The inspection is the foundation of any roof insurance claim. What gets documented — and how — shapes the conversation you have with your carrier. Understanding the two different inspections you will encounter, and how to prepare for them, puts you in a stronger position before you ever pick up the phone.

Two Different Inspections

1. The contractor inspection (before you file)

This is the inspection that should happen before you call your carrier. A reputable roofer will:

Do a hands-on inspection of the entire roof and exterior
Document damage with photos, measurements, and notes
Identify damage you would never see from the ground
Write up a detailed report you keep
Tell you straight whether the damage warrants a conversation with your carrier

The inspection report belongs to you. What you do with it is your call. At Hive the 47-point inspection is free, and we hand you the written report whether or not you move forward with us.

2. The insurance adjuster inspection (after you file)

If you file a claim, your carrier sends an adjuster. The adjuster:

Works for the insurance company
Evaluates what damage exists in their assessment
Determines what your policy covers
Writes an estimate for repairs
Takes photos and measurements

You can ask your contractor to be on-site during this visit. We are not there to negotiate or advocate; we are there as an additional set of HAAG-trained eyes on the walk so nothing on the roof gets missed.

What Inspectors Look For

A thorough roof inspection covers a lot more than shingles.

On the roof surface

Shingles: missing, cracked, curled, or bruised; granule loss
Flashing: damage at chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys
Vents and penetrations: cracked boots, damaged caps, dented vents
Ridge cap: lifted, cracked, or missing ridge shingles
Decking: signs of water damage or soft spots underneath

Gutters and drainage

Dents on gutter faces and downspouts
Bent or damaged downspouts
Granule accumulation at outlets (a sign of shingle wear)
Drainage function

Other exterior elements

Siding: dents, cracks, or holes
Windows: cracked glass, damaged frames or screens
HVAC: dents on condenser fins
Fencing: storm damage to fence structures

Interior signs

Water stains on ceilings or walls
Attic leaks or daylight visible through the decking
Moisture or new mold patches in the attic

Why HAAG Certification Matters

HAAG Engineering is the standard-setter for forensic roof inspection training. When your inspector is HAAG-certified, the report tends to be useful because:

Insurance adjusters generally train to the same HAAG standards
The inspector can clearly separate storm patterns from age-related wear
Documentation aligns with what adjusters look for during their own inspection
The report uses the technical language carriers expect

Aligned documentation does not promise an outcome — your carrier still evaluates the claim against your policy. It just means everyone is reading from the same map.

How to Prepare for Each Inspection

Before the contractor inspection

Note the date and time of the storm and what you observed
Gather pre-storm photos of the roof if you have any
Clear attic access if possible
Make a list of any interior damage you have noticed
Have your policy declarations page handy

Before the adjuster inspection

Schedule your contractor to be on-site at the same time
Have the contractor's inspection report ready to share
Organize your damage documentation
List the damage areas so nothing is overlooked on the walk
Clear access to all sides of the property

What Happens During the Inspection

The walk-around

The inspector circles the property looking at:

All elevations of the house
Gutters and downspouts
Windows and siding
Fences and outbuildings
AC condensers and other exterior equipment

The roof inspection

A thorough inspector gets on the roof to:

Run hands-on shingle tests
Check flashing and penetrations
Examine valleys and other vulnerable areas
Take measurements and photographs
Look for damage patterns tied to the storm date

If an adjuster only inspects from the ground or a ladder, you can ask for a hands-on roof inspection. Ground-only inspections miss things.

The interior check

The inspector should also look at:

The attic for fresh leaks or moisture
Top-floor ceilings for water staining
Any specific spots you flagged

After the Inspection

From your contractor

You should receive a written report including:

Photos of every damaged area
Written description and damage diagram
Recommended repair scope
Estimated repair cost

The report belongs to you. You decide whether to share it with your carrier.

From the insurance adjuster

Within a few weeks you typically receive:

An itemized estimate for what the carrier considers covered
An explanation of what is and is not covered under your policy
Your initial payment, if the claim moves forward

Red Flags During an Inspection

The adjuster will not get on the roof
The inspection is rushed (under 30 minutes for a full roof)
Documented damage is dismissed without explanation
You are pressured to sign anything on the spot
Very few photos are taken

If something feels off, you can ask for a re-inspection through your carrier.

Hive's 47-Point Inspection

Our HAAG-certified inspectors cover:

Every component of the roof system
All exterior elements: gutters, siding, windows
Attic and interior damage signs
Detailed photographic documentation
A written report you keep

The inspection is free, whether or not you ever file a claim. The report is yours. What you do with it is your call.

Schedule a Free Inspection

Get a professional inspection before you talk to your carrier, not after. You will walk into the conversation with documentation and a clear picture of what is on your roof.

Schedule your free 47-point inspection. Our HAAG-certified team will document what we find, hand you the report, and step out of your way. If you choose to file and you ask us to, we will be on-site at the adjuster's visit to walk the roof together.

Roof Inspection for an Insurance Claim: What to Expect