№ 001 / THE 6-STEP CLAIM
The claim from first photo to final payout.
Document the damage from the ground
Take photos of the yard — dented gutters, cracked slats on decks, hail chunks, tree debris. Photograph any dents on car hoods, AC units, or mailboxes. This is exactly what the adjuster looks for and what most homeowners skip. Do not climb on the roof — it can be structurally compromised.
Call us before you file
We inspect free within 48 hours and tell you honestly whether you have a claimable event. Roughly 40% of the calls we get do not actually have claim-worthy damage — filing a claim anyway can mark your policy for no reason. A pre-inspection saves you from that.
File the claim with your insurer
If we confirm damage, you file the claim (we cannot file it for you — it has to come from the policyholder). Ask specifically for a "wind and hail" claim, provide your date of loss, and note that you have already documented damage.
We meet your adjuster on site
Scheduling the inspector and us on the roof at the same time is the single biggest lever in claim outcome. We walk the roof with the adjuster, point out every hit, measure, and provide our contractor scope in industry-standard Xactimate terms.
Full replacement scope approved
The adjuster writes up an estimate and sends you a check minus your deductible. If the scope is short (common — adjusters miss things), we submit a supplement request with photo evidence and line items. Most supplements get approved.
We do the work, insurer pays us directly
You pay your deductible. We install the new roof. Insurance pays us the approved amount directly. We'll discuss any payment arrangements for the deductible during your on-site quote.
№ 002 / MISTAKES
Five ways homeowners leave money on the table.
Filing before a contractor inspection
Filing a claim without visible damage flags your policy, can raise your premium, and stays on the CLUE report for years. Always have a roofer verify damage first.
Accepting the first scope
Adjusters are trained to be conservative. Their first scope is often missing ridge vents, drip edge, ice shield, or full replacement where partial was justified. Always request supplements if anything was missed.
Taking the cash and not doing the work
Some carriers allow this but future claims on the same roof will be denied — the damage is now "pre-existing." Also, unpermitted cash-in-hand situations can void your warranty and cause sale-of-home inspection failures.
Hiring a roofer who avoids the adjuster
If your contractor does not want to meet the adjuster, they either do not know how to advocate for full scope or they are planning to cut corners. Either way, not a contractor you want.
Missing the time limit
Most policies require claims within 12 months of the loss date (some as little as 60 days). If you saw storm damage this spring, file now. Do not wait for fall to "deal with it."
№ 003 / FIELD NOTES
What the adjuster is actually looking for.
Hail bruising
Soft spots on shingles where the asphalt has been impacted — detectable by touch, invisible at a glance.
Granule loss
Shingles that look shiny or bald where granules have been knocked off; often most visible in gutters as coarse black grit.
Mat fractures
Hairline cracks in the shingle mat, which lead to leaks over the next 6–18 months.
Exposed nails
Shingles lifted by wind that no longer seal properly — a sure sign of replaceable damage.
Collateral damage
Dented gutters, bent soffit, damaged flashing. If the rest of the exterior was hit, the roof almost certainly was too.
Ridge and hip line damage
Ridge caps catch the most wind uplift. Missing or lifted ridges are common and usually qualify for replacement.
Works with every major carrier
Insurers we've worked with in St. Louis and Chicago
№ 004 / QUESTIONS
The stuff your neighbor figured out the hard way.
Does using Vulcan for my insurance claim cost me anything?
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No separate fee. Our work on your claim — documenting damage, meeting your adjuster, submitting supplements, handling paperwork — is included in the roof replacement we do for you. You only pay your deductible. The insurance company pays us the approved amount for the job.
Will filing a claim raise my rates?
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A single weather claim (classified as "act of God") typically does not raise your rate because it is not your fault. What raises rates is multiple claims in a short window, or liability claims. If you have a real storm-damage claim, your premium is almost certainly safe.
What if my insurer denies the claim?
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We re-document the damage with photo evidence, roof measurements, and a detailed scope, and submit a formal supplement request. If the denial stands, we can recommend a licensed public adjuster or an attorney who specializes in storm-claim disputes. Most initial denials in St. Louis and Chicago get reversed after a supplement.
How long does the whole process take?
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From your first call to completed roof: typically 2–4 weeks. Initial inspection within 48 hours. Adjuster visit usually within 5–10 business days after you file. Installation within 1–3 days once the scope is approved. We can move faster for emergency tarping if there is an active leak.
Do you handle hail claims in both St. Louis and Chicago?
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Yes. Both metros are in our primary service area and both are high-hail-risk regions. We work with every major carrier in MO and IL, including State Farm, Allstate, USAA, Farmers, American Family, and all regional mutuals.
Can you help if I already got a denial?
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Yes. Bring us the denial letter and any photos you have. Most denials happen because the adjuster missed damage or scoped partial where full replacement was warranted. We can document what was missed and help you submit a supplement request.