A re-inspection is just what it sounds like: your insurance company sends someone back out to take a second look at the roof. It's usually the fastest and least confrontational way to fix a low estimate or a denial, and most homeowners don't know they can ask for one.
When a re-inspection makes sense
- The adjuster never got on the roof, or only looked from a ladder.
- Only one or two slopes were checked.
- Gutters, downspouts, vents, flashing or skylights were left off the estimate.
- Hail bruises were written off as "wear."
- The estimate pays to patch a few shingles, but the shingles can't be matched or repaired properly.
If none of that applies and the roof really is just old, a re-inspection probably won't change much. That's something we'll tell you honestly after we look.
Before you ask: get your own documentation
Asking for a re-inspection without new evidence usually gets you the same answer. So before you call, have the roof inspected by a roofer who doesn't work for the insurance company. When we do it, you get:
- Photos of every slope, with hail hits circled in chalk and measured.
- Close-ups of bruised or cracked shingles and granule loss.
- Photos of dented metal: vents, flashing, drip edge, gutters.
- Roof measurements and a written, itemized estimate.
Add your own photos of damage around the property: the air conditioner, siding, window screens, mailbox, cars. Note the date and time of the storm.
How to ask
- Call your claims rep. Tell them you have new documentation and want the roof re-inspected.
- Follow up in writing. Email is fine. Put your claim number and date of loss at the top. List what you believe was missed, in plain language.
- Attach the photo report. Don't make them ask for it.
- Ask for your roofer to be there. Pointing at the damage on the roof beats arguing about photos.
- Keep a log. Who you talked to, when, and what they said. Save every email.
What happens at the re-inspection
The insurer may send the same adjuster, a different one, or sometimes an engineer. Be home if you can, or have your roofer there. We'll walk the roof with the adjuster and show them each area we documented. Afterward, ask for a copy of any revised estimate and any engineer report.
Results vary. Sometimes slopes, gutters and vents get added. Sometimes a repair becomes a full replacement. Sometimes the original decision stands.
If the answer is still no
You still have options: the appraisal clause in your policy, a free complaint to your state insurance department, or a licensed public adjuster or attorney. We cover each of those on our know your rights page and our claim denied page.
How we help
Free inspection, a slope-by-slope photo report, and a roofer standing next to the adjuster on re-inspection day. We're roofers, not public adjusters, so we don't negotiate the claim, but we'll make sure what's on your roof gets seen. Call 1-800-564-6232, answered 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
How do I ask my insurance company to re-inspect my roof?
Call your claims rep, then email a written request with your claim number, date of loss, what you think was missed and an independent photo report.
Can my roofer be at the re-inspection?
You can ask, and most insurers will work with it. Having your roofer on the roof lets the damage be shown directly to the adjuster.
Is there a deadline to ask for a re-inspection?
Policies set their own deadlines for reporting and disputing claims. Read yours and act soon. Waiting rarely helps a storm claim.
What if the re-inspection still denies my claim?
You can look at appraisal under your policy, file a complaint with your state insurance department, or hire a licensed public adjuster or attorney.
More storm damage help
- Roof claim denied? Here is what to do next
- Know your rights as a consumer after storm damage
- Storm damage inspections: you have the right to choose your contractor
- Storm and hail damage repair
- Roof insurance claim help
Get a free storm damage inspection. Call 1-800-564-6232, answered 24/7, or use the form at the top of this page.