurance company. Your contractor represents you.

2. Gather Your Documentation

Have these ready before the adjuster arrives:

• Your policy declarations page — shows your coverage type (RCV or ACV), deductible, and covered perils
• Storm date and weather data — confirm the date, hail size, and wind speeds for your area (apps like WeatherBug, NOAA Storm Events Database, or local news archives)
• Your contractor’s inspection report — including photos of all identified damage
• Photos you took after the storm — timestamped images of any visible damage, granules in gutters, dented metals
• Any previous repair records — to establish the roof’s condition before the storm
• Your contractor’s contact information — in case the adjuster has questions

3. Make the Roof Accessible

The adjuster will need to physically get on your roof. Before they arrive:

• Move vehicles away from the area where they’ll set up a ladder
• Clear any items from around the base of the house
• Unlock gates to the backyard if needed
• Make sure they can access the attic from inside (clear any stored items from around the access panel)
• If you have dogs, secure them during the visit

4. Arrange for Your Contractor to Be Present

This is strongly recommended but not required. Having your roofing contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection:

• Ensures all damage areas are pointed out
• Provides a professional second opinion in real-time
• Prevents the “I didn’t see any damage in that area” problem
• Creates accountability — it’s harder to overlook damage when a knowledgeable professional is watching

At Good Work Roofing, we attend adjuster meetings at no charge. It’s part of how we advocate for our clients.

During the Inspection: What the Adjuster Does

The Exterior Inspection (30-60 minutes)

Ground-level assessment:

• Photographs of the overall property and roof from multiple angles
• Inspection of gutters, downspouts, and fascia for dents or damage
• Check of siding, window screens, and other soft metals for hail impact
• Note of fence damage, AC unit damage, and other corroborating evidence

On-roof inspection:

• The adjuster climbs onto the roof (or uses a drone for steep/dangerous roofs)
• Walks the entire roof surface looking for impact marks
• Uses chalk to circle identified hail hits for counting and documentation
• Checks shingles for granule loss, bruising, cracking, and seal failures
• Inspects flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys
• Examines pipe boots, ridge caps, and roof vents for cracks or breaks
• Counts the number of hits per “test square” (a 10x10 foot section) — insurance companies have thresholds for what constitutes claimable damage

Attic inspection:

• Looks for signs of water intrusion — stains, mold, daylight through the deck
• Checks ventilation adequacy
• Inspects the underside of the roof deck for moisture or damage

The Interior Inspection (15-30 minutes)

If you’ve reported interior damage (leaks, ceiling stains):

• Photographs of all interior damage
• Moisture meter readings on affected areas
• Assessment of what caused the interior damage (roof leak vs. plumbing vs. condensation)

The Measurement

The adjuster measures your roof to calculate the total area in “squares.” This determines the scope of the repair or replacement estimate. Many adjusters use satellite measurement tools (like EagleView or Hover) supplemented by on-site verification.

What the Adjuster Is Looking For

Adjusters use specific criteria to determine whether damage is claimable:

Hail Damage Indicators

• Random pattern — hail hits are scattered, not concentrated in one area (which might suggest mechanical damage)
• Consistent direction — impacts should come from the same direction as the storm’s wind
• Fresh appearance — exposed asphalt under displaced granules should look dark and fresh, not weathered
• Hits per square — most carriers require a minimum number of hits per test square (typically 8+ hits per 100 sq ft) to approve a full replacement

Wind Damage Indicators

• Creased or lifted shingles — especially along edges and ridges
• Missing shingles — with exposed underlayment or decking
• Damaged ridge caps — the shingles along the peak of the roof

What They Rule Out

• Wear and tear — aging, granule loss from normal weathering
• Manufacturing defects — blistering, curling (these are warranty claims, not insurance claims)
• Maintenance issues — moss, algae, clogged gutters, neglected flashing
• Pre-existing damage — damage that predates the claimed storm event

After the Inspection: What Happens Next

1. The Adjuster’s Report

Within 3-15 business days (sometimes longer during storm season), the adjuster submits their report to the insurance company. This includes:

• All photos and documentation
• A scope of damage (what’s damaged and what’s not)
• A repair/replacement estimate using Xactimate software (the industry-standard estimating tool)
• Their recommendation: approve or deny

2. You Receive the Insurance Estimate

The insurance company sends you a written estimate based on the adjuster’s report. Review this carefully:

• Check the scope — does it include everything the adjuster noted on the roof? Compare it to your contractor’s report.
• Check the measurements — are the square footage and number of squares accurate?
• Check the line items — are all components listed? (tear-off, underlayment, shingles, flashing, pipe boots, ridge caps, drip edge, dump fees, etc.)
• Check the material specs — do they match what’s actually on your roof?

3. Compare With Your Contractor’s Estimate

This is where having your own contractor’s report pays off. Common discrepancies:

• Missing items — the adjuster didn’t include ridge cap replacement, new pipe boots, or drip edge
• Underestimated area — the adjuster measured fewer squares than your contractor
• Lower material grade — the estimate specifies cheaper materials than what’s actually installed
• Missing overhead and profit — if a general contractor is needed, O&P should be included

4. Supplemental Claims

If the adjuster’s estimate doesn’t match the actual scope of work, your contractor files a supplement — a request for additional payment with documentation of what was missed or underestimated.

Supplements are normal and expected in the roofing industry. They’re not adversarial. They’re a standard part of ensuring the insurance company pays for the actual scope of work.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

Not being present during the inspection

The adjuster may have questions about your roof’s history, the storm event, or interior damage. Be available.

Accepting the first estimate without review

The initial estimate is a starting point, not a final offer. If it doesn’t match your contractor’s assessment, you have the right to dispute it.

Signing a contract before the claim is approved

Wait until you know your payout before committing to a contractor. You need to understand the gap (if any) between what insurance covers and what the work costs.

Doing temporary repairs without documenting first

If you need to tarp a leak or make emergency repairs, photograph everything before and during the repair. Keep all receipts. Emergency mitigation costs are typically reimbursable, but only if documented.

Not having a contractor present

We mentioned this above, but it’s worth repeating. The adjuster works for the insurance company. Your contractor works for you. Having both perspectives during the inspection leads to more accurate claims.

Your Rights as a Texas Homeowner

• You have the right to choose your own contractor — the insurance company cannot force you to use their preferred vendor
• You have the right to be present during the inspection
• You have the right to a re-inspection if you disagree with the findings
• You have the right to hire a public adjuster or attorney if you believe your claim was unfairly denied or underpaid
• You have the right to file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance

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Have an adjuster visit coming up? Good Work Roofing attends adjuster inspections alongside our DFW clients at no charge. We make sure every dollar of legitimate damage gets documented.

Schedule your free inspection or call (214) 836-4511 — we’ll walk you through the entire process.

Keep Reading

• ACV vs. RCV: The Insurance Policy Detail That Could Cost You Thousands
• What Is Recoverable Depreciation? The Hidden Money in Your Roof Claim
• The One-Year Deadline That Could Cost You a New Roof