The roof insurance claim timeline, step by step
What happens after the storm, in order, and which step has a clock set by your state. The numbers come from the state pages; the steps without one say so.
Short answer: A roof claim runs through 12 steps. The insurer's clocks are set by the state: acknowledgement is due in about 7 to 30 days (20 of 28 states) and the decision in about 15 to 60 days (19 of 28 states). Where a rule counts working days they are converted to calendar days at 7/5, so these figures are approximate; pick your state below for the exact unit and a date.
The 12 steps
- Protect the property and take dated photos
Cover the roof, photograph every damaged area with the date, and keep receipts for temporary repairs. Most policies expect reasonable steps to stop further damage.
No statutory clock; this is practice, not law.
- Read your policy
Find the deductible (some are a percentage for wind or hail), the notice period and the period to sue. A policy can be stricter than the statute where the law allows it.
14 of 28 states set a statutory period to sue; it differs by state and by type of policy, see the full list.
- Report the loss in writing
Send the claim by a method that leaves a date: the insurer's app or portal, email or certified mail. The insurer's clocks usually start from receipt.
1 of 28 states set a number of days in the statute; in the others the policy decides.
- The insurer acknowledges the claim
It must confirm that it received the claim and tell you what it needs. Keep the acknowledgement.
20 of 28 states set a number: from 7 calendar days in Florida to 30 calendar days in Tennessee, median about 15 days (working days converted at 7/5, so approximate).
- The insurer investigates and inspects
Be present at the inspection, bring your photos and ask for the report.
11 of 28 states set a number: from 15 days in Texas to 60 days in Oklahoma, median about 30 days (working days converted at 7/5, so approximate).
- Get your own estimate
A roofer's written scope and price shows what repair or replacement costs. The adjuster's number is an opinion, not a limit.
No statutory clock; this is practice, not law.
- Send the papers the insurer asks for
Date every page you send. Some states start the decision clock only when the last requested paper arrives.
17 of 28 states set a number: from 10 days in Wisconsin to 30 calendar days in Tennessee, median about 15 days (working days converted at 7/5, so approximate).
- The insurer accepts or denies
A denial or a partial payment must come with reasons in writing in most states. Compare the reasons with your policy.
19 of 28 states set a number: from 15 days in Nebraska to 60 calendar days in Tennessee, median about 30 days (working days converted at 7/5, so approximate).
- Payment
Payment is due within a set number of days after the insurer agrees to pay in the states listed. Check how an actual cash value holdback is released.
21 of 28 states set a number: from 5 business days in Minnesota to 60 days in Virginia, median about 30 days (working days converted at 7/5, so approximate).
- Dispute: appraisal or complaint
If you disagree on the amount, many policies offer appraisal; you can also file a complaint with the state insurance department.
12 of 28 state pages here quote the appraisal rules of the state's law.
- Repair and supplements
Hidden damage found during the tear-off can be added as a supplement. Ask the insurer in writing before the work, and keep photos.
No statutory clock; this is practice, not law.
- Last day to sue
If talks fail, the period to sue the insurer is the one hard stop. It can be shorter than you expect, so write the date down at the start.
14 of 28 states set a statutory period to sue; it differs by state and by type of policy, see the full list.
Turn it into dates for your state
Only the storm date is needed. Add the other dates as they happen and the later steps get a calendar day too. Without a claim date we count from the storm date.
Enter the storm date to see your dates.
Business and working days skip Saturdays and Sundays only. Where a rule says just “days” and does not define them, the calculator counts every calendar day, which gives the earlier date, so check the rule; public holidays are not subtracted, so a real deadline can fall a day or two later. General information from public rules, not legal advice.
More on claim deadlines
- Map and table of all 28 states, with the date calculator.
- Time limits for suing your insurer, by state: which period applies and who may shorten it.
- Hurricane, hail and wind claim rules, by state: separate deductibles, extended deadlines, moratoria.