A homeowner's guide to South Florida roof insurance claims

South Florida homeowners file more roof-related insurance claims per capita than almost anywhere in the U.S. Here's a plain-English walkthrough of doing it right.

Step 1: Document immediately. After a storm, photograph any interior damage before touching it. Keep receipts for anything you buy to mitigate further damage (tarps, buckets, dehumidifiers).

Step 2: File the claim yourself. Your insurer's phone number is on your policy. Filing directly starts the clock and creates a paper trail.

Step 3: Get an independent roofer's inspection. The adjuster works for the insurance company. A licensed local roofer works for you — and their report often surfaces damage the adjuster misses.

Step 4: Be very cautious with AOB contracts. An Assignment of Benefits contract transfers your claim rights to a third party. Florida has passed reforms limiting AOB abuse, but the safest posture is: don't sign one unless you fully understand what you're giving up.

Step 5: Don't accept the first offer if it's low. Adjusters sometimes underscope damage. A supplement claim, backed by a roofer's Xactimate-formatted report, is often successful.

Step 6: Get everything in writing. Verbal promises from anyone in this process — adjuster, contractor, or public adjuster — are worth nothing when it's time to cash the check.

If you're in Miami-Dade or Broward and want an independent read on your roof after a storm, we offer free inspections and a written damage report you can share with your insurer.