Filing a roofing insurance claim after storm damage in Shreveport or Bossier City can feel overwhelming — but you do not have to navigate it alone. Alpha Roofing has helped hundreds of local homeowners successfully file claims, work with adjusters, and get their roofs repaired or replaced with as little stress as possible.
Whether your home has been hit by hail, high winds, or severe storms common to the Ark-La-Tex region, our team walks you through every step of the process — from the initial free inspection to the final nail on your new roof. As a veteran-owned, CertainTeed certified roofing contractor, we bring honesty and transparency to every claim we help manage.
The Insurance Claims Process: Step by Step
Alpha Roofing guides Shreveport and Bossier City homeowners through every stage of the roofing insurance process.
Alpha Roofing provides a thorough, no-cost inspection to determine whether your roof has sustained storm damage. We document everything with photos and detailed notes so you have a clear picture of what happened and what it will take to fix it. You should never file a claim without knowing what you have — our inspection gives you that foundation.
Thorough documentation is critical to a successful claim. After we inspect the roof, we recommend homeowners also photograph damage to siding, gutters, windows, and any interior water intrusion. The more evidence you can provide to your insurance company, the stronger your claim. We can help you compile this documentation in a format that is clear and easy for adjusters to review.
Before you file, take the time to understand what your homeowner’s policy covers. Louisiana policies vary — some include full replacement cost value (RCV), while others only pay actual cash value (ACV), which factors in depreciation. Knowing your coverage type helps you set realistic expectations and avoid surprises at settlement time. Our team can help you interpret the roof-specific language in your policy.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the storm event. Louisiana law generally requires homeowners to file claims within a reasonable time after the damage occurs — delays can give insurers grounds to deny or reduce your payout. When you call, have the date of the storm, a description of the damage, and our inspection report ready to reference.
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage independently. This is one of the most important steps in the entire process — and one where many homeowners are at a disadvantage if they go it alone. Alpha Roofing strongly recommends having one of our experienced project managers present during the adjuster visit. We can point out damage the adjuster might overlook, ensure all affected areas are documented, and advocate for a fair and complete scope of repairs on your behalf.
If your claim is approved, you will receive an initial check based on the adjuster’s scope of damage and your policy type. If you have an RCV policy, this initial check typically reflects the actual cash value — the full depreciation amount is released once the work is completed. Review the settlement carefully and compare it against our estimate. If the scope seems incomplete or the amount falls short, we can assist you in requesting a re-inspection or a supplement from your insurer.
Alpha Roofing completes all repairs outlined in the approved insurance paperwork using quality materials and certified installation techniques. We handle the scheduling, the material procurement, and the installation — so all you have to do is sign off when the job is done right.
Common Reasons Roofing Insurance Claims Are Denied
Understanding why claims get denied — before you file — can save you significant time, money, and frustration.
Insurers will often deny claims if the damage appears to be the result of age or neglect rather than a specific storm event. Regular roof maintenance and prompt attention to minor repairs helps establish that damage is storm-related, not chronic.
Louisiana homeowners should file claims promptly. Waiting months after a storm gives insurers grounds to question whether the damage is truly from that event. If you suspect storm damage, call Alpha Roofing for a free inspection right away so you can file within the proper window.
Claims without strong photographic and written evidence are easier for insurers to minimize or deny. Our inspection process is specifically designed to produce the kind of detailed documentation that supports a compelling claim.
Certain types of damage — such as flooding or specific wind events — may not be covered under a standard homeowner’s policy. Understanding your exclusions before you file helps you know what to expect and whether supplemental coverage may apply.
Sometimes an adjuster misses damage or underestimates the scope of repairs required. If the settlement does not fully cover necessary work, Alpha Roofing can help you request a supplemental review with your insurer to address any gaps.
If previous roofing work on your home was done without proper permits, it can complicate a new claim. This is one more reason to always work with a licensed, reputable contractor like Alpha Roofing for any future repairs or replacements.
What to Document After Storm Damage
Strong documentation is your best ally in a roofing insurance claim. Immediately after a storm — once it is safe to do so — here is what you should capture before any temporary repairs are made:
- Date and time of the storm event
- Photos and videos of all visible roof damage, including missing or cracked shingles, dented flashing, and damaged ridge caps
- Gutter and downspout damage — dents and dings from hail are often easy to spot here first
- Siding and window damage that may have occurred during the same event
- Interior water damage — stained ceilings, wet insulation, or moisture in the attic
- Any temporary protective measures you take, such as tarping, to prevent further damage (keep receipts)
- Weather reports or NOAA data confirming the storm event at your address
Bringing this evidence to your insurer — alongside Alpha Roofing’s professional inspection report — creates a comprehensive picture that is much harder to dispute. Our team is experienced in Shreveport and Bossier City weather patterns and can help corroborate storm damage claims with local data when needed.
How Alpha Roofing Assists During the Adjuster Meeting
One of the most valuable services Alpha Roofing offers is being present — and actively engaged — during your adjuster meeting. Most homeowners are not familiar with roofing terminology, scope-of-work documentation, or what a fair settlement looks like. Our project managers are.
During the adjuster visit, we will:
- Walk the adjuster through our inspection findings and supporting photos
- Identify areas of damage that may be overlooked from the ground or with a cursory inspection
- Ensure the scope includes all affected components — not just the most visible damage
- Ask questions and respectfully push back if items are excluded without clear justification
- Provide a professional estimate that the adjuster can compare against for accuracy
In our experience, homeowners who have a knowledgeable contractor present during the adjuster visit receive more complete settlements — and experience fewer delays and disputes throughout the process.
The Mortgage Check Endorsement Process
If you have a mortgage on your home, your insurance claim check will likely be made payable to both you and your mortgage lender. This is standard practice, but it adds steps that can slow down your project if you are not prepared. Here is what to expect:
Call your mortgage company’s loss draft department as soon as you receive your claim check. Each lender has its own process and required documentation — getting this call in early prevents delays down the line.
You will be required to endorse the check and submit it to your lender, along with supporting documentation such as the insurance adjuster’s report, contractor’s estimate, and proof of contractor licensure and insurance. Alpha Roofing can provide all required contractor documentation quickly.
Most lenders release funds in draws — a portion upfront to begin the project, and the remainder upon completion. After your new roof is installed, your lender may require a final inspection before releasing the last draw. Alpha Roofing coordinates this process with you from start to finish to ensure timely payment and a smooth close-out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Insurance Claims
How long do I have to file a roofing insurance claim in Louisiana?
Louisiana law generally requires homeowners to file claims within one year of the storm event for wind and hail damage, though your specific policy may set different limits. Filing promptly — ideally within days or weeks of the storm — gives you the strongest position and prevents insurers from questioning whether the damage occurred during the stated event. Contact Alpha Roofing for a free inspection as soon as possible after any significant storm.
Will filing a claim raise my homeowner’s insurance rates?
Rate impacts vary by insurer and policy. In many cases, a single weather-related claim — especially if it is your first — has minimal or no effect on your premium. Weather events are generally considered no-fault claims. That said, we always recommend speaking with your insurance agent before filing to understand any potential impact on your specific policy.
Does Alpha Roofing charge anything to help with the insurance process?
No. Our initial roof inspection is completely free. We do not charge a separate fee for walking you through the claims process, attending the adjuster meeting, or helping you understand your settlement. Our goal is to earn your business by being the most helpful, honest contractor you have ever worked with — and we let our work speak for itself.
What if the insurance settlement is not enough to cover the full cost of repairs?
If the approved settlement appears to fall short of what is needed for a complete, code-compliant repair or replacement, we can help you file a supplement with your insurer. Supplements are common and legitimate — they account for items that were missed, material price changes, or additional damage discovered during installation. Alpha Roofing will document and submit the supplement on your behalf.
Can I choose my own roofing contractor, or does my insurer assign one?
In Louisiana, you have the right to choose your own licensed roofing contractor. Your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific contractor. We strongly recommend working with a local, experienced company like Alpha Roofing rather than a traveling storm-chaser crew that may not be around if problems arise later.
How does the depreciation holdback work?
If you have a replacement cost value (RCV) policy, your insurer will initially pay actual cash value — which is the replacement cost minus depreciation. Once the work is completed and you provide documentation (such as a final invoice), your insurer releases the withheld depreciation amount. Alpha Roofing helps you understand this process so you are not caught off guard waiting for the second check.
Why Shreveport and Bossier City Homeowners Trust Alpha Roofing
“Alpha Roofing made the entire insurance process easy. They came out the same week as the storm, documented everything, and were right there with the adjuster. I got a full roof replacement and never felt lost once.”
— Satisfied Homeowner, Bossier City, LA
As a veteran-owned, CertainTeed certified contractor, Alpha Roofing is built on the values of honesty, integrity, and transparency. Owner Brock Dowden served in the United States Marine Corps, and that same standard of service carries through to every project we take on. We are your neighbors — not a storm-chasing crew from out of state — and we will be here long after your roof is finished. Learn more about our team on our About Us page, or explore our full range of roofing services for Shreveport and Bossier City.
Storm Damage? We Can Help.
Alpha Roofing walks you through the entire insurance claims process — from free inspection to final installation. Call us today or request a free estimate online.