The First 72 Hours After a Storm

The most critical period of the entire claims process. The window immediately after a storm is the most critical — and most mishandled — period of the entire claims process. What you do in the first 72 hours can mean the difference between a full replacement and a partial payout. DO NOT CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY FIRST - If you call your insurance company before you have documentation, you're going in blind. Get a roofing expert out first — someone who understands the claims process and will advocate for you. A good roofing expert will tell you honestly whether you even have a viable claim — and if you don't, they'll tell you that too. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING Photograph or video every inch of visible damage — gutters, fascia, window screens, AC units, fences. Hail doesn't just hit roofs. Date-stamp everything. If you trust your roofer and know they're experienced, you can let them handle documentation during their initial inspection. DON'T LET ROOFERS RUSH YOU After a storm, door-knockers show up. Some are legitimate — many are storm chasers who'll disappear after collecting. There should be no deposits or money collected upfront — that alone is a RED FLAG. Don't sign anything in the first 24-48 hours. CHECK YOUR POLICY BEFORE YOU FILE Know your deductible and whether you have RCV or ACV coverage. These two policy types pay out very differently. THEN FILE YOUR CLAIM Once documented and you have a trusted roofing expert ready to represent you, file the claim. Get written confirmation of your claim number and the adjuster's direct contact. * Sometimes an initial check is issued before all items have been fully reviewed — always confirm the estimate is complete before accepting it as final.

How the Insurance Claims Process Works

Each layer is important — nothing should slip through the cracks. Most homeowners think the claims process is simple: storm hits, adjuster comes out, check arrives. The reality is more layered — and each layer is important to understand so nothing slips through the cracks. You File the Claim Your insurance company assigns a claim number and schedules an adjuster to inspect your property. Adjuster Inspection The adjuster — who works for your insurance company — or a 3rd party inspector contracted by your insurance — visits your property. Having your own roofing expert present ensures nothing is overlooked. Estimate Issued (Xactimate or Itel) You receive a written estimate. This document reflects the adjuster's initial assessment and can be reviewed and updated if items were missed. Depreciation Applied With ACV coverage, insurance subtracts depreciation from your payment. With RCV, you recover depreciation after certificate of completion, completion photos, and proof of deductible payment. Supplement Opportunity If the estimate is missing items or undervalues the work, your contractor submits a supplement. This is a standard part of the process. Final Payment & Completion Once the work is done, your contractor invoices and the final payment is released. You could receive a depreciation check, a final supplement, or both. PRO TIP: Always have your roofing expert present during the adjuster inspection. A knowledgeable contractor will ensure all damage is documented and every applicable line item is included.

How to Read Your Insurance Estimate

The most important document — don't just look at the bottom line. Your insurance estimate is the most important document in the claims process. Most homeowners glance at the bottom-line number and assume it's final. It is not. RCV — Replacement Cost Value The full cost to replace your roof at today's prices, without depreciation deducted. This is what you want your policy to include. ACV — Actual Cash Value The depreciated value of your roof — what it's worth today, not what it costs to replace. The older your roof, the more you pay out of pocket on top of your deductible. Recoverable Depreciation The amount withheld by your insurer that you can recover after the work is completed and invoiced. Often thousands of dollars. Non-Recoverable Depreciation Depreciation you cannot get back regardless of what is completed. ACV policies typically carry this. O&P — Overhead & Profit A 20% markup contractors are entitled to when a job requires coordination of multiple trades. Many adjusters leave this off — your contractor can add it back if warranted. Line Items Each individual task or material in your estimate. Missing items — gutters, drip edge, ice & water shield, flashing — are where costs are most commonly missed in a complex estimate. Xactimate or Itel Industry-standard pricing software used by adjusters and contractors. Prices are updated regionally and are negotiable with documentation. COMMON MISSING ITEMS: Drip edge • Ice & water shield • Step flashing • Pipe boots • Satellite detach/reset • Gutters • Skylight flashing • Code upgrades When your estimate arrives, don't try to decode it alone. Your roofing expert should walk your property with the claim in hand — checking measurements, verifying quantities, confirming everything is within local city code compliance, and identifying any missing items. They should then sit down with you and go through the entire claim line by line. That's not extra service — that's what a knowledgeable roofing expert is supposed to do.

The Supplement Process — Where Most Claims Are Corrected

Where most claims are corrected — legal, common, and critical. When your contractor reviews the estimate and finds missing or undervalued line items, they submit a supplement — a formal request to add those items to your claim. Completely legal, extremely common, and one of the most important steps in making sure your property is fully restored. WHAT GETS SUPPLEMENTED? Additional square footage, code-required upgrades, steep slope charges, accessibility charges, detach/reset of solar panels, upgraded underlayment, and more. HOW IS IT DONE? Your contractor documents missing items with photos, measurements, and Xactimate or Itel line items, then submits to the insurance company. This is standard practice — a normal part of the process. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? Most supplements resolve within 1-3 weeks. Your contractor should keep you updated throughout. WHAT SHOULD YOU WATCH FOR? Be cautious of contractors who say 'whatever insurance pays is fine.' That usually means cutting corners to match the initial estimate — not delivering the full scope of work your property needs.

Red Flags of a Dishonest Roofer

Know what to look for — your home and money depend on it. Not every roofer knocking on your door after a storm is a scammer — but enough are that you need to know what to look for. They pressure you to sign immediately Legitimate contractors don't use high-pressure tactics. If someone pushes you to sign the day of the storm, walk away. They offer to waive your deductible Insurance fraud in most states. Any contractor offering to 'cover your deductible' is asking you to commit fraud alongside them. No local address or physical office Storm chasers often operate out of a truck and a P.O. box. If you can't verify a physical local presence, be very cautious. They want a large deposit upfront In roofing insurance claims, there should be no money collected before work begins. Anyone asking for 50%+ before a single shingle is laid is a red flag. They can't provide proof of insurance If a worker is injured on your roof and the contractor has no liability or workers' comp, you could be held liable. Always ask for certificates. Vague or missing warranty information A quality roof comes with a manufacturer's material warranty AND a contractor workmanship warranty. Get both in writing. They suggest misrepresenting anything to your insurer T his is insurance fraud — regardless of who proposed it, you are legally responsible. Walk away immediately. No online presence or reviews Every legitimate local contractor has a Google Business profile with real reviews. Can't find them? Red flag. They disappear after receiving payment The most common scam. Tie payments to milestones and never pay in full until the work is complete and inspected.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign Anything

Any contractor worth hiring will welcome these questions. Any contractor worth hiring will welcome these questions. A bad one will fumble, deflect, or rush past them. Are you licensed and insured in this state? Ask for their license number and certificates of liability and workers' comp. Note: some states like Texas have no roofing license requirement. Do you have a local office? You want someone around for warranty issues years from now. Get a physical address and verify it. Can I see references from recent local jobs? Ask for 2-3 references from the last 6 months. A contractor who can't provide them is telling you something. What manufacturer's warranty comes with these shingles? Quality shingles carry 30-year to lifetime warranties. Ask for documentation before materials are ordered. What is your workmanship warranty? Installation errors are the #1 cause of roofing problems. A reputable contractor offers at least a 2-year labor warranty in writing. Will you handle the supplement process if the estimate is short? This separates experienced insurance claims contractors from basic roofers. The answer should be an immediate, confident yes. Will you be present for the adjuster inspection? Should be a yes without hesitation. Your contractor should want to be there to ensure all damage is documented. What's the payment schedule? Never pay 100% upfront. Payment is received on the day of roof replacement — only for work completed. Typically 3-4 checks: deductible, 1st insurance payment, supplement(s), final payment. Who are the actual workers on my roof? Subcontracting is common. Know who's on your roof and whether they're covered. Subs should carry their own insurance. What is your process if I have a concern after the job is complete? A contractor who stands behind their work will have a clear answer — a direct contact, a defined response time, and a willingness to come back out.

How to Work With Your Adjuster

Understanding their role and knowing your rights. Your adjuster's role is to assess your claim according to your policy terms. Understanding that role — and knowing your rights within it — is how you get the best outcome for your property. BE RESPECTFUL, BUT BE PRESENT Adjusters handle dozens of claims per week. Be professional and organized — and don't be passive. You have every right to walk the property alongside them and ask questions at every step. DOCUMENT YOUR OWN FINDINGS FIRST Walk your property (or have your contractor do it) before the adjuster arrives. Know what's there so you can ensure nothing is overlooked. KNOW YOUR RIGHT TO A RE-INSPECTION If you disagree with the adjuster's findings, you have the right to request a re-inspection or involve a public adjuster. Insurance companies are required to respond. UNDERSTAND THE APPRAISAL CLAUSE Most homeowner's policies include an appraisal clause — a formal dispute resolution process where both parties hire their own appraiser and a neutral umpire decides. Rarely needed, but powerful to know. THE PUBLIC ADJUSTER OPTION A public adjuster works on your behalf — for a percentage of the payout (typically 10-15%). Most valuable on large or complex claims where additional review is warranted.

The Homeowner’s Guide to Not Getting Ripped Off on Your Roof Replacement

Michael Smiley • April 29, 2026

A PERSONAL NOTE FROM MICHAEL SMILEY

To the homeowner reading this,

I'll be straight with you: I'm not a 30-year veteran. I've been in roofing and insurance claims for 4 years —

involved in 83 jobs from first inspection all the way through final payment, including the full claims and

supplement process on every one. I'm based in North Texas — serving homeowners in Melissa, McKinney,

Frisco, Dallas, and the surrounding area. I know the storms that come through here, I know the local codes, and I know what adjusters in this market look for. What I learned in those 4 years would take most homeowners a lifetime to figure out on their own. That's exactly why I wrote this.

The moment that changed everything: I reviewed an insurance estimate for a homeowner who

thought everything looked fine. Line by line, I found nearly $30,000 in missed and underpaid items.

Adjusters review dozens of claims a week — at that pace, missing line items is common. That's exactly

my job: catch everything that was missed, document it thoroughly, and get it approved. The

homeowner had their money within a week.

The problem isn't that insurance companies are evil. The problem is that homeowners don't know what they

don't know. They get a document full of industry jargon, a check that feels significant, and assume the system worked.

Whether you choose to work with me or someone else entirely — the information in this guide will protect you

either way. That's the point.

Read it all. Use the checklist. And if you have questions — reach out directly. That offer is real.

The First 72 Hours After a Storm
The most critical period of the entire claims process.

The window immediately after a storm is the most critical — and most mishandled — period of the entire claims
process. What you do in the first 72 hours can mean the difference between a full replacement and a partial
payout.

DO NOT CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY FIRST - If you call your insurance company before you have documentation, you're going in blind. Get a roofing expert out first — someone who understands the claims process and will advocate for you. A good roofing expert will tell you honestly whether you even have a viable claim — and if you don't, they'll tell you that too.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING Photograph or video every inch of visible damage — gutters, fascia, window screens, AC units, fences. Hail doesn't just hit roofs. Date-stamp everything. If you trust your roofer and know they're experienced, you can let them handle documentation during their initial inspection.
DON'T LET ROOFERS RUSH YOU After a storm, door-knockers show up. Some are legitimate — many are storm chasers who'll disappear after collecting. There should be no deposits or money collected upfront — that alone is a RED FLAG. Don't sign anything in the first 24-48 hours.
CHECK YOUR POLICY BEFORE YOU FILE Know your deductible and whether you have RCV or ACV coverage. These two policy types pay out very differently.
THEN FILE YOUR CLAIM Once documented and you have a trusted roofing expert ready to represent you, file the claim. Get written confirmation of your claim number and the adjuster's direct contact.

* Sometimes an initial check is issued before all items have been fully reviewed — always confirm the estimate is complete before accepting it as final.
How the Insurance Claims Process Works
Each layer is important — nothing should slip through the cracks.

Most homeowners think the claims process is simple: storm hits, adjuster comes out, check arrives. The reality is more layered — and each layer is important to understand so nothing slips through the cracks.

You File the Claim Your insurance company assigns a claim number and schedules an adjuster to inspect your property.
Adjuster Inspection The adjuster — who works for your insurance company — or a 3rd party inspector contracted by your insurance — visits your property. Having your own roofing expert present ensures nothing is overlooked.
Estimate Issued (Xactimate or Itel) You receive a written estimate. This document reflects the adjuster's initial assessment and can be reviewed and updated if items were missed.
Depreciation Applied With ACV coverage, insurance subtracts depreciation from your payment. With RCV, you recover depreciation after certificate of completion, completion photos, and proof of deductible payment.
Supplement Opportunity If the estimate is missing items or undervalues the work, your contractor submits a supplement. This is a standard part of the process.
Final Payment & Completion Once the work is done, your contractor invoices and the final payment is released. You could receive a depreciation check, a final supplement, or both.

PRO TIP: Always have your roofing expert present during the adjuster inspection. A knowledgeable contractor will ensure all damage is documented and every applicable line item is included.
How to Read Your Insurance Estimate
The most important document — don't just look at the bottom line.
Your insurance estimate is the most important document in the claims process. Most homeowners glance at the bottom-line number and assume it's final. It is not.

RCV — Replacement Cost Value
The full cost to replace your roof at today's prices, without depreciation deducted. This is what you want your policy to include.

ACV — Actual Cash Value
The depreciated value of your roof — what it's worth today, not what it costs to replace. The older your roof, the more you pay out of pocket on top of your deductible.

Recoverable Depreciation
The amount withheld by your insurer that you can recover after the work is completed and invoiced. Often thousands of dollars.

Non-Recoverable Depreciation
Depreciation you cannot get back regardless of what is completed. ACV policies typically carry this.

O&P — Overhead & Profit
A 20% markup contractors are entitled to when a job requires coordination of multiple trades. Many adjusters leave this off — your contractor can add it back if warranted.

Line Items
Each individual task or material in your estimate. Missing items — gutters, drip
edge, ice & water shield, flashing — are where costs are most commonly missed
in a complex estimate.

Xactimate or Itel
Industry-standard pricing software used by adjusters and contractors. Prices are updated regionally and are negotiable with documentation.

COMMON MISSING ITEMS: Drip edge • Ice & water shield • Step flashing • Pipe boots • Satellite detach/reset • Gutters • Skylight flashing • Code upgrades

When your estimate arrives, don't try to decode it alone. Your roofing expert should walk your property with the claim in hand — checking measurements, verifying quantities, confirming everything is within local city code compliance, and identifying any missing items. They should then sit down with you and go through the entire claim line by line. That's not extra service — that's what a knowledgeable roofing expert is supposed to do.
The Supplement Process — Where Most Claims Are Corrected
Where most claims are corrected — legal, common, and critical.

When your contractor reviews the estimate and finds missing or undervalued line items, they submit a supplement — a formal request to add those items to your claim. Completely legal, extremely common, and one of the most important steps in making sure your property is fully restored.

WHAT GETS SUPPLEMENTED?

Additional square footage, code-required upgrades, steep slope charges, accessibility
charges, detach/reset of solar panels, upgraded underlayment, and more.

HOW IS IT DONE?

Your contractor documents missing items with photos, measurements, and Xactimate or Itel line items, then submits to the insurance company. This is standard practice — a normal part of the process.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Most supplements resolve within 1-3 weeks. Your contractor should keep you updated
throughout.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WATCH FOR?

Be cautious of contractors who say 'whatever insurance pays is fine.' That usually means cutting corners to match the initial estimate — not delivering the full scope of work your property needs.
Red Flags of a Dishonest Roofer
Know what to look for — your home and money depend on it.

Not every roofer knocking on your door after a storm is a scammer — but enough are that you need to know what to look for.

They pressure you to sign immediately Legitimate contractors don't use high-pressure tactics. If someone pushes you to sign the day of the storm, walk away.
They offer to waive your deductible Insurance fraud in most states. Any contractor offering to 'cover your deductible' is asking you to commit fraud alongside them.
No local address or physical office Storm chasers often operate out of a truck and a P.O. box. If you can't verify a physical local presence, be very cautious.
They want a large deposit upfront In roofing insurance claims, there should be no money collected before work begins. Anyone asking for 50%+ before a single shingle is laid is a red flag.
They can't provide proof of insurance If a worker is injured on your roof and the contractor has no liability or workers' comp, you could be held liable. Always ask for certificates.
Vague or missing warranty information A quality roof comes with a manufacturer's material warranty AND a contractor workmanship warranty. Get both in writing.
They suggest misrepresenting anything to your insurer This is insurance fraud — regardless of who proposed it, you are legally responsible. Walk away immediately.
No online presence or reviews Every legitimate local contractor has a Google Business profile with real reviews. Can't find them? Red flag.
They disappear after receiving payment The most common scam. Tie payments to milestones and never pay in full until the work is complete and inspected.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign Anything
Any contractor worth hiring will welcome these questions.

Any contractor worth hiring will welcome these questions. A bad one will fumble, deflect, or rush past them.

Are you licensed and insured in this state?
Ask for their license number and certificates of liability and workers' comp. Note: some states like Texas have no roofing license requirement.

Do you have a local office?
You want someone around for warranty issues years from now. Get a physical address and verify it.

Can I see references from recent local jobs?
Ask for 2-3 references from the last 6 months. A contractor who can't provide them is telling you something.

What manufacturer's warranty comes with these shingles?
Quality shingles carry 30-year to lifetime warranties. Ask for documentation before materials are ordered.

What is your workmanship warranty?
Installation errors are the #1 cause of roofing problems. A reputable contractor offers at least a 2-year labor warranty in writing.

Will you handle the supplement process if the estimate is short?
This separates experienced insurance claims contractors from basic roofers. The answer should be an immediate, confident yes.

Will you be present for the adjuster inspection?
Should be a yes without hesitation. Your contractor should want to be there to ensure all damage is documented.

What's the payment schedule?
Never pay 100% upfront. Payment is received on the day of roof replacement — only for work completed.
Typically 3-4 checks: deductible, 1st insurance payment, supplement(s), final payment.

Who are the actual workers on my roof?
Subcontracting is common. Know who's on your roof and whether they're covered. Subs should carry their own insurance.

What is your process if I have a concern after the job is complete?
A contractor who stands behind their work will have a clear answer — a direct contact, a defined response time, and a willingness to come back out.
How to Work With Your Adjuster
Understanding their role and knowing your rights.

Your adjuster's role is to assess your claim according to your policy terms. Understanding that role — and knowing your rights within it — is how you get the best outcome for your property.

BE RESPECTFUL, BUT BE PRESENT

Adjusters handle dozens of claims per week. Be professional and organized — and don't be passive. You have every right to walk the property alongside them and ask questions at every step.

DOCUMENT YOUR OWN FINDINGS FIRST

Walk your property (or have your contractor do it) before the adjuster arrives. Know what's there so you can ensure nothing is overlooked.

KNOW YOUR RIGHT TO A RE-INSPECTION

If you disagree with the adjuster's findings, you have the right to request a re-inspection or involve a public adjuster. Insurance companies are required to respond.

UNDERSTAND THE APPRAISAL CLAUSE

Most homeowner's policies include an appraisal clause — a formal dispute resolution process where both parties hire their own appraiser and a neutral umpire decides. Rarely needed, but powerful to know.

THE PUBLIC ADJUSTER OPTION

A public adjuster works on your behalf — for a percentage of the payout (typically 10-15%). Most valuable on large or complex claims where additional review is warranted.

FINAL WORD: YOU DESERVE THE FULL PAYOUT

The money is there. The only question is whether you get all of it.

Getting a new roof is one of the largest home improvement investments you'll ever make — and in most

cases, your insurance policy is already set up to cover it. The money is there. The only question is

whether you get all of it, or whether it gets left on the table because nobody told you how this process

actually works.

The homeowners who get every dollar they're owed aren't lucky — they're prepared. They knew what to

do, when to do it, and who to trust. Insurance exists to make you whole and this guide makes sure you

walk away with exactly what you're entitled to.

READY TO PROTECT YOUR HOME?

Even if you don't work with me, I'll review your insurance estimate for free and tell you exactly what's

missing — no obligation, no pressure. Or schedule a FREE roof inspection and I'll walk your property,

document everything, and make sure you have everything you need going into the claims process.

214-585-7351

info@rightonroofingcom

We Don't Sell Roofs. We Protect Homeowners.

Serving Melissa, McKinney, Frisco, Dallas & Greater North Texas

< Older Post

Why Homeowners Trust Right On Roofing in North & East Texas

By Jason Hicks • September 26, 2025

At Right On Roofing, we believe that protecting your home starts with doing things the right way—every time. When you choose us, you’re working with a roofing contractor that is trusted, certified, insured, and committed to quality workmanship in every project we take on. Registered & Approved in Your Community We are a registered contractor with local cities and jurisdictions throughout North Texas and East Texas. That means when we’re putting a roof on your home, you can have confidence knowing we’re properly approved and accountable to the standards that protect homeowners. Fully Insured for Your Peace of Mind Your home is your biggest investment—and we take that seriously. Right On Roofing carries million-dollar contractor liability insurance so that you’re protected while we work on your property. This is a level of protection many small contractors can’t provide, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Certified Quality with TAMKO Gold Pro We are proud to be a TAMKO Gold Pro Certified Contractor, which means we meet the highest standards of professionalism, product knowledge, and installation expertise. This certification allows us to provide extended warranties and gives our customers the assurance that their roof is installed to manufacturer specifications. Permits, Materials & Warranties That Last We don’t cut corners. Right On Roofing pulls permits for every job to ensure your roof meets local building codes. We only use A-plus grade roofing materials backed by strong manufacturer warranties, so your roof is built to last for decades—not just years. Serving North & East Texas with Integrity From the suburbs of DFW to the heart of East Texas, we proudly serve: Anna, Melissa, Howe, McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Allen, and Fairview Celeste, Leonard, Blue Ridge, Bonham, and surrounding communities Wherever you’re located in North or East Texas, our mission is simple: deliver a high-quality roof with honest service, certified craftsmanship, and lasting peace of mind. Ready for a Roof You Can Rely On? Call Right On Roofing today at 214-585-7391 and let us protect your home the right way.

🚨 Storm Damage Update: Van Alstyne, Sherman, Anna, Howe, Melissa & Surrounding Areas 🚨

By Jason Hicks • September 23, 2025

The storms that hit North Texas two days ago brought hail as large as 2.5 inches across Van Alstyne, Sherman, Anna, Howe, Melissa, and surrounding communities. Our team at Right On Roofing has already been out in the field, assessing damages for multiple clients, and the destruction is significant. If your home or business was in the path of this storm, now is the time to schedule a free roof inspection. Hail of this size can cause hidden damage that may not be visible from the ground but can lead to costly issues if left unchecked. We’re your local storm damage and insurance restoration experts—and we love referrals! If you know someone in these areas who needs a trusted roofer, please send them our way. 📞 Call us today at 214-585-7391 to schedule your inspection. Right On Roofing is proud to serve Celeste, Van Alstyne, Sherman, Anna, Howe, Melissa, and the entire North Texas region with quality roofing solutions you can count on.