A storm hits, your roof is damaged, and now you're staring at a pile of paperwork from your insurance company. For most Brooklyn homeowners, this is unfamiliar territory. The claims process can feel designed to be confusing — and sometimes it is. Here's a clear-eyed guide to getting what you're entitled to.
Step 1: Document Everything Immediately
Before calling your insurance company, document the damage yourself. Take timestamped photos and video from the ground (don't go on the roof yourself — that's dangerous and could void your coverage if you cause additional damage). Capture wide shots showing the full roof context, then close-ups of each damaged area.
- Photograph from multiple angles and distances
- Document any interior damage (ceiling stains, wet walls)
- Save any debris (hailstones, broken shingles) as physical evidence
- Note the date and time the storm occurred
- Screenshot weather reports showing the storm data for your area
Step 2: File Your Claim Promptly
Most homeowner policies in New York have a notice requirement — meaning you must report damage within a reasonable time after discovery. Don't wait weeks. File your claim, get a claim number, and note the name of every person you speak to at the insurance company.
Step 3: Get a Professional Inspection Before the Adjuster Arrives
This is the step most homeowners skip, and it's often the most important. A licensed roofing contractor can inspect your roof and provide a written damage assessment before the insurance adjuster shows up. Having an independent professional assessment gives you a baseline to compare against the adjuster's scope.
Pro Tip: Ask the roofing contractor to be present during the adjuster inspection. A good contractor will advocate for accurate damage documentation. Many Brooklyn homeowners get underpaid simply because no one was there to point out secondary damage.
Common Mistakes That Reduce Your Payout
- Accepting the first estimate without getting a second opinion
- Starting repairs before the adjuster visits (can void part of the claim)
- Not understanding the difference between ACV and RCV policies
- Ignoring supplemental claims for damage discovered during repairs
- Signing over your claim rights to a contractor (assignment of benefits) — always retain control
ACV vs. RCV: Know Your Policy
Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies pay you the depreciated value of your roof. If you have a 15-year-old roof and it's destroyed, you might receive far less than replacement cost. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies pay the full cost to replace the roof with a comparable new one. Check your policy — the difference can be thousands of dollars on a Brooklyn roof replacement.
When to Dispute a Claim
If the adjuster's scope of work is significantly lower than your roofing contractor's assessment, you have the right to dispute it. Request the adjuster's itemized report, compare it line by line with your contractor's estimate, and submit a formal supplement. If the gap is large, a public adjuster (a licensed professional who works for you, not the insurance company) may be worth hiring.
