Roof Insurance Claims in Illinois: Our Step-by-Step Process
Filing a roof insurance claim in Illinois can feel overwhelming — especially after a hailstorm or major wind event. Leaders Roofing Corp has guided hundreds of Chicagoland homeowners and property owners through the process since 1996. Here's exactly how it works when you work with us.
The 6-Step Roof Insurance Claim Process
Document the Damage Immediately
Before touching anything, photograph and video every damaged area — inside and outside. Date-stamp your documentation. If there is an active interior leak, place buckets and move valuables away from the affected area, but do not attempt to make repairs yourself.
What to capture: damaged or missing shingles, dented metal flashing, granule loss in gutters, water stains on ceilings or attic decking, and any debris on the roof.
Leaders Roofing does this for you. When we arrive for your inspection, we document every finding with photos and a written report — the same documentation your insurance adjuster will need.
Call Leaders Roofing for a Free Inspection — Before You Call Your Insurer
This step matters. Getting an independent contractor inspection before you file gives you a documented scope of damage that you control. We physically get on your roof — not just look from the ground — and inspect shingles, flashings, gutters, ridge caps, and attic ventilation.
We'll tell you honestly whether the damage warrants a claim or whether a simple repair makes more sense. We've been doing this since 1996 and we have no incentive to file a claim that isn't justified.
Call (847) 312-2727 or complete our free roof health check online. We serve Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Northbrook, Glenview, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, and all 18 Chicagoland communities.
File Your Insurance Claim Promptly
Most Illinois homeowner policies allow up to one year to file a storm damage claim — but filing sooner is always better. Contact your insurer's claims department (not your local agent) and provide your date-of-loss, a description of the damage, and any documentation you've collected.
Your insurer will assign a claims number and schedule an adjuster visit. Keep this number — you'll reference it throughout the process.
Illinois tip: Hail events are tracked by date and zip code. If your neighborhood was hit, your neighbors filing claims strengthens the evidence that a qualifying weather event occurred.
Meet the Insurance Adjuster — With Us Present
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage. We strongly recommend having a Leaders Roofing representative on-site during the adjuster's inspection. Here's why:
- We can point out damage that adjusters sometimes miss (ridge cap damage, flashing issues, attic moisture)
- We speak the same technical language as adjusters
- Our written scope can be compared side-by-side with the adjuster's report
- We advocate for a complete, accurate scope — not a minimized one
Adjusters are not adversaries, but they assess many properties quickly. A second set of trained eyes protects your interests.
Review the Adjuster's Report and Your Settlement Offer
After the inspection, your insurer will issue an Actual Cash Value (ACV) payment — the damage amount minus your deductible and depreciation. Once repairs are completed, you can request the Recoverable Depreciation (RDP) to receive the full Replacement Cost Value (RCV).
Compare the adjuster's scope against our written estimate. If items are missing or undervalued, we can help you file a supplemental claim. This is common and legitimate — adjusters sometimes miss items that require a second look.
Your deductible is always your responsibility. If any contractor offers to waive your deductible, walk away — this is insurance fraud in Illinois and puts your coverage at risk.
Schedule Repairs with a Licensed Local Contractor
Once your claim is approved, you choose your contractor — the insurer does not choose for you. Select a licensed Illinois roofing contractor with a permanent local address, local references, and no pressure to sign immediately.
Leaders Roofing is licensed in Illinois (IL Lic. #104.010248), based in Mount Prospect, and has completed projects in all 18 communities we serve. We handle the permit process, work with your adjuster on any supplemental items, and complete the job to code.
After job completion, we provide you with the documentation you need to file for your Recoverable Depreciation with your insurer.
Watch Out for Storm Chasers
After every significant hail or wind event, out-of-state contractors flood into Chicagoland offering free inspections and promising to "handle your insurance claim." Warning signs:
- They knock on your door unsolicited right after a storm
- Out-of-state license plates on their vehicles
- No permanent Illinois office address
- Pressure to sign an Assignment of Benefits or contract on the spot
- Offer to waive your deductible (insurance fraud)
Storm chasers collect the insurance payment and disappear. When problems emerge six months later, there is no one to call. Read our full guide on what to do after a hailstorm damages your roof for more detail.
Emergency Tarping and Temporary Protection
If your roof is actively leaking after storm damage, Leaders Roofing provides same-day and next-day emergency tarping services across all 18 communities. Emergency tarping prevents additional interior damage while your insurance claim is processed. Call (847) 312-2727 for immediate response.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim in Illinois?
Most Illinois homeowner policies require claims to be filed within one year of the date of loss, but some policies are shorter. Check your policy or call your insurer to confirm. Filing promptly is always better — documentation is fresher and weather records are clearer.
Will filing a roof claim raise my insurance rates?
A single weather-related claim typically does not raise rates the way an at-fault claim might, since hail and wind damage are not caused by homeowner negligence. However, multiple claims in a short period can affect your rate. Ask your agent about your specific policy.
What if the insurance payout isn't enough to cover the full repair?
If the adjuster's scope misses items, we can help you file a supplemental claim with additional documentation. This is a normal part of the claims process. The supplemental claim is reviewed by your insurer and often results in an additional payment.
Do I have to use a contractor my insurance company recommends?
No. You have the right to choose your own licensed contractor in Illinois. Your insurer may suggest preferred contractors, but you are not obligated to use them. You are entitled to select any licensed contractor whose scope matches the approved insurance scope.
How do I know if my roof damage is covered?
Most standard homeowner policies cover sudden, accidental damage from hail, wind, falling trees, and fire. They typically do not cover gradual deterioration or wear-and-tear. A professional inspection will help determine whether the damage qualifies as an insurable event. Leaders Roofing provides free inspections — call (847) 312-2727.
Service Areas for Insurance Claim Inspections
Leaders Roofing provides free storm damage inspections and insurance claim support across all 18 Chicagoland communities:
Arlington Heights • Deerfield • Des Plaines • Elk Grove Village • Evanston • Glenview • Highland Park • Kildeer • Lake Zurich • Libertyville • Mount Prospect • Niles • Northbrook • Park Ridge • Schaumburg • Skokie • Wilmette • Winnetka
Ready to Start Your Claim?
Leaders Roofing has guided Chicagoland homeowners through hundreds of insurance claims since 1996. We inspect, document, advocate with your adjuster, and complete the repairs — all with a licensed local team that will still be here when you need us.
Call (847) 312-2727 for a free storm damage inspection, or visit our contact page. You can also take our free roof health check online.