An insurance adjuster records observations for the insurer’s evaluation. The policy, facts, and insurer’s decision control coverage and payment. Preparing records can help you follow the conversation, but it does not determine the outcome.
Know the roles
A staff adjuster works for the insurer; an independent adjuster may be engaged by the insurer. Ask who will attend and how to contact the person handling written questions. A roofing company can separately inspect the roof and explain its construction proposal. Free Roof Score does not inspect or evaluate a claim.
For a Georgia dispute, a homeowner may consult a licensed Georgia public adjuster or attorney. Confirm current licensing where applicable and read service and fee terms. No result is guaranteed.
Prepare without climbing onto the roof
- Keep safe, dated ground-level photos and notes about the affected room or exterior area.
- Record when you noticed the problem. Do not invent a storm date or cause.
- Gather prior repair invoices, product records, and earlier photos if available.
- Review your policy documents and write questions for the insurer or agent.
- Identify access limitations and the authorized property contact.
- Ask whether your roofing company may attend and coordinate with the insurer.
- Keep written communications together so later explanations can be compared accurately.
Do not approach downed power lines, enter a damaged building, or climb onto the roof to collect evidence. Safety and necessary emergency assistance take priority over photographs. NWS post-storm safety provides general guidance.
Weather records are regional context
NOAA’s Storm Events search categorizes records by county or forecast zone. It is not a ZIP- or address-level roof assessment. A radar signature, warning, or nearby storm report does not establish damage at your property. Keep source dates and distinguish reported conditions from your own observations.
Further reading: NOAA Storm Events search.
Ask how the visit will be documented
Methods, access, duration, photo counts, and written-response timing vary. Ask what the adjuster will assess, how observations will be recorded, and whom to contact with questions. Do not assume that a particular duration, test-square count, or number of photos proves the assessment was complete or incomplete.
If a company’s estimate differs from the insurer’s scope, ask each party to explain its measurements, materials, included work, and assumptions in writing. A scope difference does not guarantee a coverage or payment change.
Keep policy questions with the insurer or agent
Ask which settlement method applies, how depreciation and deductibles are calculated, what documents are requested, and which deadlines apply. Our Georgia ACV/RCV guide explains common terms, including hypothetical arithmetic rather than payment predictions.
A mortgage servicer may be named on an insurance payment and may release funds in stages. Ask the servicer and insurer for their specific process. There is no universal dollar threshold or release schedule stated here. Further reading: CFPB insurance-payment explanation.
Prepare a construction conversation separately
The repair guide and replacement guide can help you ask about proposed work, exclusions, added work, schedule, and written warranty terms. A roofing company’s inspection or report may have its own costs and terms; Free Roof Score does not promise a free inspection or a condition report.
Owner-reviewed matching
A&E reviews the request first for at most one suitable available independent roofing company. No automatic assignment, guaranteed match, or response time. Submission is free to homeowners and there is no obligation to hire. Any inspection, estimate, agreement, and work are the company’s responsibility. A&E is compensated by the partner network only when a job moves forward.