Washington State is a beautiful place to live, but our unique climate brings its share of challenging weather. From fierce Pacific windstorms to heavy, persistent rainfall and the occasional burst of hail, your roof takes a beating. If a recent storm has left you with damage, dealing with the insurance claims process can feel overwhelming.
At Fast Roofing, we are not just here to fix your roof. We are here to guide you through the entire claims journey, ensuring you get the fair coverage you deserve. This guide outlines the important steps for a seamless roof insurance claim in the Pacific Northwest.
Step 1: Immediate Action Safety and Documentation
What you do right after the storm is very important for a successful claim.
Prioritize Safety and Prevent Further Damage
- Stay Off the Roof: Never climb onto your roof after a storm has passed. It is dangerous, and you could inadvertently cause more damage.
- Mitigate Damage: Your insurance policy requires you to prevent further loss. This means safely placing tarps over any large holes or leaks to prevent water from entering your home.
- Save Everything: Keep records of all expenses related to temporary fixes, including receipts for tarps, wood, and emergency repair labor.
Document the Damage Thoroughly
Insurance companies rely heavily on evidence. You need proof that the damage was sudden and caused by a covered storm event.
- Photos and Video: Take clear, dated pictures and videos from the ground. Capture missing shingles, broken vents, dents in flashing or gutters, and any tree debris that struck your home.
- Interior Damage: Document water stains on ceilings, walls, or in the attic.
- Keep a Log: Note the exact date and time the storm occurred.
Step 2: Call Fast Roofing First Before Your Insurance Agent
This is a step that many homeowners overlook, but it is the most crucial strategic move you can make.
Do not rely solely on your insurance company’s adjuster, who works for the insurer. Instead, call a trusted local expert like Fast Roofing immediately for a free, no-obligation roof inspection.
Why Call Us First?
- Expert Assessment: Our inspectors are trained to spot both visible and hidden storm damage (like granule loss, lifting shingles, or subtle hail impact) that a non-roofer might overlook.
- Independent Estimate: We provide a detailed, accurate repair or replacement estimate based on current local material and labor costs. This gives you a professional benchmark to compare against your insurer’s eventual estimate.
- Determine Claim Necessity: If the damage is minimal and the repair cost is close to or less than your deductible, filing a claim may not be worthwhile. We help you make an informed decision.
Step 3: Understanding Your Policy RCV vs. ACV
Before filing, you must know what your policy covers. Check whether your roof is covered by Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV).
| Policy Type | Definition | Payout Structure |
| Replacement Cost Value (RCV) | Pays the full cost to repair or replace the roof with new, comparable materials, without depreciation deduction. | Payment is typically split into two checks: the first based on ACV, and the second (recoverable depreciation) after the work is complete. |
| Actual Cash Value (ACV) | Pays the cost to repair or replace the roof, minus depreciation (wear and tear due to the roof’s age and condition). | The initial payout is often less than the cost of a full replacement, leaving the homeowner to cover the difference. |
Common Exclusions
Most standard policies will deny claims if the damage is deemed the result of:
- Neglect or Poor Maintenance: If the roof was already compromised by rot, moss, or long-term wear and tear.
- Gradual Water Damage: Damage that occurred slowly over time, rather than suddenly from a storm.
Step 4: Filing Your Claim and Knowing Your WA State Rights
Once you have documentation and a professional inspection from Fast Roofing, you are prepared to file.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider: File the claim using your policy number, the date/time of the storm, and the details of the damage you documented.
- Know Your Rights (WA State Law): The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) protects homeowners by mandating strict timelines for insurers in Washington State (WAC 284-30):
- Your insurer must acknowledge your claim within 10 working days after receiving notice.
- They must then accept or deny your fully completed claim within 15 working days of receiving your proof of loss (WAC 284-30-380). If they require additional time for investigation, they must notify you within 15 working days, stating the reason for the delay.
- Your Right to Choose: You have the absolute legal right to select your own licensed contractor (like Fast Roofing) to perform the repairs. You are not required to use any vendor recommended by the insurance company.
Step 5: The Adjuster Meeting and Finalizing Repairs
The most important appointment is when the insurance adjuster comes to your property.
The Inspection Meeting
Fast Roofing highly recommends scheduling the adjuster meeting only after coordinating with us, so that one of our roofing experts can be present to meet them.
- Advocacy: We ensure the adjuster sees every point of damage that was noted in our pre-claim inspection.
- Accurate Scope: We discuss the technical requirements and local building codes, ensuring the estimate includes all necessary items to complete the job correctly.
Reviewing the Estimate and Supplemental Claims
After the adjuster completes their report, you will receive an insurance estimate (Scope of Loss).
- Review: Compare this document line by line with the estimate provided by Fast Roofing.
- Supplemental Claim: If the insurance estimate is too low or omits crucial items (e.g., proper ventilation, local code upgrades), we will assist you in filing a Supplemental Claim with the necessary documentation to advocate for the full, fair cost of the repair or replacement.
Ready to Claim Peace of Mind?
Dealing with storm damage is stressful, but with a clear plan and a trusted partner, you can navigate the insurance claims process with confidence.
Fast Roofing is your local expert for storm damage assessment and repair in Washington State. We manage the insurance process from start to finish, fighting for a complete replacement and ensuring your home is protected for years to come.
Do not wait; damage can worsen quickly in our rainy climate.
Contact Fast Roofing Today for your free roof inspection and claim consultation.