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The storm has passed, the skies have cleared, and now the real headache begins. You’re staring at a ceiling leak, a yard littered with asphalt shingles, and an insurance policy that reads like it was written in another language. Worse, your phone is ringing with out-of-town contractors offering vague promises and pressuring you into signing a contract before an adjuster even steps foot on your property.

When your home suffers storm damage, you don’t just need a roofer—you need a trusted advisor. For three generations, Edwards & Sons Roofing has been helping homeowners across Illinois and Missouri navigate the chaotic aftermath of severe weather.

We approach storm damage differently than most. Most roofers just want to push a sale. We just want to fix your leak. Whether that means a minor siding repair or a full roof replacement, our goal is to put you at ease, give you a straight forward estimate, and go to bat with your insurance company so you don’t have to.

Here is exactly how we advise you during the insurance claim process, step by step.

The Honest and Thorough Inspection

The evaluation process starts with a simple truth: we won’t sell you a roof if you just need a repair.

Many homeowners are shocked when we climb down from their roof and tell them that they didn’t need any work done, or that a few replaced shingles will solve the problem. In an industry where competitors routinely refuse to do small repairs or force full replacements, our repair-first honesty is our defining standard.

If we do find legitimate, severe storm damage, we document everything. We take high-resolution photos of your roof, siding, and gutters, capturing the specific hail hits or wind-creased shingles that insurance adjusters need to see to approve a claim.

Your Insurance Process Partner: Meeting the Adjuster

Perhaps the biggest frustration homeowners face is the disconnect between the damage they see and what the insurance company initially agrees to cover. This is where our advocacy truly begins.

We physically walk the roof alongside your insurance adjuster. We make sure they see the same wind damage, hail impacts, and structural vulnerabilities we found during our initial inspection. Insurance adjusters evaluate damage based on the information available to them, and our role is to provide clear, professional documentation of the roofing and exterior issues we observe. By pointing out these details on-site, we drastically reduce the chances of a denied or underpaid claim.

Translating the Paperwork

When the adjuster’s report arrives, it is often a confusing maze of industry jargon like Actual Cash Value (ACV), Replacement Cost Value (RCV), and depreciation schedules. You shouldn’t need a law degree to understand what you’re owed. We sit down with you and translate the paperwork, ensuring you know exactly what is covered and what your out-of-pocket expenses (like your deductible) will be.

Claim Supplementation

Initial insurance estimates rarely cover the full scope of a proper restoration. The adjuster might miss local building code requirements, the cost of matching your existing siding, or the current market price of materials.

We handle the claim supplementation process with you. If the insurance company missed it, we prepare the detailed documentation, photos, and manufacturer specifications required to get those additional funds approved. We fight for the right materials and the right process, ensuring your home is restored to exactly how it was—or better.

The Edwards Standard: Amazing Communication 

The roofing market is plagued by post-signature ghosting. You sign a contract, hand over your first insurance check, and suddenly, communication goes dark. You’re left on read for weeks, wondering when your materials will arrive or when the crew will show up.

At Edwards & Sons Roofing, our $100 Edwards Promise guarantees prompt, proactive communication. You’ll hear from us every step of the way—even when we’re just waiting on materials.

When installation day arrives, your roof is installed by experienced roofing professionals who are committed to quality workmanship. Every job is carefully managed to ensure the work is completed correctly.

Most importantly, we respect your property. A roofing project can be disruptive, which is why we take extra care to keep the jobsite organized and minimize the impact on your home. When the work is complete, we perform a thorough cleanup, including using magnetic tools to collect nails and removing roofing debris, so your property is left as clean as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to file an insurance claim if I only see a few missing shingles?

Not always. We recommend letting us perform a free, honest inspection first. If the damage is localized and falls below your deductible, we will simply give you a straight forward estimate for a minor repair. We won’t pressure you into filing an unnecessary claim that could raise your premiums.

Will my insurance company drop me if I file a storm damage claim?

In most states, insurance companies cannot cancel your policy solely because you filed a claim for damage caused by an event such as wind or hail. However, insurance laws and underwriting practices vary by state and insurer. If you suspect your roof has storm damage, we can perform a thorough inspection, document our findings, and provide you with information about your roof’s condition so you can determine your next steps.

What if my insurance adjuster already inspected my roof and denied the claim?

Adjusters make mistakes, and they often work in a rush after a major storm. If you feel your claim was unfairly denied, call us. We can perform a secondary inspection, document the missed damage, and provide information you can use when requesting a re-inspection.

How long will the roof replacement take once the claim is approved?

While competitor projects have been known to drag on for months, our streamlined process and dedicated crews mean your actual roof replacement is typically completed in just one to two days. We keep you informed during the whole process so you know exactly when we are arriving and when we will be finished.

Ready for an Honest Assessment?

Don’t navigate the insurance maze alone, and don’t let a roofing crew leave you in the dark with a flat tire. If you suspect your home has suffered storm damage, reach out to the family-owned team that has been protecting Illinois and Missouri homes for over 50 years.

Contact Edwards & Sons Roofing today for a free inspection. We’ll give you our honest opinion, and if you need us, we’ll go to bat with you.