Roof Insurance Claim Brooklyn: A Step by Step Guide

After a major Brooklyn storm, dozens of homeowners call us in the same week. About half are sure their insurance won't cover it. Most of them are wrong, but they need to file correctly within a short window, or the claim does get denied. Here's exactly how to do it.

What Insurance Usually Covers (and What It Doesn't)

Most standard NYC homeowners policies (HO 3) cover roof damage caused by a sudden, accidental event:

• Wind damage (lifted shingles, blown off sections, ridge damage)
• Hail damage (granule loss, bruising on shingles)
• Falling objects (tree branches, debris)
• Fire and lightning
• Sudden water damage from a covered event

What's typically excluded:

• Wear and tear / age related deterioration
• Lack of maintenance (clogged gutters, neglected sealant)
• Preexisting damage that wasn't reported when the policy started
• Damage from a slow leak that went unaddressed
• Cosmetic only damage (depends on policy)

Step 1: Document Immediately (Within 24 Hours)

The moment you suspect storm damage, document everything. Time stamped photos are your evidence.

• Wide shots showing the whole roof from each side
• Close ups of any visible damage
• Interior photos of any leaks, stains, or water
• Date/time stamp visible (your phone's photo metadata is fine)
• Any debris on the property (a tree branch, hailstones if visible)

Do NOT climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Photos from the ground, a window, or a drone are safer and good enough for the initial claim.

Step 2: Mitigate Further Damage (Insurance Requires This)

Your policy requires you to prevent additional damage. That usually means:

• Tarping the damaged area (a roofer can do this same day)
• Catching interior leaks with buckets
• Moving furniture/belongings away from leaks

Keep receipts for everything: tarping, hotel if you have to leave, moving costs. Most policies reimburse mitigation costs.

Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company

File the claim within 48 to 72 hours if possible. Many policies have a 1-year deadline, but the longer you wait, the more the insurer can argue the damage worsened due to your delay.

When you call, have ready:

• Policy number
• Date and time of the storm
• Brief description of damage
• Your photos (they may ask you to upload via their app)

They'll assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster visit (usually within 7 to 14 days).

Step 4: Get Your Own Contractor Inspection BEFORE the Adjuster Visits

This is the most important step homeowners miss. Hire a licensed roofing contractor (us, or another reputable one) to do an independent inspection and provide a written report with photos. Why this matters:

• The adjuster works for the insurance company, not you
• Your contractor knows what to look for (lifted shingles, granule loss, hail bruising)
• A written contractor report becomes leverage if the insurance estimate is too low
• Most reputable Brooklyn roofers (including MLM) do this inspection free as part of an estimate

Step 5: Meet the Adjuster (Or Have Your Roofer Meet Them)

When the adjuster comes out, ideally your roofing contractor is there too. This is standard practice in Brooklyn and the adjuster expects it. Your contractor walks the roof with them and points out damage the adjuster might otherwise miss.

Take notes during the visit. Get the adjuster's name and direct contact info. Ask them what they're going to write up.

Step 6: Review the Settlement Offer Carefully

The insurance company will send a written estimate. Three things to check:

• Scope: Does it cover everything your contractor identified? Often it doesn't: they'll cover the shingles but skip the underlayment or flashing.
• ACV vs RCV: Actual Cash Value (depreciated) vs Replacement Cost Value (full cost). Most policies pay ACV upfront and RCV after the work is done and you submit invoices.
• Code upgrades: If NYC code now requires drip edge or ice/water shield where your old roof didn't have it, your policy may or may not cover the upgrade. Check the "ordinance and law" coverage.

Step 7: Negotiate or Appeal If Needed

If the settlement is too low, you can:

• Submit a supplemental estimate from your contractor and request reconsideration
• Request a reinspection by a different adjuster
• File an appraisal demand (most policies have this clause, both sides hire an appraiser, they pick an umpire if they disagree)
• Engage a public adjuster (they take 10 to 15% of the settlement but often increase the payout significantly for larger claims)

Step 8: Do the Work With a Licensed Contractor

Once approved, you can hire any licensed contractor (not just one the insurance recommends). Reasons to hire local:

• Out of state "storm chaser" contractors disappear once paid
• Local contractors warranty their work and answer the phone next year
• Familiar with NYC permitting (which storm chasers often skip)

Timeline Summary

• Day 0: Storm hits. Document and tarp.
• Day 1 to 3: File claim, schedule contractor inspection.
• Day 3 to 7: Contractor inspection. Get written report.
• Day 7 to 14: Adjuster visit. Contractor attends if possible.
• Day 14 to 30: Receive settlement offer. Review with contractor.
• Day 30 to 45: Negotiate if needed. Schedule work.
• Day 45 to 90: Work completed. Submit invoices for RCV (if applicable). Final payment received.

Common Brooklyn Storm Damage Causes

• Nor'easters: Wind plus saturated ground = tree falls + lifted shingles
• Hurricane / tropical storm remnants: Wind driven rain finds every weak spot
• Hail (rare but does happen): Damages shingles cosmetically and functionally
• Heavy snow / ice dams: Water backs up under shingles, gets into the wall
• High summer winds + microbursts: Quickest cause of localized damage

When to Get a Public Adjuster vs Go It Alone

For claims under $10,000, you can usually negotiate on your own with your roofing contractor's help. For claims over $25,000 or where the insurance is denying significant portions, a licensed public adjuster typically pays for themselves. In NYC, public adjusters are regulated by the NY DFS and charge 10 to 15% of the recovered amount.

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