Field
Roof surface
Hail bruising, mat fracture, granule loss, and wind damage across the roof field, photographed with location and scale so the whole pattern is clear.
Insurance Claims · Storm & Hail
Storm damage is a documentation problem before it's a roof problem.
Locke & Ladder’s take:
There are usually two disasters with storm claims. The first is the natural disaster that created the claim. The second disaster is dealing with your carrier.
You know, the one you’ve paid tens of thousands of dollars to and never filed a claim. And now they’re treating you like a stranger.
To be fair not all carriers are bad and some adjusters genuinely care and do a great job. It’s the other 95% we’re here to help you with. From start to finish our goal is to remove as much stress from the process for you as possible while getting you everything your coverage says you deserve.
Here’s the problem. CONTRACTORS CAN RUIN YOUR CLAIM AND BE THE REASON YOU GET DENIED. Working with adjusters takes a level of savvy, a deep understanding of claims processes, and a high level of emotional intelligence.
The four-step process
How Locke & Ladder documents roof insurance claims before work starts.
If you file, contact your carrier
The property owner decides whether to file and files directly with the carrier. The claim belongs to you, not the contractor. If a claim is opened, save the claim number and tell us when the adjuster is scheduled so we can coordinate the site visit.
We document & coordinate
We inspect the roof and exterior and photograph the observed conditions independently before the adjuster's visit. The record identifies location, scale, and the construction details we believe belong in the scope.
We meet the adjuster on site
We attend the adjuster's site visit so the contractor and adjuster can inspect the same physical conditions. The carrier makes its own coverage decision.
We compare construction scopes
Before work begins, we compare our proposed construction scope with the carrier's scope and identify physical work items that differ. We price the repair or replacement we recommend; your carrier and policy determine coverage.
Our boundary: Locke & Ladder is the contractor. We document observed conditions and write a construction scope. We do not interpret your policy, negotiate coverage as a public adjuster, promise approval, or decide whether you should file a claim.
What we document
The construction record starts with roof, edges, openings, and water paths.
Details
Edges & flashing
Ridges, valleys, drip edge, step and counter flashing, and penetrations. Storm damage often shows first at the details, and those are the parts a quick inspection skips.
Envelope
Openings & siding
Hail and wind effects on siding, gutters, soffit, fascia, and windows. We photograph each observed condition by component so the construction scope does not stop at the roof edge.
Interior
Water intrusion
Ceiling stains, attic moisture, and active leaks tied back to the exterior point of failure, so the cause is documented along with the symptom.
Three things to do before work begins.
Document & contact the carrier
Photograph obvious exterior damage and interior leaks, take safe steps to prevent further damage, and contact your carrier for claim instructions. If you decide to file, save the claim number and adjuster appointment.
Don't sign under pressure
Be cautious with anyone who promises a "free roof" or asks you to sign before an inspection. Compare the inspection record, proposed construction scope, and contract before authorizing work.
Tell us the adjuster date
If an adjuster visit is scheduled, let us know so we can inspect first and attend the site visit. That allows the contractor and adjuster to view the same physical conditions; it does not determine coverage or timing.
FAQ
Insurance Claims
Does Locke & Ladder handle insurance claims?
The homeowner or property owner decides whether to file and files directly with the carrier. Locke & Ladder documents observed conditions, attends the site inspection, and writes the construction scope we recommend. We do not interpret policy, negotiate coverage as a public adjuster, or promise claim approval.
Who files the insurance claim, me or the contractor?
If you decide to file, you file directly with your own carrier. The claim belongs to you, not the contractor. Save the claim number and tell us when the adjuster is scheduled so we can coordinate the site visit.
Will a storm inspection always mean a full roof replacement?
No. Not every storm inspection should become a roof replacement. The job is to tell the truth about the condition of the roof, then build the right scope, whether that's a targeted repair or a full replacement.
What should I do right after a storm?
Photograph obvious exterior damage and interior leaks, take safe steps to prevent further damage, and contact your carrier for claim instructions. If you decide to file, save the claim number and adjuster appointment. We can inspect the roof and exterior, document observed conditions, and attend the site visit.
What does the storm-claim process cost up front?
Inspection and damage documentation are part of the consult. Your policy, deductible, carrier decision, and any work or upgrades outside the approved scope determine what you owe. We state our construction price and scope before work begins. See the Cost & Scope Index for planning ranges.
Do you handle commercial and church storm claims?
Yes. Commercial storm damage follows the same disciplined claims path on a larger building. See our commercial exterior services for how we run church, business, and managed-property work.
Verified Google reviews
★★★★★
“After a devastating baseball-size hail and windstorm just north of Muncie, our carrier approved a complete siding replacement. Locke & Ladder presented the most compelling proposal, which was quickly approved. Jon’s team was professional, thorough, quality-driven, and swift on follow-up.”
Verified Google review · Muncie-area storm-damage siding claim
★★★★★
“We had three roofing companies look at our house and Locke and Ladder was the only one that documented damage other than the roof itself.”
Brad L. · Insurance — roof, gutters & windows · November 2023
If you filed, bring the claim number. We'll document the construction condition.
Tell us what happened, whether you chose to file, and whether an adjuster visit is scheduled. We will inspect the roof and exterior, photograph what we observe, and write the repair or replacement scope we recommend.