If a storm just rolled through Oklahoma City, Edmond, or anywhere in the OKC metro, there’s a good chance a roofing claims adjuster will be visiting your property soon. Understanding what that adjuster is looking for—and how to prepare before they arrive—can mean the difference between a fair payout and an underpaid claim that leaves you covering thousands out of pocket.
At Wilson and Sons Construction, we’ve walked hundreds of Oklahoma homeowners through the insurance claims process after hail and wind damage. Here’s what you need to know about working with a roofing claims adjuster so your claim gets the attention it deserves.
📞 Need a free roof inspection before the adjuster arrives? Call Wilson and Sons Construction: 405-230-3000
What Does a Roofing Claims Adjuster Actually Do?
A roofing claims adjuster is the person your insurance company sends to evaluate storm damage on your roof. Their job is to inspect the property, document what they find, and write an estimate for how much the insurance company should pay for repairs or replacement.
There are three types of adjusters you might deal with in Oklahoma:
Staff adjusters work directly for your insurance company. They’re on salary, and their job is to assess claims fairly—but they’re also representing the insurer’s interests.
Independent adjusters are hired by insurance companies on a contract basis. After major Oklahoma storms, you’ll often see independent adjusters handling the overflow because local staff can’t keep up with the volume of hail roof claim adjuster visits.
Public adjusters work for you, the homeowner. They’re licensed professionals you can hire to negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. We’ll cover when it makes sense to bring one in later.
How to Prepare Before the Adjuster’s Visit
Preparation is where most Oklahoma homeowners either set themselves up for a fair payout or accidentally leave money on the table. Here’s what to do before your roofing claims adjuster shows up.
Document Everything Yourself First
Walk your property and take photos of every piece of visible damage—roof, gutters, siding, fencing, even dents on AC units and window screens. Hail doesn’t just hit your roof. If you can safely get photos from a ladder or second-story window, do it. If not, leave the roof to a professional.
Take photos of the damage from multiple angles, and include wide shots that show where the damage sits on the property. Date-stamp them if your phone doesn’t do it automatically.
Get a Professional Roof Inspection Before the Adjuster Arrives
This is the single most important step. Having an independent roofing insurance claim estimate from a licensed contractor gives you a detailed, itemized baseline to compare against whatever the adjuster writes up. If there’s a discrepancy, you have documentation to back your position.
Wilson and Sons Construction offers free storm damage inspections across Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, and Midwest City. We’ll document the damage, provide photos, and give you a written estimate you can share with your adjuster. Call 405-230-3000 to schedule yours.
Gather Your Paperwork
Have the following ready before the adjuster arrives:
- Your homeowner’s insurance policy and declarations page
- Any previous repair records or roof inspection reports
- Photos and videos you took after the storm
- Your contractor’s inspection report and estimate
- Receipts for any emergency repairs you’ve already made (tarping, etc.)
What to Do During the Adjuster’s Visit
When the roofing claims adjuster shows up, be present. Walk the property with them. Ask questions. You have every right to understand what they’re documenting and what they’re not.
Have your contractor meet the adjuster on-site. A qualified roofer can point out damage the adjuster might miss—especially granule loss, bruised shingles, and damage to flashing or pipe boots that aren’t always obvious from the ground. This isn’t adversarial. A good roofing claims adjuster will appreciate having a knowledgeable contractor there to ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Take your own notes during the inspection. Write down what the adjuster says about the damage, what they photograph, and what areas they inspect. If they skip a section of the roof or don’t check the gutters, ask why.
Red Flags That Your Claim May Be Underpaid
After the adjuster submits their report, your insurance company will send you a settlement offer. Before you accept it, compare it carefully against your contractor’s roofing insurance claim estimate. Watch for these common issues Oklahoma homeowners run into:
The estimate only covers repairs, not replacement. If your roof has widespread hail damage across multiple slopes, a patch job won’t cut it. Oklahoma’s storm damage often warrants full replacement, and your policy may cover it.
Missing line items. Check that the estimate includes drip edge, ice and water shield, ridge cap, pipe boot replacements, flashing, and haul-off. These are standard components of roofing insurance claim estimating that adjusters sometimes leave out.
Depreciation that seems too high. Insurance companies depreciate your roof based on age and condition. If the depreciation amount looks excessive, request a breakdown of how they calculated it.
No mention of code upgrades. Oklahoma building codes may require upgrades when you replace a roof—things like additional ventilation or upgraded underlayment. If your policy includes code upgrade coverage, those costs should be in the estimate.
If any of these red flags show up, don’t sign off on the claim yet. You have the right to dispute it.
When to Hire a Public Adjuster
Most hail roof claim adjuster situations in Oklahoma resolve without needing a public adjuster. But there are times when hiring one makes sense:
- Your claim was denied and you believe there’s legitimate damage
- The insurance company’s estimate is significantly lower than your contractor’s
- You’ve gone through the supplemental process and the insurer still won’t budge
- You don’t have the time or energy to negotiate back and forth
Public adjusters typically charge 5–15% of the final settlement, with 10% being common in Oklahoma. That fee is worth it when there’s a large gap between what you’re owed and what you’ve been offered—but for smaller claims, the math may not work in your favor.
Let Wilson and Sons Construction Handle the Hard Part
Dealing with a roofing claims adjuster in Oklahoma doesn’t have to be stressful. When you work with Wilson and Sons Construction, we handle the process alongside you—from the initial free inspection to meeting the adjuster on-site to filing supplements if the first estimate comes in short.
We’re a local, family-owned company with 85+ five-star Google reviews from homeowners across the OKC metro. We’re not storm chasers passing through—we live and work in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, and the surrounding communities. We’ll be here long after the repairs are done.
📞 Call 405-230-3000 for a free storm damage inspection
Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Claims Adjusters in Oklahoma
Should I file an insurance claim for roof damage? If you have visible hail or wind damage, yes. A professional inspection can confirm whether the damage justifies a claim. Wilson and Sons Construction provides free inspections so you’ll know before you call your insurer.
Can I choose my own roofing contractor after an insurance claim? Absolutely. Your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific contractor in Oklahoma. You have the right to hire any licensed roofer you trust.
How long do I have to file a roof damage claim in Oklahoma? Most Oklahoma homeowner policies require you to file within one year of the damage. However, Oklahoma law (House Bill 3495) allows up to 24 months for hidden damage that requires a professional inspection to detect—things like granule loss or structural bruising. Some policies also require initial notification within 30–60 days, so check your policy and act quickly.
What if the adjuster’s estimate is lower than my contractor’s? Your contractor can file a supplement with the insurance company that includes additional documentation and line-by-line justification for the difference. This is a normal part of the roofing insurance claim estimating process.
Does Wilson and Sons Construction help with insurance claims? Yes. We work directly with insurance adjusters, provide detailed documentation, and handle the supplement process. We’ve helped homeowners across Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, Norman, and Midwest City get fair settlements.
