Roof insurance claim assistance across Oahu. Expert documentation, adjuster meetings, supplement filing. Get full coverage for storm damage. Free inspection.
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Filing a roof damage insurance claim seems straightforward until you're in the middle of it. Insurance companies have adjusters, processes, and procedures designed to manage their costs. You're dealing with an unfamiliar system while trying to protect your home. The playing field isn't level.
When you're searching for a roofer near me after storm damage, you need more than just repair skills. You need someone who understands the insurance process and will advocate for your interests. We've helped hundreds of Oahu homeowners navigate claims successfully, and we know what it takes to get full coverage for legitimate damage.
Insurance Companies Aren't Your Advocates: Your insurance company isn't trying to cheat you, but they're also not trying to maximize your payout. Adjusters are trained to document what they see and apply coverage guidelines. They may miss damage, underestimate repair costs, or interpret policy language narrowly. You need someone on your side.
Documentation Makes or Breaks Claims: The difference between a fully covered claim and a partial payment often comes down to documentation. Proper photos, detailed damage descriptions, and professional assessments support your claim. Missing or inadequate documentation leads to denials and underpayments.
You Don't Know What You Don't Know: Most homeowners file roof claims once or twice in their lives. Insurance adjusters handle claims daily. This experience gap works against you. We level the playing field with our knowledge of the claims process, coverage provisions, and repair requirements.
Timing Matters: Insurance claims have deadlines and procedures. Missing filing windows, failing to document properly, or not responding to requests can jeopardize your claim. We keep the process on track.
Our claim assistance covers every phase of the insurance process:
We start with a thorough inspection of your roof, documenting all damage regardless of how obvious or subtle. Our inspections go beyond what most homeowners can see from the ground:
Complete Roof Assessment: We inspect the entire roof surface, not just the area where you noticed a problem. Storm damage is often more widespread than initially apparent.
All Damage Types: We identify wind damage, impact damage, hail damage (rare in Hawaii but possible), and any other storm-related issues. We know what adjusters look for and what qualifies as covered damage.
Hidden Damage: Some damage isn't visible from casual observation. Lifted shingles with broken seals, compromised flashings, and subtle impact marks all affect your roof's integrity. We find damage others miss.
Attic Inspection: We always inspect inside the attic when accessible. This is crucial for documenting decking condition, which can support code upgrade requirements and reveal water damage not visible from outside. Damaged or deteriorated decking often triggers code-required replacements that significantly increase claim value. We photograph decking conditions, moisture damage, and any structural concerns.
Interior Inspection: When applicable, we inspect interior areas for water damage, staining, and other evidence of roof compromise. Interior damage supports exterior damage claims.
Photographic Documentation: We photograph all damage systematically, creating a visual record that supports your claim. Our photos are clear, properly labeled, and organized for adjuster review.
After inspection, we provide a comprehensive damage report documenting our findings:
Damage Descriptions: Each damaged area is described in detail, including location, type of damage, apparent cause, and repair requirements.
Photo Documentation: Photos are organized and labeled to clearly show each damage point.
Repair Scope: We outline what repairs are needed to properly address the damage, not just minimal patches but complete restoration of your roof's integrity.
Industry Standards: Our reports reference industry standards and manufacturer requirements, supporting the case for proper repairs rather than shortcuts.
We help you file your claim correctly the first time:
Proper Timing: We ensure claims are filed within required timeframes and with appropriate urgency.
Complete Information: We help you provide all necessary information to avoid delays from incomplete submissions.
Damage Description: We help you describe damage accurately and completely, using terminology that aligns with coverage provisions.
Supporting Documentation: We provide our inspection report and photos to support your claim from the start.
When your insurance adjuster comes to inspect, we're there with you:
Professional Presence: Having a knowledgeable professional present changes the dynamic. Adjusters know we understand the process and won't accept cursory inspections.
Damage Tour: We walk the adjuster through all documented damage, ensuring nothing is overlooked. We point out damage that might not be obvious and explain why it matters.
Technical Discussion: We can discuss repair requirements, material specifications, and industry standards with adjusters in professional terms they understand.
Documentation Comparison: We compare our documentation with the adjuster's findings, identifying any discrepancies for immediate discussion.
Question Response: We help answer technical questions about damage, repairs, and requirements that you might not be able to address yourself.
After the adjuster's inspection, you'll receive an estimate. We review it carefully:
Completeness Check: We verify that all documented damage is included in the estimate. Missing items are common and need to be addressed.
Repair Scope Review: We assess whether the estimated repairs will actually fix the damage properly, or if the scope is inadequate.
Pricing Analysis: We compare estimated costs to actual Hawaii market rates. Mainland-based estimates often undervalue Hawaii labor and material costs.
Line Item Review: We examine individual line items for accuracy, appropriate quantities, and correct specifications.
When insurance estimates fall short, we file supplements to recover the full amount you're owed:
Identified Gaps: We document specific items missing from the original estimate or undervalued.
Additional Documentation: We provide supporting evidence for supplemental claims, including additional photos, measurements, and professional assessments.
Industry Pricing: We document actual Hawaii costs for materials and labor that may exceed mainland-based estimates.
Code Requirements: When code upgrades are required, we document these requirements and their associated costs.
Hidden Damage: Damage discovered during repairs that wasn't visible during initial inspection is documented and submitted for supplemental coverage.
When disputes arise, we support resolution:
Technical Arguments: We provide technical justification for repair requirements that adjusters question.
Documentation: We supply additional documentation to support contested items.
Escalation Guidance: If initial adjusters are unresponsive, we guide you through escalation processes.
Appraisal Process Education: If claims reach impasse, we educate you on the appraisal process available under most policies. This formal dispute resolution mechanism can resolve disagreements over claim value. We then refer you to qualified appraisers in our network who specialize in roof damage disputes.
Some claims require additional expertise beyond our scope. We've built relationships with professionals who can help:
Public Adjusters: Licensed professionals who can represent you directly in complex claims or disputes. We refer to trusted public adjusters when claims require their level of involvement.
Appraisers: When claims reach the appraisal stage, we connect you with experienced appraisers who understand Hawaii roofing and insurance requirements.
Attorneys: For claims involving bad faith or requiring legal action, we can refer you to attorneys experienced in insurance disputes.
Our network ensures you have access to the right professional for your specific situation.
Insurance claims result in one of three outcomes, and understanding this helps set realistic expectations:
Claims and payout amounts vary significantly based on the type of adjuster assigned and their level of authority. Understanding this helps explain why similar claims can have different outcomes:
Staff Adjusters: Full-time employees of your insurance company. They handle routine claims and typically have set authority limits for approvals. Claims exceeding their authority must be escalated to supervisors.
Independent Adjusters: Contractors hired by insurance companies, often during busy periods. Their authority levels vary by contract and experience. Some have significant approval power; others are limited to documentation and recommendation.
CAT Adjusters (Catastrophe Adjusters): Deployed after major events like hurricanes or widespread storm damage. Hawaii doesn't have as many local adjusters on-island full time, so when a lot of claims are filed at once, insurance companies send CAT adjusters from the mainland to handle the volume. These adjusters may be less familiar with Hawaii's specific conditions, materials, and costs. They typically handle high volumes quickly, which can result in missed damage or undervalued estimates. However, experienced CAT adjusters may have higher authority limits to process claims efficiently during disaster response.
Desk Adjusters: Review claims remotely without visiting the property. They rely on photos and reports, which is why thorough documentation is critical. Desk adjusters may have limited authority and often defer to field inspection findings.
Senior/Supervisory Adjusters: Have higher authority limits and can approve larger payouts. When claims are escalated or disputed, senior adjusters often have the power to authorize full replacements that lower-level adjusters cannot.
Why This Matters: The adjuster assigned to your claim can significantly impact your outcome. A CAT adjuster rushing through post-storm claims may miss damage that a thorough staff adjuster would catch. Conversely, a senior adjuster reviewing a disputed claim may have authority to approve amounts a field adjuster couldn't. We understand these dynamics and adjust our approach based on who's handling your claim. When appropriate, we request escalation to adjusters with proper authority for your claim's scope.
Some claims are denied entirely. This typically happens when insurers attribute damage to maintenance or age rather than covered events, or when documentation is insufficient. Denials can often be appealed with additional evidence, and we help assess whether appeal makes sense.
Partial approval is the most common initial outcome. The insurance company agrees some damage is covered but limits the scope, perhaps approving repair of one roof section rather than the whole roof. Partial approvals are often the starting point for supplements that recover additional coverage.
Full roof replacement approval typically doesn't come upfront unless damage is undeniably severe. However, partial approvals frequently become full replacements through proper documentation and supplement filing. This progression is more common than most homeowners realize.
Many homeowners assume their aging roof won't qualify for coverage, but this isn't true. Old roofs, including 3-tab shingle roofs, still get covered when storm damage occurs. The key is documenting that a covered event caused the damage, not gradual wear.
Discontinued Shingles: Hawaii has certain discontinued shingle types that are no longer manufactured or available locally. This is something we specifically document during inspections. We identify your shingle type and research whether matching materials exist on-island. When shingles can't be matched, the "matching" provision in your policy often requires covering additional replacement to maintain uniform appearance.
3-Tab Shingles: Many older Hawaii homes still have 3-tab shingles, which are particularly vulnerable to wind damage. When storm damage affects 3-tab roofs, claims are valid regardless of roof age. The storm caused the damage, even if the roof's age made it more susceptible.
Getting a partial replacement approval upgraded to full replacement isn't as uncommon as people think. It's actually very common in Hawaii for several reasons:
Hawaii Building Code Updates: Our building codes have been updated significantly, particularly for wind resistance. When partial roof work triggers code compliance requirements, the scope often expands to full replacement to meet current standards.
Discontinued Shingles: When your shingle type is no longer available and matching isn't possible, partial repairs would leave your roof with mismatched materials. Policies typically cover the additional work needed for uniform appearance.
Proper Installation Guidelines: Manufacturer installation requirements may not allow partial replacement in certain situations. When proper installation requires more extensive work, insurance often covers the expanded scope.
Discovered Damage: Once work begins, additional damage often becomes visible that wasn't apparent during initial inspection. This hidden damage supports supplemental claims for expanded scope.
We understand these dynamics and document claims to support the full scope of legitimate damage and required repairs.
Knowing what your policy covers helps you navigate the claims process:
Wind Damage: Shingles blown off, tiles displaced, metal panels lifted, and flashings damaged by wind are covered under standard homeowners policies. Hawaii's trade winds and storm events regularly cause covered wind damage.
Storm Damage: Damage from tropical storms, hurricanes, and severe weather events is covered. This includes rain damage that occurs because of storm-damaged roofing.
Debris Impact: When trees, branches, or wind-blown debris damage your roof, repairs are covered. This includes both the roof damage and removal of the debris.
Hail Damage: Though rare in Hawaii, hail damage is covered when it occurs, typically at higher elevations.
Fire Damage: Roof damage from fire is covered under standard policies.
Resulting Water Damage: Interior damage from water entering through storm-damaged roofing is typically covered.
Normal Wear and Tear: Gradual deterioration from age and weathering isn't covered. A roof that slowly wore out over 25 years isn't an insurance claim.
Maintenance Issues: Damage resulting from lack of maintenance, such as leaks from deteriorated flashings or failed sealants, typically isn't covered.
Pre-Existing Damage: Damage that existed before a claimed storm event isn't covered. This is why proper documentation of storm-caused damage matters.
Flood Damage: Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage. Separate flood insurance is required for flood-related losses.
Many claims involve situations that aren't clearly covered or excluded:
Storm Damage to Aging Roofs: A wind event that wouldn't damage a new roof might tear shingles from an older one. If a covered event caused the damage, it's generally covered even if the roof's age made it vulnerable.
Matching: If damaged shingles can't be matched and partial replacement would result in mismatched appearance, many policies require additional replacement to maintain uniform appearance. This "matching" provision can significantly increase coverage.
Code Upgrades: When repairs trigger building code requirements for upgrades, these costs may be covered under "ordinance or law" provisions. Not all policies include this coverage.
Cosmetic Damage: Some policies exclude "cosmetic" damage that doesn't affect function. Whether damage is cosmetic or functional can be disputed.
Understanding common problems helps you avoid them:
The most common problem is insurance payments that don't cover actual repair costs:
Missed Damage: Adjusters may not identify all damage, especially subtle issues like lifted shingles with broken seals.
Mainland Pricing: Estimates based on mainland costs undervalue Hawaii's higher labor and material expenses.
Inadequate Scope: Estimates may call for repairs that don't fully address damage or meet manufacturer requirements.
Our Response: Thorough documentation, supplement filing, and negotiation recover underpaid amounts.
Some legitimate claims are denied:
Age Exclusions: Insurers may claim damage is from age rather than a covered event, even when storm damage is evident.
Maintenance Attribution: Insurers may attribute damage to maintenance failure rather than covered events.
Documentation Gaps: Claims without adequate documentation are more likely to be denied.
Our Response: Proper documentation from the start supports covered damage claims. When denials occur, we help gather evidence for appeals.
Claims can drag on for weeks or months:
Adjuster Scheduling: After major storms, adjuster availability is limited, delaying inspections.
Processing Backlogs: High claim volumes create processing delays.
Information Requests: Incomplete submissions trigger information requests that delay processing.
Our Response: Complete initial documentation reduces information requests. We follow up on delayed claims and escalate when appropriate.
Policy type affects how depreciation is handled:
Actual Cash Value (ACV): ACV policies deduct depreciation from payments. You receive less than full replacement cost, with the difference representing your roof's age-related value loss.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): RCV policies pay full replacement cost, though depreciation may be withheld until repairs are completed.
Depreciation Calculations: How depreciation is calculated can be disputed. Excessive depreciation reduces your payment unfairly.
Our Response: We review depreciation calculations for reasonableness and dispute excessive deductions.
We have experience with all major carriers serving Oahu homeowners:
State Farm: Hawaii's largest homeowners insurer. We understand their claims process, documentation requirements, and common issues.
Allstate: Major national carrier with significant Hawaii presence. We're familiar with their procedures and have helped many Allstate policyholders navigate claims. We also work with Allstate on ladder assists to ensure proper documentation and fair assessment of damage.
FICOH (First Insurance Company of Hawaii): Local carrier with deep Hawaii roots. We understand their approach and work effectively with their adjusters.
Island Insurance: Another Hawaii-based carrier. Their local focus means adjusters who understand Hawaii conditions.
DTRIC: Growing Hawaii presence. We've helped DTRIC policyholders achieve fair claim outcomes.
Travelers: Major carrier for both residential and commercial properties. We handle claims with Travelers regularly.
Liberty Mutual: National carrier with Hawaii operations. We understand their processes and requirements.
And All Other Carriers: Whatever insurance company you have, we can help navigate your claim.
We help homeowners across the entire island with insurance claims:
Mililani and Central Oahu: Storm events affect Central Oahu regularly. We've helped many Mililani homeowners document damage and navigate claims successfully.
Ewa Beach and Kapolei: West Oahu experiences storm damage during Kona weather and tropical systems. We assist Ewa Beach and Kapolei homeowners with the claims process.
North Shore (Haleiwa, Kahuku, Laie): The North Shore faces powerful winter storms. Post-storm claims assistance helps North Shore homeowners recover repair costs.
Kaneohe and Kailua: Windward Oahu's weather exposure means frequent storm damage. We help Kaneohe and Kailua homeowners document and claim legitimate damage.
Waianae Coast: When storms affect the Waianae Coast, we're here to help homeowners navigate the insurance process.
Honolulu and Hawaii Kai: From urban Honolulu to coastal Hawaii Kai, we provide insurance claim assistance throughout the metro area.
Understanding typical timing helps you know what to expect:
Document Damage: Take photos and videos of visible damage before any cleanup or temporary repairs.
Mitigate Further Damage: Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage (tarping, etc.). Your policy requires this.
Contact Us: Call for a professional inspection and documentation. The sooner we document, the stronger your claim.
File Your Claim: Report the loss to your insurance company. Prompt reporting starts the process.
Professional Inspection: We conduct our detailed inspection and prepare documentation, including attic inspection for decking conditions.
Mitigation: We help coordinate mitigation efforts to prevent further damage. This includes emergency tarping, water extraction, and temporary repairs as needed. Mitigation costs are typically covered by insurance, and prompt action demonstrates you've met your policy obligation to prevent additional damage. We document all mitigation work for your claim.
Emergency Repairs: If needed beyond tarping, emergency repairs protect your home while the claim processes.
Adjuster Assignment: Your insurance company assigns an adjuster to your claim.
Adjuster Inspection: The adjuster inspects your roof. We attend this inspection with you.
Initial Estimate: You receive the insurance company's initial damage estimate.
Estimate Review: We review the insurance estimate for completeness and accuracy.
Supplement Filing: If the estimate is inadequate, we file supplements with supporting documentation.
Negotiations: We work to resolve any disputes over coverage or amounts.
Claim Resolution: Most claims resolve within 30-60 days. Complex claims or disputes may take longer.
Payment: Once agreed, payment is issued. RCV policies may withhold depreciation until repairs are completed.
Repairs: With claim resolved, permanent repairs can proceed.
Recoverable Depreciation: After repairs, we help you recover withheld depreciation on RCV policies.
We're not a roofing contractor. We're your local advocate who ensures you get fair treatment from your insurance company:
Free Inspections: Our damage inspections are free. We document everything at no charge, whether or not you proceed with repairs through us.
Claims Expertise: We understand insurance policies, claims procedures, and what it takes to get full coverage. This isn't our side job; it's core to what we do.
Thorough Documentation: Our documentation is comprehensive and professional. Adjusters take our reports seriously because they're detailed and accurate.
Adjuster Meeting Support: We attend adjuster inspections and ensure all damage is identified. Our presence changes outcomes.
Supplement Filing: We don't accept inadequate estimates. We file supplements with supporting documentation to recover what you're owed.
Independence: We're not an insurance company contractor. We work for you, not them. Our recommendations serve your interests.
No Upfront Costs: We don't charge for inspections or claim assistance. Our compensation comes from the repair work if you choose to use our contractor network.
Why should I use Oahu Roof Support instead of handling my claim myself?
Insurance companies have adjusters who handle claims daily. You probably file a claim once every few years. This experience gap works against you. We level the playing field with our knowledge of claims processes, documentation requirements, and common insurer tactics. Homeowners who work with us typically receive higher claim payments than those who go it alone.
Do I have to pay for your claim assistance?
No. Our damage inspections and claim assistance are free. We're compensated through the repair work if you choose to use our contractor network. If you decide to use a different contractor, you've still received free expert assistance with your claim.
Will having you involved delay my claim?
No. If anything, our involvement speeds claims by ensuring documentation is complete from the start, reducing back-and-forth requests for information. We keep the process moving and follow up on delays.
Can you guarantee my claim will be approved?
We can't guarantee approval because we don't control insurance company decisions. What we can guarantee is thorough documentation, professional representation, and persistent advocacy. We give legitimate claims the best possible chance of full approval.
What if my claim has already been denied?
We can review denied claims and assess appeal options. Sometimes additional documentation supports reconsideration. Sometimes the denial is correct. We'll give you an honest assessment of your options.
What if my insurance payment is less than repair costs?
This is exactly why we file supplements. Insurance estimates often undervalue Hawaii repair costs or miss damage. We document the gaps and file for additional payment. Most supplements result in increased payments.
Do I have to use your contractors for repairs?
No. You're free to use any contractor you choose. Our claim assistance is provided regardless of who does your repairs. Of course, we believe our contractor network delivers excellent work and can coordinate seamlessly with the claim we've helped document.
How do I know if I have a legitimate claim?
If storm events, wind, or debris damaged your roof, you likely have a legitimate claim. Even if your roof was aging, storm damage to that roof is covered. We provide free inspections to assess whether you have claimable damage.
What's the difference between ACV and RCV policies?
Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies deduct depreciation, paying you less than full replacement cost. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies pay full replacement cost, though depreciation may be withheld until repairs are completed. RCV policies provide better coverage but cost more in premiums.
What is the "matching" provision I've heard about?
Many policies require that repairs match existing materials. If your damaged shingles can't be matched and partial replacement would create a mismatched appearance, your policy may cover additional replacement for uniform appearance. This can significantly increase claim value.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Most policies require prompt reporting of losses. While specific timeframes vary by policy, you should file as soon as possible after discovering damage. Delays can complicate claims and may provide grounds for denial.
I filed a claim. Should I be getting multiple contractor quotes now?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have about roof insurance claims. Many people think the process is: file claim, get insurance estimate, shop around for the cheapest contractor, and pay the difference out of pocket if the contractor costs more. That's not how it should work, and that approach often leaves money on the table.
When you call roofing companies for estimates, you're often not getting an assessment from the most qualified person. Sometimes it's a salesperson they send out. Sometimes it's a crew member or foreman. Rarely is it the owner or license holder themselves. And it's even more rare to find someone who truly understands the insurance process and how to handle insurance claims properly. Most roofers know how to install roofs, not how to navigate insurance. These estimates are designed to win your business, not to maximize your insurance claim.
Here's how it actually works with us: We only take on strong cases that we believe are worth pursuing based on our expertise and what we've seen get approved in the past. We don't want to waste our time or yours. Your roof must qualify with clear, specific reasons why we think we can get it covered or get you more for your claim.
Once we take your case, we maximize the insurance estimate through supplementation, code requirements, proper documentation, and evidence that supports full coverage. We don't accept the insurance company's first offer as final. We work to get everything covered by insurance when possible. Our goal is that you pay nothing out of pocket beyond your deductible unless you want to customize your roof beyond what's covered, like upgrading to premium materials or adding features.
So instead of shopping for cheap contractors and hoping the numbers work out, work with us first. We'll tell you honestly whether your claim is worth pursuing, and if it is, we'll fight to maximize what insurance pays so the repair costs are covered properly.
What if I already spent some of the insurance money?
This is a common concern. If you've received payment and spent some of it without completing repairs, it can complicate your claim. In some cases, spending the money without documentation of repairs can effectively close the claim. However, claims can often still be reopened, especially if you have legitimate remaining damage or if additional damage is discovered. The key is proper documentation. Contact us to assess your situation. We can help determine if your claim can be reopened and what steps are needed to recover any remaining funds you're owed.
What if I disagree with my insurance company's decision?
You have options. We can file supplements with additional documentation to support a higher payout. You can request supervisor review to escalate beyond your assigned adjuster. Most policies include an appraisal process for disputed amounts, and we educate you on how this works and connect you with qualified appraisers. We also have a network of public adjusters who can represent you directly if your claim requires that level of involvement.
If your roof has storm damage, you deserve full coverage for repairs. Don't navigate the insurance process alone. Our free inspection and claim assistance ensure your damage is properly documented and your claim is professionally supported.
Whether you're in Mililani, Ewa Beach, the North Shore, Kaneohe, Waianae, Honolulu, or anywhere else on Oahu, we provide insurance claim assistance across the island.
What happens when you reach out:
Fill out the form below or call us directly. We'll contact you within 24 hours to schedule. Our inspection documents all damage thoroughly. You'll receive a detailed report supporting your claim, assistance with filing, and representation throughout the claims process.
Prefer to call? Reach us directly at 808-766-8023
