After a major storm, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the damage and unsure about what to do next. One of the biggest questions homeowners face is who to call first: a roofer or their insurance company. That single decision can shape how quickly your home gets repaired, how smooth the process is, and whether your claim gets approved. Without the right information, it’s easy to make a costly mistake. Knowing where to start gives you more control, fewer surprises, and better protection for your home.
Why Calling a Roofer First Can Save You Time and Money
Get a Real Assessment Before Filing
When your roof is damaged, your first instinct may be to call your insurance company. But doing that without knowing the true extent of the damage can backfire. If there’s not enough roof damage to justify a claim, your insurer may close it out immediately. That claim stays on your record, even if no payout is made, and it could impact your future premiums.
We recommend calling a local roofing contractor first. At Precision Roofing, we perform a thorough inspection and help you determine if the damage warrants filing a claim. That saves you the headache of unnecessary paperwork, backtracking, or paying a deductible for minor repairs that insurance won’t fully cover.
Emergency Repairs Can’t Wait
If your roof is actively leaking or missing shingles, you need temporary protection before the next round of storms hits. Roofers can respond quickly with emergency tarping or synthetic underlayment to protect your home from further damage. Insurance adjusters don’t provide this kind of immediate protection.
We’ve seen cases where acting fast with temporary repairs made the difference between a simple fix and a major restoration. Getting the roof secured early gives you more time to assess next steps without risking more damage to your home’s interior.
Pros and Cons of Calling a Roofer First
Pros of Calling a Roofing Contractor First
- You get an accurate inspection without triggering a claim
- We can perform emergency repairs right away
- You avoid claim denials from insufficient damage
- We help guide you through the insurance process if repairs are needed
- We use the same software as adjusters, so our estimates are fully aligned
Cons to Watch Out For
- Not all roofers are reputable
- Some may exaggerate the damage just to get your business
- If you choose a contractor without experience, you risk filing a claim that doesn’t pay out
That’s why it’s so important to choose a contractor who has a strong local reputation and can back up their findings with solid documentation. At Precision Roofing, we’ve worked with insurance companies across the region and understand how to assess storm damage correctly.
Choosing the Right Contractor Matters
Before you reach out to anyone, take a few minutes to do your homework. Make sure your contractor:
- Has a local office and an established track record
- Is fully licensed and insured
- Offers detailed inspection reports
- Doesn’t pressure you into filing a claim
We’ve seen far too many homeowners regret filing claims after being misled by a contractor who overstated the damage. When you work with us, you’ll get a straight answer and a clear plan for moving forward, whether that means a simple repair or a full insurance claim.
How We Help Homeowners Navigate the Process
At Precision Roofing, we don’t just inspect roofs. We help homeowners through the full insurance process. Our trained staff uses the same software as most insurance companies to measure, document, and price the work. We understand how to read and explain all types of policies, including ACV and RCV coverage, and we can answer your questions every step of the way.
We also provide all documentation your insurance company needs to evaluate the claim. And when the adjuster comes out, we’re there to walk the roof with them and make sure nothing gets missed.
Wrapping Up: Should You Call a Roofer or Your Insurance?
So, should you call a roofer or insurance adjuster first after roof storm damage? In most cases, your best bet is to start with a trusted local roofer who can assess the situation without opening a claim. From emergency tarping to policy review, we help protect your home and guide you through the next steps with confidence.
Need help after a storm? Contact Precision Roofing today for a free roof inspection. We’ll give you an honest assessment, help you avoid unnecessary claims, and make sure your home is protected the right way.