Roof claims are the most common property claim in Arizona, and also one of the most frequently underpaid. Understanding how they're evaluated helps you spot when something's been missed.
What an adjuster looks for
- The cause of damage — was it a covered event (wind, hail, storm) or wear?
- The extent of damage — how many shingles or tiles, and which slopes
- Whether the damage warrants repair or full replacement
- Matching — whether a repair can blend with the existing roof
- Code requirements that affect the cost of proper repairs
- The roof's age and condition, which drive depreciation
Why roof claims get underpaid
Much roof damage isn't visible from the ground — bruising from hail, broken seals from wind, and granule loss all require a close inspection. When that inspection is rushed or done from the driveway, real damage gets missed. Add in overlooked code upgrades and ignored matching requirements, and the estimate ends up far below the true cost.
A thorough, well-documented roof inspection is the single best protection against an underpaid roof claim. That's exactly what a public adjuster provides — and it's free to start.