What homeowners insurance typically covers
Standard California homeowners policies cover sudden damage from named perils. The exact list varies by carrier but typically includes:
- Windstorm damage (Santa Ana events that lift shingles or dislodge tiles)
- Hail damage (rare in LA but does happen)
- Damage from fallen trees or large branches
- Damage from debris carried by wind
- Fire damage (separate consideration with brush zone implications)
- Damage from heavy snow load (basically never an LA issue)
- Sudden water intrusion from a covered event
What is typically not covered
- Wear and tear (the roof reaching end of life)
- Slow leaks that developed over time
- Damage from poor original installation
- Damage from lack of maintenance
- Cosmetic damage that does not affect roof function
- Damage from earth movement (separate earthquake policy required)
- Damage from flooding (separate flood policy required)
The decision: claim or no claim
Filing a claim has costs. The deductible (typically $1,000 to $5,000 on California policies) comes out of your pocket. Filing a claim can affect future premiums. And small claims sometimes pay less than the deductible after the math works out. Before filing, get a written estimate for the repair from a licensed roofer. If the estimate is under or near the deductible, paying out of pocket is often the better answer.
If the damage is significant (a major windstorm event that damaged multiple sections, a tree fall that punctured the roof, a hail event that damaged shingles across the whole roof), filing the claim makes sense. The carrier expects to pay claims for these events.
How to document the damage
Documentation is the single biggest factor in whether a claim succeeds. The adjuster needs to see:
- Photos of the damage from multiple angles, taken as soon after the event as possible
- Interior photos of any water staining or active leak
- Date and time stamped photos (modern phones do this automatically)
- Any prior maintenance records showing the roof was in good condition before the event
- A written estimate from a licensed contractor for the repair scope
- Weather data confirming the storm event (we can help with this for major events)
What we provide for insurance claims
We offer a paid documentation report specifically formatted for insurance adjusters. The report includes:
- Detailed damage assessment with photos of every affected area
- Scope of work to restore the roof to pre damage condition
- Material specifications by brand and grade
- Cost breakdown line by line
- Reference to the storm event with date and weather data
- Statement of pre damage condition based on visible signs
The fee for the documentation report is typically $300 to $500 depending on roof size. The fee is generally reimbursable as part of the claim if the claim is approved.
Working with the adjuster
The adjuster will inspect the roof, either personally or through a desk review of your documentation. A few tips:
- Be present when the adjuster visits if possible
- Have your documentation ready to share
- Have your contractor's written estimate ready to share
- Ask questions: which damage they are approving, which they are denying, and why
- If the adjuster's settlement seems too low, you can request a re inspection or escalate to a public adjuster
After the claim is approved
Most California carriers pay claims in two installments: a first check at approval, and a second check after work is completed and inspected. This is to prevent claim fraud. Once you receive the second check, the claim is closed. Work with your contractor to schedule the repair on the carrier's timeline.
What we do not do
We do not handle the insurance claim for you. The claim is between you and your carrier. We provide the documentation and the repair scope. Some roofing companies advertise themselves as insurance claim specialists, and that line of work has a history of fraud. We focus on roofing, the insurance side stays with you.