Mississippi Roof Insurance Claims: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

When a storm damages your roof, the insurance claim process can feel overwhelming. Mississippi homeowners face this situation regularly—our state sees significant storm activity, and roof damage claims are among the most common homeowner insurance filings.

This guide walks you through every step of the process, from initial damage discovery through final settlement, with specific guidance for Mississippi's insurance environment.

Understanding Your Mississippi Homeowner's Policy

Before a storm hits, understand what your policy covers:

### Standard Coverage

Most Mississippi homeowner policies cover:

### Common Exclusions

Typically NOT covered:

### Mississippi-Specific Considerations

**Wind/Hail Deductibles:** Many Mississippi policies have percentage-based deductibles for wind and hail (1-5% of dwelling coverage). On a $200,000 home, a 2% deductible means $4,000 out of pocket before insurance pays.

**Hurricane Deductibles:** If damage occurs during a named storm (hurricane), higher deductibles may apply.

**Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost:** ACV policies deduct depreciation; replacement cost policies cover full replacement. Know which you have—the difference can be thousands of dollars.

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

Thorough documentation is crucial for a successful claim. Insurance adjusters see many claims—detailed documentation makes yours stand out.

### Photo Documentation Guidelines

Exterior Documentation:

Interior Documentation:

Documentation Best Practices:

### Written Documentation

Create a written record including:

Step 2: Prevent Further Damage

Your insurance policy requires you to mitigate further damage. Failure to do so can result in claim denial for subsequent damage.

### Immediate Mitigation Steps

1. **Cover exposed areas:** Use tarps to prevent water intrusion

2. **Board up holes:** Prevent additional water and pest damage

3. **Remove debris:** Clear fallen branches that could cause more damage

4. **Move belongings:** Protect interior items from water damage

### Important Mitigation Rules

### Emergency Tarping Services

If you can't safely cover damage yourself, many roofing contractors offer emergency tarping services. At Farrell Roofing, we provide [emergency storm damage services](/services/emergency-repair) with quick response times throughout Northeast Mississippi.

Step 3: File Your Claim Promptly

Most Mississippi policies require timely claim filing—typically within 60 days of damage discovery, though some policies require notification within 72 hours.

### Information to Have Ready

### When You Call

### File a Police Report If Applicable

For severe storms, especially declared disasters, filing a police report creates additional documentation of the event affecting your area.

Step 4: Get a Professional Inspection

Before the insurance adjuster arrives, get an independent assessment from a licensed roofing contractor.

### Why Professional Inspection Matters

**Insurance adjusters' role** is to assess damage fairly, but they:

A roofing professional:

### What to Look For in an Inspection

Request a detailed written report including:

At Farrell Roofing, we provide comprehensive damage assessments with detailed documentation specifically designed to support insurance claims. [Schedule a free storm damage inspection](/).

Step 5: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

The adjuster's inspection is a critical moment in your claim. Be prepared.

### Before the Adjuster Arrives

### During the Inspection

Recommended approach:

**If possible, have your contractor present.** They can:

### If You Disagree with the Assessment

Politely express concerns during the inspection, but don't argue. You'll have opportunities to dispute findings later in the process.

Step 6: Review the Settlement Offer

After the adjuster's inspection, you'll receive a settlement offer. Review it carefully.

### Understanding the Settlement

The offer should itemize:

### Compare to Your Estimate

Check the insurance estimate against your contractor's estimate:

### Recoverable Depreciation

If you have a replacement cost policy, understand:

Step 7: If You Need to Dispute

If the settlement offer is inadequate, you have options.

### First: Request Re-Inspection

### Second: Invoke Appraisal Clause

Most policies include an appraisal process:

### Third: File a Complaint

Mississippi Department of Insurance handles complaints about claim handling:

### Fourth: Consult an Attorney

For significant disputes, a public adjuster or insurance attorney may be worthwhile. They typically work on contingency (percentage of settlement increase).

Step 8: Complete the Repairs

Once you've agreed on a settlement, move forward with repairs.

### Choosing Your Contractor

The insurance company may suggest contractors, but you have the right to choose. When selecting:

### Contractor Red Flags

Beware of:

### Payment Schedule

Reasonable payment terms:

Common Mississippi Claim Pitfalls

### Waiting Too Long to File

Storm damage can worsen over time. File promptly to avoid:

### Inadequate Documentation

Without thorough documentation, adjusters may:

### Accepting First Offer Without Review

Initial settlements are often negotiable. Review carefully and dispute if warranted.

### Making Permanent Repairs Before Inspection

If you repair before the adjuster sees damage, you may lose ability to claim full extent.

After the Claim: Prevent Future Issues

Once repairs are complete:

We're Here to Help

Navigating a roof insurance claim doesn't have to be stressful. Farrell Roofing has helped hundreds of Mississippi homeowners through the claim process, providing:

If storm damage has affected your roof, [contact us](/contact) for a free damage assessment. We'll provide the documentation you need and guide you through every step of your claim.

[Schedule Your Free Storm Damage Assessment](/) today.