You just walked outside after last night’s storm and noticed something wrong with your roof. Shingles in the yard. Granules in the gutters. Maybe even a water stain on your ceiling.
Now you’re wondering: will my insurance cover this?
Good question. And we’re glad you’re asking it now instead of after you’ve already paid out of pocket.
After 27 years of helping Freeport homeowners navigate insurance claims, we’ve learned exactly what works and what doesn’t. We’ve seen thousands of claims approved and unfortunately watched some get denied for reasons that could have been prevented.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting insurance to pay for your roof replacement in Northwestern Illinois.
What Illinois Homeowners Insurance Actually Covers
Let’s start with the basics.
Most homeowners insurance policies in Freeport and Stephenson County cover sudden, unexpected damage to your roof. The key word there is “sudden.”
Typically covered:
Hail damage from those spring storms that hit Byron and Oregon every year. Even small hail can crack shingles and create problems.
Wind damage when storms lift or tear off shingles. We see this constantly in our area.
Falling debris like tree branches after severe weather.
Fire damage from accidents or lightning strikes.
Ice dams and snow load during harsh winters, especially in Monroe and Evansville where snow piles up.
Typically not covered:
Normal wear and tear. If your 25-year-old shingles are just old and worn out, insurance won’t replace them.
Lack of maintenance. If you ignored obvious problems for years, insurance can deny your claim.
Pre-existing damage that happened before your current policy started.
Gradual leaks that developed slowly over time rather than from a specific storm event.
Flood damage which requires separate flood insurance in most cases.
The tricky part? Sometimes the line between “storm damage” and “wear and tear” gets blurry. That’s where proper documentation becomes critical.
Understanding Your Actual Policy Coverage
Not all insurance policies are created equal.
Pull out your policy and look for two important things.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): This is the good one. Insurance pays to replace your roof with similar materials, minus your deductible. If your roof costs $12,000 to replace, you get $12,000 minus your deductible.
Actual Cash Value (ACV): This one’s tougher. Insurance only pays what your roof is worth after depreciation. If your 15-year-old roof costs $12,000 to replace but has depreciated 50%, you might only get $6,000 minus your deductible.
Big difference.
If you have ACV coverage, you’ll need to come up with the rest yourself. This is where financing options become important.
Also check your deductible amount. In Freeport, most homeowners have deductibles between $1,000 and $2,500. Some policies use percentage deductibles, meaning you pay 1-2% of your home’s value.
On a $100,000 home, that’s $1,000 to $2,000 out of pocket before insurance pays anything.
The Step-by-Step Insurance Claim Process
Here’s exactly how to handle your claim from start to finish.
Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately
As soon as you notice damage, start documenting everything.
Take photos from the ground. Get wide shots showing your whole roof and close-ups of specific damage.
Take photos inside if there’s water damage. Ceiling stains, wall damage, anything moisture-related.
Look in your gutters. Granules from shingles are a clear sign of hail damage.
Check your attic. Water stains on the underside of your roof decking prove leaks.
Save everything in a folder on your phone or computer. You’ll need these photos later.
Step 2: Make Temporary Repairs to Prevent Further Damage
This is important: insurance expects you to prevent additional damage.
If you have a hole in your roof letting water in, cover it with a tarp. Save the receipt.
If water is coming in, put buckets under leaks and move furniture to prevent damage. Take photos showing what you did.
Insurance will reimburse you for reasonable emergency repairs. Just keep all receipts.
Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company Quickly
Don’t wait weeks to file your claim.
Most Illinois policies give you one year after storm damage to file. Some allow up to two years. But the sooner you file, the better.
When you call, have this information ready:
Your policy number.
Date and time of the storm.
Description of the damage you’ve noticed.
Photos you’ve taken.
They’ll assign you a claim number. Write it down and save it.
Step 4: Get a Professional Roof Inspection
This is where calling a local roofing company makes a huge difference.
We offer free roof inspections for Freeport homeowners dealing with potential storm damage.
Why does this matter?
Insurance adjusters aren’t roofing experts. They’re trained to assess damage, but they sometimes miss things. A professional roofer knows exactly what to look for.
We’ve seen adjusters miss hail impacts that are visible to trained eyes. We’ve seen them attribute obvious storm damage to “normal wear and tear.”
Having a roofing contractor inspect your roof before the adjuster arrives means you know what damage exists. You can point things out to the adjuster.
At MAS Roofing, we’ve worked with insurance companies for 27 years. We know what documentation they need. We know how to photograph damage properly. We know what language to use in reports.
This expertise helps get claims approved.
Step 5: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect your roof.
This is the most important meeting in the whole process.
Here’s our advice:
Be present during the inspection. Don’t just let them inspect alone.
Have your roofing contractor there too. Two sets of eyes are better than one.
Point out all damage you’ve documented. Don’t assume the adjuster will find everything.
Ask questions. How much damage did they find? What do they think will be covered? When will you hear back?
Take your own notes during the inspection. Write down what the adjuster says.
The adjuster will write a report estimating repair costs. This estimate determines how much insurance pays you.
Step 6: Review the Insurance Estimate Carefully
A few days after the inspection, you’ll receive an estimate from your insurance company.
Read it carefully. Compare it to estimates from roofing contractors.
Insurance estimates sometimes miss things:
Code upgrades required by Stephenson County or local municipalities.
Underlayment replacement that’s necessary for a proper job.
Ventilation improvements needed to meet current standards.
Flashing repairs around chimneys and vents.
These aren’t ways to inflate costs. They’re legitimate expenses for doing the job correctly.
If the insurance estimate seems low, your roofing contractor can write a “supplement.” This is additional documentation showing items the adjuster missed.
About half of all roof insurance claims need supplementation. It’s a normal part of the process.
Step 7: Choose Your Roofing Contractor
Once your claim is approved, you need to select a contractor.
Here’s what to look for in Northwestern Illinois:
Local experience. We’ve been in Freeport since 1998. We’re not showing up after a storm and disappearing next month.
Licensed and insured. This protects you if something goes wrong.
Insurance claim experience. We work with insurance companies every week. We know the process inside and out.
Solid warranty. Our 15-year workmanship warranty backs up our work long after the insurance claim is settled.
Good local reputation. Check reviews from homeowners in Byron, Lanark, and Polo. Talk to neighbors who’ve used the company.
Avoid contractors who:
Knock on your door unsolicited after storms (storm chasers).
Offer to waive your deductible (this is insurance fraud).
Pressure you to sign contracts immediately.
Don’t have a local business address you can visit.
Won’t provide local references.
Common Reasons Insurance Claims Get Denied (And How to Avoid Them)
Let’s talk about what can go wrong.
According to recent data, Illinois has received over 3,000 home insurance complaints since 2022. State Farm accounts for about 37% of complaints, followed by Allstate at about 16%.
Many of these complaints involve denied or lowballed roof claims.
Here are the main reasons claims get denied:
Reason 1: Roof Age and Wear and Tear
This is the most common denial reason.
If your roof is 20-25 years old, insurance companies often attribute damage to normal aging rather than storm damage.
In Freeport where 66% of homes were built before 1970, this is a real issue. Many roofs are simply old.
How to avoid this:
Maintain detailed records of roof maintenance. Save receipts for repairs you’ve made.
Take photos of your roof’s condition before storm season. If it looked good before the storm and bad after, that proves storm damage.
Have a professional inspection showing the difference between old wear and new storm damage.
Reason 2: Lack of Maintenance
Insurance expects you to maintain your roof properly.
If your gutters have been clogged for three years causing water backup, they might deny a claim for water damage.
If you ignored missing shingles for months and now have extensive water damage, they might call it neglect.
How to avoid this:
Schedule regular inspections. Even every two to three years is better than nothing.
Address small problems when they’re small. Fix those few missing shingles now, not later.
Keep records showing you’ve maintained your roof responsibly.
Reason 3: Pre-Existing Damage
Insurance only covers damage from recent events, not old damage you never reported.
If you had hail damage three years ago that you didn’t file a claim for, and now you have new damage, they might deny the claim saying it’s all old.
How to avoid this:
File claims promptly after storms. Don’t wait years.
If you choose not to file a previous claim, document that you had the damage repaired out of pocket.
Reason 4: Insufficient Documentation
Some claims get denied simply because there’s not enough proof of storm damage.
The adjuster looks at your roof, doesn’t see obvious damage, and denies the claim.
How to avoid this:
Document everything. Photos, videos, notes about when storms occurred.
Have a professional roofing contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection to point out damage.
If needed, request a second adjuster inspection. You have this right under Illinois law.
Reason 5: Missing the Filing Deadline
Every policy has a time limit for filing claims.
If you wait too long after the storm, insurance can deny your claim based on late filing.
How to avoid this:
File claims within weeks or months of storm damage, not years.
Mark your calendar after major storms to remind yourself to check your roof.
What to Do If Your Claim Gets Denied
Don’t panic if insurance denies your claim.
Denial isn’t always the end of the story.
Step 1: Get the denial in writing. Insurance must explain why they denied your claim.
Step 2: Review your policy carefully. Make sure the denial reason is legitimate based on your policy language.
Step 3: Request a second adjuster inspection. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes finds what the first adjuster missed.
Step 4: Provide additional documentation. Your roofing contractor can write a detailed supplement showing damage the adjuster missed.
Step 5: File an appeal. Most insurance companies have a formal appeals process. Use it.
Step 6: Contact the Illinois Department of Insurance. File a complaint if you believe your claim was unfairly denied. Call 866-445-5364 or file online.
Step 7: Consider a public adjuster. These are independent adjusters who work for you, not the insurance company. They charge 10-15% of the settlement but often get claims approved that were initially denied.
Step 8: Consult an attorney if necessary. For large claims with significant denials, an insurance attorney might help. Many work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win.
Special Considerations for Freeport and Northwestern Illinois
Our area has some unique challenges when it comes to roof insurance claims.
Severe Weather Frequency
Northwestern Illinois experiences 53% more tornado activity than the US average.
We get hit with spring hail storms regularly. Wind damage is common.
This means insurance companies are very familiar with storm damage claims in our area. They know what real storm damage looks like here.
But it also means they’re looking harder for reasons to deny claims or pay less.
Aging Housing Stock
66% of homes in Freeport were built before 1970.
Many roofs in Byron, Oregon, Mount Morris, and Polo are 20+ years old.
This makes the “wear and tear” argument more common from insurance companies.
Combat this with good maintenance records and clear before-and-after storm documentation.
Lower Property Values
Median home values around $71,000 in Freeport mean roof replacement represents a larger percentage of home value.
A $10,000 roof on a $71,000 home is 14% of the home’s value. That makes insurance companies scrutinize claims more carefully.
Make sure your coverage limits are adequate for a full roof replacement at current prices.
How MAS Roofing Helps with Insurance Claims
We’ve been helping Freeport homeowners navigate insurance claims since 1998.
Here’s exactly what we do:
Free storm damage inspections. We’ll come out after storms and check your roof for damage. No cost, no obligation.
Detailed documentation. We photograph everything. We write reports showing exactly what’s damaged and why it happened.
Adjuster meetings. We’re there when your insurance adjuster inspects. We point out damage they might miss.
Estimate supplements. If the insurance estimate misses things, we write detailed supplements showing what else needs to be done.
Code compliance knowledge. We know what Stephenson County requires. We make sure estimates include necessary code upgrades.
Direct communication. We work directly with insurance companies. We speak their language. We know what documentation they need.
27 years of experience. We’ve filed thousands of insurance claims. We know what works.
We can’t guarantee every claim will be approved. But we can guarantee we’ll do everything possible to document damage properly and give your claim the best chance of approval.
Maximizing Your Insurance Settlement
Let’s talk about getting full value from approved claims.
Sometimes insurance approves a claim but underestimates costs.
Common items insurance estimates miss:
Ventilation improvements. Building codes have changed. Your old roof might not have met current ventilation standards. New roof installation needs proper ventilation.
Decking repairs. If water damaged the plywood under your shingles, that needs replacement too.
Flashing upgrades. Old metal flashing might need replacement during re-roofing.
Ice and water shield. Modern roofing requires this protective layer in valleys and along eaves, especially important in our climate with ice dams.
Disposal costs. Tearing off your old roof and disposing of materials costs money.
Code-required upgrades. Local building codes might require improvements to meet current standards.
A good roofing contractor identifies these items and includes them in supplements to insurance companies.
This isn’t about inflating costs. It’s about documenting the actual cost of doing the job correctly according to code and manufacturer specifications.
The Timeline You Can Expect
Here’s how long the insurance claim process typically takes:
Day 1: Storm damage occurs. You notice problems.
Days 1-3: Document damage with photos. Make emergency repairs. Call insurance company to file claim.
Days 3-7: Insurance assigns adjuster. Schedule inspection date.
Days 7-14: Adjuster inspects your roof. You receive initial estimate.
Days 14-21: Review estimate. Roofing contractor may write supplement for missed items.
Days 21-30: Insurance reviews supplement. Final approval and payment issued.
Days 30-45: Schedule roof replacement. Order materials.
Days 45-50: Install new roof (usually takes 1-3 days for typical home).
Days 50-60: Final inspection. Insurance releases final payment.
Total timeline: About 2 months from storm to completed roof for a straightforward claim.
Complicated claims with denials, appeals, or supplements can take 3-6 months.
Preventing Future Insurance Issues
A few simple steps help avoid claim problems down the road.
Document your roof’s condition now. Take photos every year showing your roof looks good. If storm damage happens, you can prove it wasn’t pre-existing.
Schedule regular inspections. Every 2-3 years is smart. More often if your roof is over 15 years old.
Keep maintenance records. Save every receipt for roof repairs, gutter cleaning, anything related to your roof.
Address problems quickly. Don’t let small issues become big ones.
Review your insurance policy annually. Make sure your coverage limits keep pace with rising roof replacement costs.
Consider replacement cost coverage if you have ACV. The extra premium might be worth it, especially with an aging roof.
Know your deductible. Keep that amount in savings if possible, so you’re ready if storm damage happens.
Questions Freeport Homeowners Ask Us
Q: Should I file a claim for minor damage?
If damage is less than your deductible, probably not worth filing. But if you’re not sure how extensive the damage is, get a professional inspection. We can tell you whether the damage justifies a claim.
Q: Will filing a claim raise my premiums?
Possibly. Storm damage claims sometimes lead to small premium increases the following year. But letting damage go unrepaired can cause bigger problems. Talk to your insurance agent about your specific situation.
Q: Can I choose any contractor I want?
Yes. Insurance companies might suggest contractors, but you have the right to choose whoever you want. Pick someone local, licensed, and experienced with insurance work.
Q: What if my mortgage company is listed on the insurance check?
Common situation. You’ll need to get the check endorsed by your mortgage company. They have a financial interest in your home being properly repaired.
Q: Do I have to get multiple estimates?
Not required, but smart. Get 2-3 estimates from reputable contractors. This helps you understand fair pricing and spot unusually low or high quotes.
Q: How long do I have to complete repairs after approval?
Usually no strict deadline, but don’t wait years. Insurance expects you to complete repairs in a reasonable timeframe, typically within a year of approval.
Q: What about siding and gutter damage from the same storm?
Include everything in your claim. Storm damage often affects multiple parts of your home. We can inspect your entire exterior and document all damage for one comprehensive claim. We handle siding installation and repairs too.
Ready to Start Your Insurance Claim?
If you think you have storm damage to your roof, don’t wait.
The sooner you document damage and file your claim, the better your chances of approval.
We’re here to help Freeport homeowners through the entire process.
Here’s how to get started:
Call us at (815) 235-7883 to schedule a free roof inspection. We’ll come out, assess your damage, and tell you honestly whether you have a valid insurance claim.
Or request a free proposal online. We typically respond within 24 hours.
During your inspection, we’ll:
Check your entire roof for storm damage.
Document everything with detailed photos.
Explain what we found in plain English.
Give you our honest opinion about whether to file a claim.
Provide a detailed estimate for insurance purposes.
Answer all your questions about the insurance process.
No pressure. No sales tactics. Just honest information to help you make good decisions.
After 27 years serving Byron, Oregon, Lanark, Monroe, Evansville, Polo, Mount Morris, and all of Northwestern Illinois, we’ve built our reputation on being straight with people.
We’re a licensed roofing company with a 15-year workmanship warranty on every roof we install. We’re not storm chasers who’ll be gone next month. We’re your neighbors, and we’ll be here when you need us.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Let our experience work for you.
Call MAS Roofing today at (815) 235-7883 or request your free inspection online.
Serving Freeport, Byron, Oregon, Lanark, Polo, Mount Morris, Monroe, Evansville, and all of Stephenson County since 1998. Licensed roofing contractor. 15-year workmanship warranty. Regional #1 roofer five years running. We work directly with all major insurance companies.