The claim process, demystified.
A roof or storm insurance claim sounds intimidating, but it's a predictable set of steps. Here's exactly how it works, who does what, and where we take the weight off you. You pay your deductible, we handle the rest.
Start the claim the right way.
Most claims succeed or fail on the first two steps, inspection and documentation. Start there, free, and we'll set the claim up properly and carry it through with your carrier. We respond within 2 hours, 24/7 for emergencies.
Got it. We'll be in touch.
Thanks, there. We received your request and respond within 2 hours during business hours.
Six stages, and who does each one.
The whole point is that you're not doing this alone. Here's every stage of a roof or storm claim, with exactly what's on us and what's on you.
Free damage inspection
It starts with knowing what you're actually dealing with. We inspect the roof, siding, and gutters and tell you honestly whether there's damage worth a claim, no pressure either way.
Full exterior inspection and an honest read on whether to file.
Request the free inspection and point out any interior leaks you've seen.
Documentation
This is where claims are won. We photograph and document the full scope of the damage in the format your adjuster expects, so nothing legitimate gets left out.
Photos, measurements, and a damage report built for the claim.
Share any photos you took right after the storm, and keep receipts.
File the claim
You contact your insurer to open the claim, it's your policy, so this step is yours, but we tell you exactly what to say and provide so it starts clean.
Guide you on what to report and hand you the documentation to submit.
Call your carrier, open the claim, and get your claim number.
The adjuster visit
Your insurer sends an adjuster to assess the damage. We meet them on-site and walk the damage together, so what they scope matches what's actually there.
Meet the adjuster on-site and present the documented damage.
Schedule the adjuster visit and let us know the time.
Approval & scope
The carrier issues its decision and a scope of covered work. We review it against our inspection to confirm it reflects the real damage, and flag anything missing.
Review the scope, confirm it's complete, and discuss any gaps.
Approve moving forward and confirm your deductible.
Repair & completion
Once it's approved, our own crews complete the work to the agreed scope, and we handle the final paperwork so the job closes cleanly.
The full repair with our own crews, plus final documentation.
Pay your deductible. That's typically your only out-of-pocket cost.
The words on your claim, decoded.
- Deductible
- The set amount you pay out of pocket on a covered claim. On most storm claims, it's your only cost, we handle the rest with the carrier.
- Adjuster
- The person your insurer sends to assess the damage and decide what's covered. We meet them on-site so the scope is accurate.
- Scope of work
- The carrier's itemized list of the covered repairs and what they'll pay. We check it against the real damage.
- ACV vs. RCV
- Some policies pay actual cash value (depreciated) and release the rest, the recoverable depreciation, once the work is done. We help you recover it.
Your part is small. Ours is the heavy lifting.
The reason a claim feels overwhelming is people think they have to manage all of it. You don't. Here's the honest division of labor.
- Request the free inspection
- Call your carrier to open the claim
- Schedule the adjuster visit
- Approve the work and pay your deductible
- Inspect and document the full damage
- Build the report your adjuster needs
- Meet the adjuster on-site
- Review the scope and complete the repair
How long does a claim take?
Every claim is different, and timelines depend on your carrier and the damage. But here's the honest shape of it, and where we keep things moving.
Inspection & documentation: usually days
We respond to inspection requests within 2 hours and can typically inspect and document quickly, often within a few days, sooner if it's an emergency that needs tarping first.
Adjuster & approval: carrier-dependent
This stage is in your insurer's hands, scheduling the adjuster and issuing a decision can take anywhere from days to a few weeks. We keep it moving by meeting the adjuster promptly and responding fast to any questions.
Repair: scheduled once approved
After approval, we schedule the repair with our own crews and complete it to the agreed scope, then handle the closing paperwork, including any recoverable depreciation.
4.9 stars across 80 verified reviews.
They walked us through the whole insurance process step by step and took all the stress out of it. Highly recommend.
They met the adjuster, handled the paperwork, and made the claim painless. Professional and honest.
The whole crew was professional, the work was excellent, and they cleaned up so well you'd never know they were there.
Q.01What will the claim cost me out of pocket?+
Q.02Should I get an inspection before I file?+
Q.03Do you work with my insurance company?+
Q.04What does the adjuster actually do?+
Q.05What if my claim is denied or underpaid?+
Q.06Are you a public adjuster?+
Storm & insurance resources.
Let's start the claim the right way.
Request a free inspection and we'll confirm the damage, document it for your claim, meet your adjuster, and complete the repair with our own crews. You pay your deductible, we handle the rest. Family-owned since 1979, any insurance carrier.
This page explains the general insurance claim process for educational purposes and is not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Insurance coverage, claim approval, scope, depreciation, and out-of-pocket cost depend on your policy, deductible, and the documented cause and extent of damage; coverage is determined by your insurer, not by Buckshot, and outcomes vary by claim. Buckshot is a licensed contractor and is not a public adjuster; we do not adjust claims or negotiate settlements on your behalf, and we are not Iowa public adjusters nor do we offer public adjusting services (Iowa Code §522C). We document damage and complete repairs, working alongside your insurer and adjuster. WI Lic. DC-080900045 · IL Lic. 104017198 · Family-Owned Since 1979.