When a storm hits in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, roof damage can happen fast, and dealing with the aftermath often feels overwhelming. Between assessing the damage, contacting your insurance company, and finding a reliable contractor, the process can seem complicated. But it doesn’t have to be.
At Sammy’s Roofing, we’ve helped countless homeowners and property managers across Chicagoland navigate the roof insurance claim process with confidence. Understanding how it works, and what steps to take right after the damage occurs, can make the difference between a smooth repair and a stressful experience.
When Roof Damage Happens
After a severe storm, high winds, or hail event, roof damage isn’t always obvious right away. Shingles might lift, granules may wear off, or flashing can loosen just enough to let water in over time.
That’s why your first step should always be safety and documentation. Once the storm passes and it’s safe to go outside, take photos of your home from the ground. Capture visible damage, debris, and any signs of leaks inside your home. Avoid climbing onto the roof yourself, especially if it’s wet or unstable.
From there, you’ll want to contact both your roofing contractor and your insurance company as soon as possible.
Step 1: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Before filing a claim, it’s smart to have a professional inspection. Sammy’s Roofing provides detailed inspections specifically for insurance claims. Our trained technicians know exactly what adjusters look for and can identify hidden or subtle storm damage that might otherwise go unreported.
This inspection ensures that you have a clear understanding of the roof’s condition, the extent of the damage, and whether a claim is justified. Sometimes, the damage is minimal enough that filing a claim isn’t worth the potential premium impact. Other times, it’s essential.
A professional inspection gives you the documentation and expert insight you’ll need when talking with your insurance company.
Step 2: File the Insurance Claim
Once you have your inspection report and photos, it’s time to file your claim. Most insurance providers allow you to do this online or over the phone. You’ll need to provide:
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Your policy number
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The date of the storm or damage
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A brief description of what happened
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Supporting documentation and photos
Your insurer will then assign a claims adjuster to your case. This person’s job is to assess the damage and determine how much of the repair or replacement cost your policy will cover.
Step 3: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster
The adjuster will schedule a time to visit your property and inspect the damage in person. It’s important that your roofing contractor, ideally the same one who did your inspection, is present during this meeting.
At Sammy’s Roofing, we make sure one of our experienced team members is there to walk the roof with the adjuster. We point out all storm-related issues and provide documentation, including photos, material details, and repair estimates. This helps ensure nothing is overlooked and that the adjuster has a complete, accurate view of the damage.
Without a contractor on-site, some claims risk being undervalued simply because the adjuster missed smaller areas of impact or structural wear.
Step 4: Review the Claim and Settlement Offer
After the adjuster’s visit, your insurance company will send you a summary of their findings, often called a “scope of loss.” This document outlines what’s covered, what isn’t, and how much they’re willing to pay for the repairs or replacement.
Review this carefully with your roofing contractor. If the estimate doesn’t fully cover the necessary work or materials, your contractor can often communicate directly with the insurer to request a supplement or clarification.
At Sammy’s Roofing, we routinely help customers through this step, ensuring that all storm-related damage, visible and hidden, is properly accounted for in the claim.
Step 5: Schedule Repairs or Replacement
Once your claim is approved, it’s time to move forward with the work. Sammy’s Roofing handles the entire process from start to finish, using top-tier materials from GAF and Owens Corning. We also coordinate with your insurer to submit invoices, photos, and proof of completion as needed.
This step is often where homeowners feel relief, the hard part is over, and your property is being restored. For commercial clients, we schedule work to minimize disruption to tenants or operations while maintaining full compliance with insurance documentation requirements.
Understanding Your Deductible and Coverage
Every policy is different, so it’s important to know what your deductible and coverage limits are before you file a claim. Most homeowners’ policies in Illinois cover roof damage caused by wind, hail, or falling debris, but may exclude normal wear and tear.
You’ll typically be responsible for paying your deductible, while your insurer covers the remaining repair or replacement costs. For example, if your deductible is $1,000 and your roof replacement is approved for $10,000, you’d pay $1,000 and insurance would cover the other $9,000.
Sammy’s Roofing can help you interpret your policy and understand what’s covered before any work begins, so there are no surprises later.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeline depends on the extent of the damage and how quickly your insurance company responds, but most claims in the Chicago area are resolved within two to four weeks. Weather and adjuster availability can cause delays, especially after widespread storm events.
Working with a local roofing company like Sammy’s helps streamline this process. We’re familiar with the area’s insurance providers and adjusters, and we make sure documentation is clear and prompt.
Why Work with a Local Contractor
After major storms, it’s common for out-of-town “storm chasers” to flood neighborhoods offering fast repairs and insurance claim help. Unfortunately, many of these companies disappear once the work is done, leaving homeowners without warranty support or local accountability.
Sammy’s Roofing is a family-owned business rooted right here in the Chicagoland area. We know the local weather patterns, understand the regional insurance processes, and stand behind every job we complete. If there’s ever a concern after the work is finished, we’re just a short drive away, not states away.
Helping You Through Every Step
From the first inspection to the final cleanup, Sammy’s Roofing is with you through the entire insurance claim process. We handle the technical details, documentation, and communication so you can focus on getting life back to normal.
If you suspect your roof was damaged in a recent storm, or if you just want a professional opinion before filing a claim, contact Sammy’s Roofing today. We’ll inspect your roof, document the damage, and help you decide whether filing a claim makes sense for your situation.
Serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, we’re here to help you restore your property with honesty, expertise, and dependable local service.
