How to File a Roofing Insurance Claim in Arkansas

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

After a storm, take photos and videos of any visible damage from the ground. Do not climb on your roof. Document the date and time of the storm, any fallen debris, visible missing or damaged shingles, dents in gutters or downspouts, damage to other structures (fence, shed, siding), and any interior water damage (ceiling stains, drips). This initial documentation establishes a timeline that supports your claim.

Step 2: Call a Qualified Roofing Contractor for a Free Inspection

Before you call your insurance company, have a professional roofer inspect the damage. A quality roofer will identify damage you cannot see from the ground, document everything with photos and measurements, provide an honest assessment of whether the damage warrants a claim, and prepare documentation that aligns with what insurance adjusters need to see.

At SMI Roofing, our inspections are always free and come with no obligation. We will tell you honestly whether the damage is worth filing a claim over. Small repairs might not justify the potential impact on your insurance history, and we will tell you that directly.

Step 3: File the Claim with Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company to initiate the claim. You will need your policy number, the date of the storm, a description of the damage, and your roofer's inspection documentation. Most Arkansas homeowner policies have a 1-year window from the date of damage to file a claim, but filing sooner is always better. Some policies have shorter windows, so check your specific terms.

SMI handles this step for our customers. We file the claim, provide all necessary documentation, and manage communication with the insurance company from start to finish.

Step 4: The Adjuster Visit

Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. This is the most important step in the process. The adjuster's report determines how much the insurance company pays. Your roofer should be present during this visit to point out all damage (adjusters sometimes miss items, especially on complex roofs), ensure the scope of work is complete and accurate, answer technical questions about repair methods and materials, and document anything the adjuster notes.

When SMI meets the adjuster on your roof, we walk them through every damaged area with photo documentation. Our experience with hundreds of insurance claims means we know what adjusters look for and how to ensure nothing is missed.

Step 5: Review the Settlement and File Supplements if Needed

The insurance company will issue a settlement offer based on the adjuster's report. Review this carefully against your roofer's estimate. If the settlement is lower than the actual cost of proper repairs, your roofer should file a supplement, which is additional documentation requesting a higher payout. Supplements are common and normal. They are not adversarial. They simply provide additional detail that supports a fair settlement.

Common reasons for supplements include the adjuster missed damage that is documented in your roofer's inspection, the settlement used incorrect material or labor pricing for your area, decking damage discovered after tear-off that was not visible during the adjuster's visit, or code upgrade requirements that increase the scope of work.

Step 6: What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

Claim denials happen, but they are not always the final word. Common reasons for denial include the insurance company attributing damage to age or wear rather than the storm event, the damage falling below the deductible, the claim being filed outside the policy window, or documentation that does not clearly connect the damage to a covered event.

If your claim is denied, request the denial in writing with specific reasons, have your roofer review the denial and prepare a rebuttal with additional documentation, file a formal appeal with the insurance company, and if the appeal fails, consider hiring a public adjuster or consulting an attorney who specializes in insurance claims.

SMI fights denied claims regularly and successfully. Our documentation practices and understanding of insurance processes give our customers a significant advantage when disputes arise.

How Much Will You Pay Out of Pocket?

For a covered storm damage claim, you are responsible for your deductible (typically $1,000 to $2,500 for Arkansas homeowners, though some policies use a percentage-based deductible for wind/hail). The insurance company pays the rest. Most of SMI's storm damage customers pay nothing beyond their deductible. If anyone tells you they will "cover your deductible," walk away. That is insurance fraud and puts both you and the contractor at legal risk.

Red Flags: What to Avoid

After storms, Arkansas neighborhoods flood with door-to-door salespeople from out-of-state roofing companies. Protect yourself by never signing a contract with a company that showed up uninvited, never paying upfront for storm damage work (insurance pays the contractor after the work is complete), avoiding any company that offers to "waive your deductible," verifying the company has an Arkansas contractor license, checking Google reviews (a company with no reviews or a brand-new profile is a warning sign), and getting everything in writing before any work begins.