The claims adjuster just called. They're coming Thursday morning to walk your roof. You're relieved things are moving, but you've got questions. What exactly are they looking for up there? And what if they miss the damage you already photographed?
Here's the reality: the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Doesn't make them your enemy, but understanding their role—and yours—makes the difference between a fair settlement and a denied claim.
What the Adjuster Is Actually Looking For
When an insurance adjuster walks your Edmond or Yukon roof, they're documenting evidence of covered damage. Hail impacts, wind-lifted shingles, storm-related deterioration from a specific weather event.
Not general wear and tear. Not that valley that's been leaking for two years. New damage from the storm you reported.
The adjuster measures the roof, takes photographs, notes the number and severity of impacts per roofing square. Most policies require a certain density of damage before approving a full replacement. Those thresholds vary by company and policy type—some carriers are stricter than others.
They'll also check gutters, downspouts, vents, other exterior elements. Matching damage on multiple surfaces strengthens a claim because it proves the storm was severe enough to impact more than just the roof.
Your Rights During the Inspection
Oklahoma law gives you specific protections during the claims process. According to the Oklahoma Insurance Department, insurers must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 10 business days and either accept or deny it within 45 days.
You've got the right to be present during the adjuster's inspection. Not required, but it's smart. Point out areas of concern. Ask questions. Make sure nothing gets missed.
You can also have your own contractor present. A local roofing company walks the roof with the adjuster, identifies what's being documented, points out damage that might be overlooked—especially on steep pitches or hard-to-reach areas.
If the adjuster's initial estimate seems low or incomplete, you're not stuck with it. Request a re-inspection or hire a public adjuster to represent your interests. That first estimate isn't the final word—many homeowners don't realize that.
Common Issues That Come Up
One problem we see constantly: the adjuster approves a repair when the damage clearly warrants replacement. Oklahoma's wind and hail patterns don't create uniform damage. Severe impacts on the north-facing slope, minimal damage on the south side. The adjuster approves a partial repair, but your policy—and the condition of your roof—justifies a full replacement.
That's when supplements come into play. A supplement is additional documentation submitted after the initial estimate, usually when the contractor uncovers hidden damage during tear-off or when the scope of work needs adjustment.
Another issue: mismatched shingles. If your roof is more than a few years old, matching the existing color and style might be impossible. Insurers sometimes try to approve a repair with non-matching materials, which tanks your home's resale value and curb appeal. Experienced contractors document why a full replacement is necessary in these situations.
Percentage-based deductibles also trip up homeowners during this process. Most Oklahoma wind and hail policies carry a deductible that's 1-5% of your home's insured dwelling value—not a flat dollar amount. On a $300,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, the homeowner pays $6,000 regardless of whether it's a repair or replacement. That deductible gets paid to the contractor when work begins, and under Oklahoma law (HB 1940), no contractor can legally waive, cover, or absorb any portion of it. We're required to provide written notification of HB 1940 with every estimate.
How We Help Homeowners Through This Process
When you work with Elrod Roofing on an insurance claim, we handle the adjuster coordination from start to finish. We schedule the inspection, meet the adjuster on-site, document everything they document—plus what they miss.
We prepare detailed estimates using Xactimate, the industry-standard software insurers use, so there's no confusion about what the job should cost. If the adjuster's initial estimate is incomplete, we submit supplements with photos, measurements, and line-item justifications.
Our team attends any follow-up meetings or re-inspections. If your claim gets denied and you want to appeal, we provide the documentation you'll need to make your case. Final claim decisions rest with your insurer and policy terms—but we make sure you've got everything you need to fight for what's fair.
This isn't about fighting with insurance companies. Adjusters are professionals working within their company's guidelines. But they're working from the insurer's perspective, and you need someone working from yours.
What Happens After the Adjuster Approves Your Claim
Once your claim is approved, the insurance company issues payment in stages. The first check covers your actual cash value (ACV)—the replacement cost minus depreciation. You'll receive the depreciation holdback after the work is completed and you submit proof of payment and final invoices.
That payment goes to you, the homeowner. Then you pay the contractor. Your deductible is due when work begins, and the balance comes from the insurance settlement.
Timeline from approval to completion varies by project. Peak roofing season in Oklahoma runs March through June, when scheduling takes longer. Material delivery, crew availability, weather—all of it factors in. We keep you updated throughout.
If additional damage turns up during tear-off, we photograph it, document it, and submit a supplement to the insurance company. Adds a few days to the timeline, but it's necessary to make sure the job is done right.
Understanding the claims process helps you navigate it more effectively. Outcomes vary by policy, damage extent, and carrier. The adjuster's job is to assess damage according to their company's guidelines. Your job is to make sure nothing gets missed and your home gets the repairs it needs.