A step-by-step guide to navigating the insurance process — from damage inspection to final payment.
The moment it's safe to do so after a storm, walk your property and photograph everything. Take wide shots showing the full roof and close-ups of individual damage points — missing shingles, dented gutters, cracked flashing, and any interior water damage. Timestamp and date every photo.
Do not make any permanent repairs before your insurance adjuster has inspected the property. Temporary protective measures (like a tarp) are fine and encouraged, but permanent repairs made before the claim is filed can complicate or reduce your payout.
If any materials need to be removed or replaced as part of temporary protection or early repair work, save them. Damaged shingles, flashing, decking, siding, drywall, flooring, and other removed materials serve as physical evidence of the damage and can support your claim alongside your photos and video.
Pro Tip: Video walkthroughs are often more compelling than photos alone. Walk the perimeter of your home narrating what you're seeing. This creates a clear record that's hard to dispute.
Pull out your homeowner's insurance policy and locate the declarations page. You'll want to understand:
Before you call your insurer, consider reaching out to a knowledgeable contractor who specializes in insurance restoration and enforced building codes. A contractor can walk your property with you, identify and document all damage, and make sure you have a complete picture of what you're dealing with before you open a claim. Going in informed means you're less likely to miss damage that's difficult to add later.
This is where having an experienced roofing contractor involved from the start makes a difference. We are available on-site during the insurance inspection and know exactly how to document damage thoroughly.
With your damage fully documented, contact your insurer's claims line to open a claim. Have your policy number ready. They will assign you a claim number and schedule an adjuster to visit your property. Write down the claim number and the name of every person you speak with.
Do not skip the adjuster visit. If possible, be present during the adjuster's inspection. Walk the property with them and point out every area of damage you documented. Adjusters handle high claim volumes — your own thorough documentation and presence during the inspection helps ensure nothing is overlooked.
Important: If you believe damage was missed during the inspection, you can contact your insurer to request a re-inspection. For questions about your policy coverage or claim review, your insurer's customer service line is a good starting point.
After the inspection, your insurer will send you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and a scope of loss — a detailed breakdown of what they're covering and how much. Review this carefully. Common things adjusters miss or underprice include:
If items are missing, your contractor can submit a supplement — an additional claim for items not included in the original estimate. Supplementing is common and legitimate.
In South Carolina, you are free to choose any licensed contractor — your insurer cannot require you to use a specific company. Choose a contractor who is licensed, insured, and experienced with insurance restoration work specifically.
Once work is complete, your contractor should provide the homeowner with a certificate of completion. Your insurer will release the final payment, which may include depreciation holdback (the difference between ACV and RCV), once you can show the work is done.
If you have a mortgage, your insurance check may be made out to both you and your lender. Your mortgage company will need to endorse the check and may require inspections before releasing funds. Plan for this in advance to avoid delays.
Navigating an insurance claim alone is stressful. We have handled hundreds of insurance restoration jobs across South Carolina. We document your damage properly, are available on-site during the insurance inspection, and submit supplemental estimates when items are missing from the original scope.
Most South Carolina homeowner policies require claims to be filed within one year of the date of loss, but this varies by insurer and policy. Check your policy or call your insurer directly to confirm your specific filing window.
It depends on the cause of damage and your insurer's underwriting guidelines. Claims tied to a covered peril like a named storm or hail event are generally treated differently than claims for wear and tear. Ask your agent how a specific claim may affect your policy.
No. South Carolina homeowners have the right to choose any licensed contractor for repairs, regardless of which company the insurer may recommend.
A supplement is an additional estimate submitted after the initial adjuster inspection for items that were missed or underpriced, such as decking damage, flashing, or code-required upgrades. Supplementing is a standard and routine part of the claims process.
Merrick Roofing & Co. LLC serves multiple areas across South Carolina. Locally owned, insurance process experience, no pressure.
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