Storms Are Stressful. The Insurance Process Shouldn’t Be.
Between surprise hail, wind damage, and Indiana’s unpredictable weather, we’ve heard from a lot of homeowners lately with one big question:
“What do I do now?”
If your roof took a hit and you’re considering an insurance claim, the last thing you need is guesswork — or worse, getting taken advantage of by a contractor who disappears with your deposit.
We created this guide to walk you through the exact process step-by-step, based on our Good Faith Claims Process we use with every homeowner. You can also download the full Good Faith Claims Process & Terminology PDF here to keep handy or share with your adjuster.
What’s Going On in the Roofing Industry Right Now?
You’ve probably seen the headlines:
- Contractors taking deposits and ghosting clients
- Insurance carriers dragging their feet
- Scandals and lawsuits shaking homeowner confidence
And it’s true — trust in this industry has taken a hit.
That’s why 2025 is the year homeowners take back control.
At Hometown Roofing & Exteriors, we refuse to play the delay, deny, and deflect game. We’re here to guide, advocate, and get your home taken care of the right way — from the first call to the final inspection.
🔎 How the Insurance Claim Process Works (And How We Help at Every Step)
1. You File a Claim, and the Adjuster Reaches Out
After you file your insurance claim, a catastrophe adjuster will contact you to schedule a property inspection. That’s where the real work begins.
2. The Inspection — And Why Our Presence Matters
As soon as your adjuster gives you a date and time, contact your Hometown Roofing & Exteriors rep.
We’ll be there at the inspection — not to argue or negotiate money — but to ensure the full scope of your loss is properly documented, including:
- All visible and hidden damage
- Local building code requirements
- Manufacturer installation specifications
- Best construction practices based on current standards
Our role is to advocate for what’s required to bring your home back to its pre-loss condition — or better.
Having us present helps ensure your claim is built on the right foundation from the start, minimizing delays and surprises later in the process.
3. Initial Estimate & First Payment (ACV)
The adjuster uses software like Xactimate or Symbility to calculate your initial payout — the Actual Cash Value (ACV). This is a depreciated value of the work needed.
Your insurance carrier may send this as your first payment, minus your deductible. Most contractors demand this money upfront.
We don’t.
Through our partner Enhancify, you can finance your project with no money down — and keep your funds secure until the job is done and inspected.
4. We Review the Estimate — and Request Supplements If Needed
When you share the insurance estimate with us, we’ll walk through it line-by-line. If anything’s missing — and it often is — we’ll submit a supplement to the insurance company to add the necessary funds for:
- Building code upgrades
- Additional damage discovered during work
- Permit costs
- Legitimate labor/material increases
This step is often overlooked by other contractors — but it makes a big difference in getting your home restored properly.
5. Repairs Completed — and Second Payment Released (RCV)
Once your project is complete, we’ll have you sign a Certificate of Completion, confirming the scope of work has been fulfilled.
Your insurance carrier will then release the final payment — the Recoverable Depreciation — which brings your total reimbursement up to the Replacement Cost Value (RCV) outlined in your policy.
💡 Know Your Insurance Terms
Here are a few of the key terms we break down for every homeowner:
- ACV (Actual Cash Value): What your roof is worth today, with depreciation.
- RCV (Replacement Cost Value): The full amount owed after work is done.
- Depreciation: Money withheld by your insurance company until repairs are confirmed.
- Non-recoverable depreciation: If this is in your policy, that amount may not be reimbursed.
- Supplements: Additional funds requested for underreported damages.
- O&P (Overhead & Profit): Coverage for managing the entire project — included in larger claims.
You can read more in our Good Faith Claims Process & Terminology PDF, which explains all of these in plain English.
We Don’t Use High-Pressure Sales — Just Good Faith
Too many contractors in this industry use high-pressure tactics to get homeowners to sign “contingency agreements” before their claim is even approved. These agreements often come with:
- Open-ended pricing
- Little to no communication
- Fine-print fees that feel predatory
- No way out once you’ve signed
At Hometown Roofing & Exteriors, we don’t believe in any of that.
We don’t ask you to sign anything until your claim is approved and you’ve selected your materials and colors. Our process is built on good faith — not pressure.
When you’re ready to move forward, we’ll put everything in writing so you know exactly what to expect. No surprises. No runaround.
Why More Indiana Homeowners Are Choosing Hometown Roofing
Let’s be honest: the bar has been set too low for too long.
We’re not here to blend in. We’re here to set a new standard.
Here’s how we protect our clients:
✔️ No deposit required — finance your project and keep your insurance money secure
✔️ On-site adjuster meetings — we advocate for you from Day 1
✔️ Clear timelines — no vague promises or ghosting
✔️ Straight answers — honest, pressure-free communication
✔️ Full support — from supplements to completion
Next Steps: We’re Here If You Need Us
If you’ve experienced damage from a recent storm, don’t go through the insurance process alone. We’re happy to review your policy, explain your options, and show up for the adjuster meeting — all at no cost or obligation.
📞 Call us at 463-724-2250 or reach out at www.hometownrfg.com
📋 View or download our Good Faith Claims Process & Terminology PDF
🤝 Let us help you take back control!
