After a bad storm rolls through central Illinois, a lot of homeowners are left standing in the yard wondering what just happened to their roof. Maybe there’s visible damage. Maybe you’re not sure. Either way, the idea of calling your insurance company and figuring out what comes next can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure what the process is supposed to look like.
That’s where having the right roofing contractor in your corner makes a real difference. Not just someone to fix the shingles, but someone who understands the claims process from both sides. At Holthaus Roofing, I’m Craig Stafford, the steep slope manager, and I’m also a former insurance adjuster. So I’ve been on that side of the fence. I know how adjusters think, what they’re looking for, and how to help homeowners feel less lost when they’re navigating all of this. That’s not a small thing.
For more on what storm damage roofing work looks like in central Illinois, check out our complete storm damage and insurance claims guide.
You Don’t Have to Figure Out the Claims Process Alone
A lot of homeowners assume the insurance claim is something they handle on their own, and the roofer only shows up after everything’s settled. That’s not how it has to work.
When you bring in a contractor early — ideally someone familiar with how insurance adjusters evaluate storm damage — you’re putting yourself in a much better position. Here’s what that can look like in practice.
Understanding what’s actually damaged. After a hailstorm or windstorm, the damage isn’t always obvious from the ground. Granular loss — that’s the crushed rock that protects the asphalt underneath — can be significant without looking dramatic from your driveway. A good inspection catches things the homeowner wouldn’t know to look for. And being able to document what’s there, in clear terms, matters when an adjuster comes out.
Being there for the adjuster visit. This is probably where my background as a former insurance adjuster helps the most. When the adjuster comes out to walk the roof, I can be there with the homeowner. I can speak the same language the adjuster is speaking, point out what we found during the inspection, and make sure nothing gets overlooked. I’m not acting as a public adjuster — that’s a licensed role I’m not in, and I’m not going to cross that line — but I can advocate for the homeowner’s interests as their contractor and help them understand what’s being evaluated and why.
Helping you understand the scope. Insurance estimates and contractor estimates aren’t always the same document. When a homeowner gets the adjuster’s report, there can be line items that don’t translate clearly. I can help explain what the numbers mean and whether the scope covers everything that needs to be done.
What the Claims Process Generally Looks Like
Every claim is a little different, but here’s generally how things move from storm to finished roof.
Step 1: Inspection First
You call, we come out and take a look. We’ll document what we find — photos, notes, a clear picture of what’s on that roof. If there’s damage consistent with a storm event, we’ll say so. If it looks like wear and tear rather than storm damage, we’ll say that too. Transparency matters here. We’re not going to tell you what you want to hear just to get a job on the schedule.
Step 2: Filing the Claim
That’s your move. You contact your insurance company and open a claim. We can help you understand what information they’ll typically ask for, but the filing itself is between you and your insurer.
Step 3: The Adjuster Visit
This is where I’ll often step in alongside the homeowner. We want to make sure the adjuster has everything they need to write an accurate scope. If we’ve already done a thorough inspection, we’ve got the documentation ready. Having someone on site who understands how adjusters work and what they’re evaluating — it just helps the process move more smoothly.
Step 4: Reviewing the Scope and Settlement
Once you have the adjuster’s report, we go through it together. There are times when the scope is complete and we can move forward. There are also times when something’s been missed or undervalued. If that happens, I’ll walk you through what your options are. Again — I’m not a public adjuster, and I won’t pretend to be. But I can help you understand what you’re looking at.
Step 5: Getting the Roof Done
Once everything’s in order, we schedule the work. On the day of the job, I show up with the crew, walk the homeowner through what to expect for the day, and introduce them to my lead man — who’s going to be there all day. I’ll check back around lunch and again at the end of the day. The dump trailer leaves with us. The debris is cleaned up. A lot of homeowners have told us they wouldn’t even know we were there, except for the brand new roof.
A Few Things to Watch Out For
After a major storm, you’ll see contractors come through the neighborhood quickly. Some of them are fine. Some are not. The ones to be careful about are the storm chasers — crews that move fast, nail shingles incorrectly because they’re in a hurry to get to the next job, and are gone before you realize there’s a problem. No labor warranty, no one to call when something goes wrong a year later. That’s not what you want.
When you’re vetting anyone who shows up after a storm, look for proper insurance, verifiable references, labeled trucks, and a presence on the Better Business Bureau. Ask how long they’ve been operating locally. A contractor who’s in it for the long run is going to stand behind their work — because they’ll still be here when you need them to.
For a fuller look at what separates a trustworthy roofer from one you’d want to avoid, see our post on red flags to watch out for when hiring a roofer.
We’re Here to Help You Get Through This
The insurance process can feel complicated, and storm damage adds stress on top of an already stressful situation. If you want to talk through what you’re seeing on your roof or have questions about how a claim might work for your specific situation, give us a call. We’re happy to come out and take a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a roofing contractor being at the adjuster visit actually make a difference?
Generally, yes. Having a contractor on site who’s familiar with how adjusters evaluate storm damage means nothing gets overlooked. I’ll have documentation from our inspection already in hand, and I can answer the adjuster’s questions directly. It doesn’t guarantee any particular outcome, but it usually helps the visit go more smoothly and makes sure the scope reflects what’s actually on the roof.
What’s the difference between a roofing contractor and a public adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who negotiates insurance settlements on behalf of policyholders. That’s not what I do. My role is as your roofing contractor — I can help you understand the process, be present at the adjuster visit, and review the scope of work with you. But I’m not going to cross into public adjuster territory. I just don’t want to go down that slippery slope, and frankly it wouldn’t be the right thing for the homeowner either.
How soon after a storm should I get a roof inspection?
As soon as you can, reasonably. After a large storm event, contractors are busy and insurance companies are handling a lot of claims at once. We’d like to get out there quickly, though storm week reality means there can be some delay. The important thing is not to wait so long that temporary damage becomes worse. If you’ve got water getting in anywhere, give us a call and we’ll talk through what needs to happen right away versus what can wait for the full job.