The honest playbook for a roof damage claim.
A step-by-step guide for Albuquerque homeowners — what to document, what to say (and what not to say), and how to make sure your carrier pays what they should. Built from 100+ years of crew experience filing NM claims.
What happens after the storm — in order
Check items off as you go. Nothing is saved (privacy first), just a visual checklist for you.
- Day 0 — The storm
Document while it's fresh
- Photograph hail on the ground (with a coin for scale) and wind debris.
- Save local news clips or NOAA storm reports for your zip code.
- Do NOT climb the roof. Take what you can see from windows or the ground.
- Day 1–3 — Ask about free inspection
Get an independent roof inspection
- Call us before you call insurance. Asking about a free inspection tells you whether damage actually meets your deductible.
- We give you a written report and photos either way — yours to keep.
- If there's no claim-worthy damage, we say so. No paperwork wasted, no premium hike.
- Day 3–5 — File the claim
Call your carrier (with notes ready)
- Have: date/time of storm, your policy number, the inspection report.
- Request a claim number in writing (email it to yourself).
- Schedule the adjuster visit at a time we can be on-site with you.
- Adjuster day
We meet the adjuster on the roof
- Free. We walk the roof with them and point out every hit.
- We provide our measurements and material specs so nothing gets missed.
- Adjusters miss things — sometimes accidentally. A second set of eyes is the difference between a partial and full claim.
- Week 2–4 — Estimate review
Review the carrier's scope sheet
- We compare line-by-line against current ABQ market pricing.
- If the carrier missed code-required items (drip edge, ice & water on valleys), we file a supplement.
- You sign the final scope only after you understand every line.
- Production
Roof replacement & final paperwork
- We schedule once the deductible is paid and ACV check has cleared.
- After completion, we send the carrier the Certificate of Completion to release the depreciation (RCV) check.
- 10-year workmanship warranty kicks in the day we finish.
Say this, not that
Adjusters are not your enemy, but they're trained to settle low. These phrasings keep your claim clean.
The questions everyone asks
Will my premium go up if I file?
A single weather (act of God) claim rarely raises your premium in New Mexico, and a denied claim doesn't either. Filing for damage that doesn't exceed your deductible is the only common mistake — that's why we inspect first.
Who pays my deductible?
You do. Anyone offering to 'cover' or 'waive' your deductible is committing insurance fraud in NM — and putting your claim at risk. We will never offer that.
What's the deadline to file?
Most NM policies require notice within 12 months of the date of loss. Sooner is better — evidence disappears and adjusters get backed up after big storms.
ACV vs RCV?
ACV (actual cash value) is what your roof is worth today, minus depreciation. RCV (replacement cost value) is what it costs to install a new one. Most policies pay ACV up front, then release the recoverable depreciation after we complete the work.
What if my claim is denied?
We can request a re-inspection with a different adjuster, or you can hire a licensed public adjuster. We don't act as public adjusters — that's a separate license — but we'll provide all documentation free of charge.
Storm damage suspected?
Start by asking about a free inspection. We'll tell you straight up whether it's worth filing — before anyone signs anything.