Your insurance claim, handled by a contractor who speaks adjuster.
Vulcan documents the roof, prepares a contractor scope, and can explain construction details during the carrier inspection when permitted. Your insurer independently decides coverage and payment; you approve the roofing contract and remain responsible for its terms.
№ 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 the roof and document observed conditions so you have better information before deciding what to do next. Only the carrier can determine whether a loss is covered under your policy.
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
When the carrier permits contractor attendance, we can be present to explain our measurements, photos, and contractor scope. The adjuster conducts an independent investigation for the insurer.
Carrier reviews the claimed loss
The carrier decides coverage and prepares its estimate. If the approved construction scope differs from documented code, material, or quantity requirements, additional contractor documentation may be submitted for review.
You approve the written roofing contract
The proposal identifies the roof scope, price, deductible responsibility, upgrades, non-covered work, and payment schedule. Carrier and mortgage-company payment processes vary.
№ 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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Inspection and documentation terms are explained before work begins. You are responsible for your deductible plus any non-covered or owner-selected work. Carrier payments, depreciation, mortgage endorsements, and timing vary by policy and claim.
Will filing a claim raise my rates?
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Premium and underwriting effects vary by carrier, state, claim history, and market conditions. Ask your insurer or agent how a claim may affect your policy; Vulcan cannot predict premiums.
What if my insurer denies the claim?
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We can provide additional contractor photos, measurements, and scope details for you to share with the carrier. Coverage disputes, policy interpretation, and claim advocacy belong with your insurer, a licensed public adjuster, or an attorney as appropriate.
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.
Digital Report
Insurance Claim Packet
Get adjuster-ready documentation with NOAA verification, scope of work, and a cover letter.