How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Tennessee (Step-by-Step Guide)
If a storm just hit your Murfreesboro home and you’re staring at missing shingles, hail dents, or water stains on your ceiling — the last thing you want is to fumble through a confusing insurance claim process. The good news: filing a roof insurance claim in Tennessee is straightforward when you know the steps. The bad news: most homeowners make costly mistakes that delay or reduce their payout.
At Roof Troops Roofing, we’ve helped hundreds of Middle Tennessee homeowners navigate the claims process from start to finish. Here’s exactly what to do.
Step 1: Don’t Wait — Document the Damage Immediately
The clock starts ticking the moment the storm passes. Tennessee insurance policies typically require you to report damage promptly. Delaying can give your insurer grounds to question whether the damage is storm-related or pre-existing.
What to do:
- Walk around your property and photograph everything — missing shingles, dented gutters, damaged siding, interior ceiling stains
- Note the date and time of the storm
- Check your yard for shingle granules, which indicate significant roof wear from hail impact
- Do NOT attempt to climb on your roof — leave that to the professionals
Step 2: Call a Local Roofing Contractor Before Your Insurer
This surprises most homeowners, but calling a trusted local roofer first is the smartest move you can make. Here’s why: your insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. A qualified roofer works for you.
Roof Troops Roofing provides free storm damage inspections throughout Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee. We document damage thoroughly, identify issues adjusters sometimes miss, and provide a professional assessment you can submit alongside your claim.
Step 3: Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Before you call your insurer, know what you’re working with. Pull out your policy and look for:
- ACV vs RCV — Actual Cash Value pays depreciated value; Replacement Cost Value pays what it actually costs to replace your roof today. RCV is significantly better.
- Deductible amount — This is what you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in
- Exclusions — Some policies exclude certain types of damage, such as flood or neglect
- Hail and wind coverage — Most standard Tennessee homeowners policies cover hail and wind damage, but confirm yours does
Step 4: File Your Claim
Call your insurance company’s claims line or file online through their portal. Have the following ready:
- Your policy number
- Date and description of the storm or event
- Photos and documentation of damage
- Your roofing contractor’s inspection report if you have one
Your insurer will assign an adjuster to your claim and schedule an inspection of your property.
Step 5: Be Present During the Adjuster’s Inspection
Never let the adjuster inspect your roof alone. Have your roofing contractor present at the same time. This is critical — adjusters can miss damage, undervalue repairs, or document less than what’s actually there. Having a knowledgeable roofer on-site ensures nothing gets overlooked and gives you an advocate in real time.
At Roof Troops Roofing, we regularly accompany our customers during adjuster inspections throughout Rutherford County and surrounding areas.
Step 6: Review the Adjuster’s Report Carefully
Once the adjuster submits their report, you’ll receive a claim summary outlining what’s covered and the payout amount. Review it carefully and compare it to your contractor’s assessment.
If the numbers don’t match — and they often don’t — you have the right to dispute the claim. This process is called a supplement, and it’s extremely common. Roof Troops Roofing has helped Murfreesboro homeowners recover thousands of additional dollars through the supplement process.
Step 7: Get Your Roof Repaired or Replaced
Once your claim is approved, work with your roofing contractor to schedule the repair or replacement. Make sure your contractor:
- Pulls the necessary permits
- Uses materials that match your existing roof or meet code requirements
- Provides a written warranty on labor and materials
Common Mistakes Tennessee Homeowners Make With Roof Insurance Claims
- Waiting too long to report damage — insurers can deny claims that aren’t reported promptly
- Accepting the first offer — initial payouts are often lower than what you’re entitled to
- Hiring an out-of-town storm chaser — contractors who roll into town after a storm and disappear after the job are a major risk
- Not getting a professional inspection — visible damage is only part of the story; a pro finds what you can’t see from the ground
Let Roof Troops Roofing Help You Through the Process
Filing a roof insurance claim in Tennessee doesn’t have to be stressful. As a veteran-owned roofing company based right here in Murfreesboro, Roof Troops Roofing has guided hundreds of Middle Tennessee homeowners through the entire process — from the first inspection to the final nail.
We offer free storm damage inspections, attend adjuster meetings with you, and handle the documentation so you don’t have to fight the insurance company alone.
Call us at 615-258-9977 or request your free inspection here.
Protect the Home. Earn the Trust.