Interpreting Insurance Estimates for Storm-Damaged Roofs

Filing an insurance claim after a storm damages your roof is only the beginning. Once your adjuster provides an estimate, the real work begins—understanding what it covers, what it leaves out, and how to ensure your roof is restored properly. For homeowners in Santa Monica, CA, navigating insurance paperwork can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to roofing. At Economy Roofing, we help our clients make sense of insurance estimates and advocate for the repairs they truly need.

This blog will walk you through how to read and interpret insurance estimates for storm-damaged roofs so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Why Roof Insurance Estimates Are Complicated

Insurance companies use specific estimating software like Xactimate® to create detailed line-item reports for covered repairs. While these documents are standardized in the industry, they often include jargon, codes, and partial pricing that can confuse the average homeowner.

Common Challenges

• Partial or missed damage

• Undervalued material costs

• Omission of critical labor or removal fees

• Confusing abbreviations and roofing terms

Understanding your estimate ensures you don’t settle for less than you’re entitled to.

Key Parts of an Insurance Estimate

Line Items and Codes

Each task—like removing shingles, installing underlayment, or replacing flashing—will appear as a line item with a description, unit cost, and quantity. Pay attention to:

• R&R: Remove and Replace

• SF: Square Feet

• SQ: Roofing Square (100 SF)

• EA: Each (used for vents, flashing, etc.)

Scope of Work

This section lists the repairs the adjuster has approved. Compare it to your contractor’s inspection report to confirm it reflects the full extent of the damage.

ACV vs. RCV

• ACV (Actual Cash Value): The depreciated value of your roof at the time of damage.

• RCV (Replacement Cost Value): The full cost to replace the roof with today’s materials and labor.

Most homeowners’ policies pay the ACV first and release the depreciation (the difference) after the work is completed.

How to Spot Missing or Underestimated Items

Materials

Ensure the estimate includes all necessary components—underlayment, drip edge, ridge vent, flashing, and ice & water shield. Brands like Malarkey and Owens Corning offer complete systems that should be installed together for full warranty protection.

Labor and Disposal

Don’t overlook line items for removal, haul-off, permits, and jobsite preparation. These are often excluded or undervalued.

Code Upgrades

If local building codes require changes (like new ventilation or sheathing), these upgrades should be covered. Request documentation from your contractor to support these requirements.

What to Do If Your Estimate Seems Incomplete

Get a Contractor’s Estimate

Have a licensed roofer review your insurance scope and provide their own estimate. This side-by-side comparison helps you negotiate with your insurer for fair coverage.

Request a Supplement

If items are missing or underpaid, your contractor can submit a supplement to your insurance provider with photos, documentation, and justification.

Communicate Clearly

Stay in close contact with both your adjuster and contractor. Ask questions and don’t sign off on the claim until you’re sure everything has been addressed.

Final Thoughts

Insurance estimates can be difficult to decipher, but with the right guidance, you can ensure your storm-damaged roof is repaired thoroughly and correctly. Work with a reputable contractor, ask the right questions, and don’t hesitate to push back if your estimate doesn’t reflect the full scope of damage.

Read also our blog: How Roof Flashing Prevents Structural Water Damage