Oklahoma homeowners pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country—averaging over $6,000 per year according to recent data from LendingTree. That's more than double the national average. When your roof gets damaged by hail or wind, you've already paid for coverage. You deserve to use it.
But filing an insurance claim can feel intimidating. The process has a lot of moving parts, and insurance companies aren't exactly known for making things easy. This guide walks you through every step so you know exactly what to expect.
Before You File: Get a Professional Inspection
This might seem backwards—shouldn't you file the claim first? Not necessarily. Here's why getting an inspection before calling your insurance company makes sense:
A professional roofer can tell you whether you actually have damage worth claiming. If the damage is minor and the repair cost is less than your deductible, filing a claim doesn't help you financially—and it could affect your rates later.
More importantly, a roofer can document the damage with photos and a detailed report. This documentation supports your claim and gives you a baseline to compare against the insurance adjuster's assessment.
Reputable roofing companies offer free inspections. There's no cost and no obligation to use their services for repairs. You're just gathering information before you make a decision.
Step 1: Document Everything
Before you call your insurance company, collect as much evidence as you can. Take photos and videos of any visible damage—not just the roof, but also gutters, siding, windows, outdoor AC units, and any debris in your yard.
Note the date of the storm that caused the damage. Insurance adjusters verify claims against weather data, so knowing the specific event helps your case. If you're not sure when the damage occurred, your roofing contractor can often help pinpoint likely storm dates based on weather records for your ZIP code.
Also check inside your home. Water stains on ceilings, damp spots in the attic, or mold growth can all indicate roof damage. Document these as well.
Step 2: Review Your Policy
Pull out your homeowners insurance policy and declaration page. Look for a few key things:
First, confirm that wind and hail damage are covered perils. Most Oklahoma policies cover these, but some have specific exclusions or limitations.
Second, find your deductible. Many Oklahoma policies now have separate "wind and hail deductibles" that are higher than your standard deductible—sometimes calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat dollar amount. Know what you're on the hook for before you file.
Third, check for any claim deadlines. While Oklahoma law requires policies to allow claims up to 24 months after a loss (per Oklahoma Statutes §36-1250.5), your specific policy may have reporting requirements. The sooner you file, the better.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Call the claims number on your insurance card or policy documents. When you call, you'll need to provide basic information: your policy number, the date of the loss, a description of the damage, and your contact information.
The insurance company should acknowledge your claim within 10 business days under Oklahoma regulations. They'll assign a claim number and a claims adjuster to your case.
Write down the claim number and the name of your adjuster. You'll reference these in all future communications.
Step 4: The Adjuster Inspection
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. This usually happens within a week or two of filing your claim, though timing can vary—especially if there's been widespread storm damage in the area.
Here's where having your own documentation matters. The adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to assess the damage, but they're also looking out for their employer's bottom line.
If possible, have your roofing contractor present during the adjuster's inspection. They can point out damage the adjuster might miss and explain technical issues in roofing terms the adjuster understands. A good contractor isn't there to argue—they're there to make sure the inspection is thorough.
The adjuster will write up a report and a damage estimate. This estimate determines what the insurance company is willing to pay.
Step 5: Review the Insurance Estimate
After the inspection, you'll receive the adjuster's report and estimate. This is not a final offer—it's a starting point.
Compare the insurance estimate to what your roofing contractor found. Are all the damaged areas included? Are the materials and labor priced fairly? Sometimes adjusters miss things, or they use pricing that doesn't reflect actual costs in your area.
If the estimate seems low, don't panic. You have options.
Step 6: Request a Re-Inspection if Needed
If you believe the adjuster missed damage or undervalued your claim, you can request a re-inspection. This is common and within your rights as a policyholder.
Your roofing contractor can prepare a supplement—a detailed document showing additional damage or explaining why certain items should be included. The insurance company will review this and may send a different adjuster for a second look.
Under Oklahoma regulations, insurers must accept or deny claims within 45 days of receiving your proof of loss. If they need more time to investigate, they must provide written reasons explaining the delay.
Step 7: Approve the Scope and Begin Repairs
Once you and the insurance company agree on the scope of work, you can proceed with repairs. The insurance company typically issues payment in two parts: an initial payment (minus your deductible) when the claim is approved, and a final payment after the work is completed.
If you have a mortgage, your mortgage company may be listed on the insurance check. You'll need to endorse the check and possibly have your mortgage company release the funds as work progresses. This is annoying but normal.
Timing Matters
Don't wait too long to start the process. Even though Oklahoma law allows 24 months for claims on damage that wasn't immediately evident, the connection between a specific storm and your damage gets harder to prove as time passes.
Also, avoid making permanent repairs before the adjuster visits—unless you're preventing further damage. Temporary fixes to stop leaks are fine and expected. But replacing shingles or making major repairs before the inspection can complicate your claim.
Working With a Roofing Contractor on Your Claim
Here's something most homeowners don't realize: you don't have to navigate the insurance process alone. Experienced storm restoration contractors handle insurance claims every day, and the good ones will manage the entire process for you.
At Elrod Roofing, we handle the paperwork, communicate with your insurance company, meet with adjusters, and submit supplements if the initial estimate is too low. You sign a contingency agreement upfront—meaning you're not paying out of pocket, and the work is tied to your insurance approval. This is standard practice in storm restoration and protects you from any surprises.
For most homeowners, this is a relief. No confusing phone calls with adjusters. No deciphering insurance jargon. No wondering if you're getting a fair settlement. We know what's covered, what documentation is needed, and how to make sure nothing gets missed.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not every contractor operates this way. Watch out for these warning signs:
Demanding large cash deposits before insurance pays is a red flag. Legitimate storm restoration contractors work on contingency—they get paid when insurance pays, not before.
Offering to "waive your deductible" sounds generous, but it's actually insurance fraud in Oklahoma. Any contractor who suggests this is someone you should walk away from immediately.
Pressure to sign immediately, especially from out-of-town crews who showed up right after a storm, is another concern. Reputable local contractors give you time to make decisions and will still be around if something goes wrong with the work.
Quoting prices significantly higher than insurance estimates without explanation could mean they're planning to cut corners or stick you with the difference later.
Understanding ACV vs. Replacement Cost
Your policy might pay claims on an Actual Cash Value (ACV) basis or a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) basis. The difference matters.
ACV policies factor in depreciation. If your roof is 15 years old, the insurance company pays what a 15-year-old roof is worth—not what a new roof costs. You're responsible for the difference.
RCV policies pay the full cost to replace damaged materials with new materials of similar kind and quality. You'll typically get an initial payment based on ACV, then a second payment covering the depreciation once repairs are complete.
Check your policy to see which type you have. This significantly affects how much money you'll receive.
When to Get Help
Most claims process smoothly with a little patience and good documentation. But sometimes disputes arise that you can't resolve on your own.
If your claim is denied and you believe it shouldn't have been, you can file a complaint with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. They serve as a neutral third party and can investigate whether your insurer followed proper procedures. You can reach them at (405) 521-2828 or through their website.
For complex claims or disputes involving significant money, consulting with a public adjuster or an attorney who specializes in insurance claims may be worth considering. They can advocate on your behalf, though they'll take a percentage of any additional settlement they secure.
The Bottom Line
Filing an insurance claim doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start with a professional inspection to understand what you're dealing with. Document everything. Communicate clearly with your insurance company. And don't accept less than you're entitled to.
You pay a lot for homeowners insurance in Oklahoma. When storm damage happens, that coverage should work for you.