Should You Call a Roofer or Your Insurance Company First After Roof Damage?

When you discover roof damage, it’s a fair question: who do you call first? The honest answer is that it often makes sense to do both fairly close together, but the order and reasoning matter.

Why Calling a Roofer First Often Makes Sense

• Active leaks need immediate attention. If water is actively entering your home, stopping that comes first, regardless of insurance timing.
• You get an independent assessment. A roofing provider’s inspection gives you your own documentation and opinion on the damage, separate from the insurance company’s adjuster.
• Most policies expect you to prevent further damage. Emergency measures like tarping are generally considered reasonable mitigation steps insurers expect, not something that needs pre-approval.

Why You Also Need to Contact Your Insurer Promptly

• Most policies have reporting deadlines
• Delaying notification can complicate a claim or raise questions about timeline
• Your insurer may want to send an adjuster before certain repairs are completed (though emergency mitigation is usually fine)

A Reasonable Approach

1. If there’s an active leak, address immediate safety and get emergency protection (like tarping) arranged
2. Photograph the damage before any repairs begin
3. Contact your insurer to report the damage, typically within a day or two
4. Get a full inspection from a roofing provider to document the complete scope of damage

See our guides on emergency roof tarping and documenting damage for a claim for more on each step.

FAQs

Will I get in trouble for getting emergency repairs before my insurer approves it?

Generally no, since preventing further damage is usually expected. Keep documentation and receipts for anything done before the adjuster’s visit.

Do I need my insurer’s permission before getting an inspection?

No. You can arrange your own independent inspection at any time; it doesn’t require insurer approval.

Get an Inspection Started

RoofLeakLocal can help connect Texas City and Galveston County homeowners with an independent roofing provider for an inspection, whether or not you’ve contacted your insurer yet. Provider availability and qualifications vary.

Call (409) 290-5353 or request a free roof inspection.

This article provides general information and is not insurance or legal advice.