Your Professional Advocate for Complex Roof Insurance Claims
Navigating the Gap Between Damage and Recovery
Filing a roof insurance claim in Michigan can be a daunting bureaucratic hurdle. Many homeowners receive initial settlement offers that fail to cover the actual cost of a full, code-compliant restoration. At Premier Roofing, we bridge that gap. We don’t just “estimate” damage; we provide forensic documentation that speaks the language of insurance adjusters. Our mission is to ensure that your policy works for you, securing the maximum allowable funds to return your home to its pre-loss condition—or better.
The "Full Coverage" Checklist: What We Verify
Policy Interpretation
Reviewing your "RCV" (Replacement Cost) vs. "ACV" (Actual Cash Value) status.
Code Upgrades
Identifying Michigan building codes that require your insurance to pay for modern upgrades (like drip edge or ice-shield).
Line-Item Forensic Reports
Using industry-standard Xactimate software to match adjuster pricing.
Supplement Submission
Providing evidence for "hidden" damage discovered after the initial adjustment.
Depreciation Recovery
Assisting with the paperwork to release held-back funds once the job is complete.
Mortgage Company Coordination
Helping you navigate the multi-party check endorsement process.
Matching Requirements
Ensuring insurance pays for a full roof if the current shingles are no longer manufactured (matching law).
Direct Adjuster Communication
Meeting the inspector on-site to ensure no damage is overlooked.
Appraisal Support
Providing expert data if a claim goes into the formal appraisal process.
Documentation Transparency
Giving you a digital portal of every photo and measurement used in your claim.
Our Restoration Partnership Services
Xactimate Estimating
Forensic Photo Documentation
Building Code Advocacy
Supplement Management
Mortgage Check Assistance
Total Loss Coordination
The Advantage of Professional Representation
In Macomb and Oakland County, insurance carriers often use “Preferred Provider” networks that may prioritize the carrier’s bottom line. As an independent, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor, we prioritize your home’s integrity. We ensure that every valley, flashing detail, and ventilation component is accounted for in the final settlement.
Common Insurance Claim Questions
What is Xactimate, and why does my roofer need to use it?
Xactimate is the industry-standard estimating software used by 90% of insurance adjusters to determine repair costs. By using the same software, we ensure our estimates are in the exact format and pricing structure that your insurance company expects, which speeds up approval.
It uses localized Michigan data to set prices for labor and materials, ensuring you aren’t underpaid for the actual cost of work in your zip code.
Pro Tip: Never hire a “storm” contractor who uses a hand-written or basic spreadsheet estimate; insurance companies will often ignore them.
My insurance only approved a partial repair; can I get a full replacement?
Yes, if we can prove that your shingles are no longer manufactured or that a repair would compromise the roof’s structural integrity. This is often referred to as a “Matching Claim” or “Repairability Failure.”
Brittle shingles often break when a repair is attempted. We perform a “Brittle Test” and document it for your adjuster to justify a full replacement.
Pro Tip: If the insurance company says your shingle is still available, we can send a sample to an independent lab (like ITEL) to verify the match.
What is a "Supplement" in a roof insurance claim?
A supplement is a request for additional funds sent to the insurance company after work begins. It covers “hidden” damage—like rotted wood decking or missing fire-coded underlayment—that was not visible during the initial inspection.
Adjusters rarely see what is under the shingles. Supplements ensure that the contractor is paid to do the job correctly rather than cutting corners.
Pro Tip: A reputable contractor handles the supplemental paperwork for you, so you aren’t stuck with unexpected “change order” bills.
How do I handle a check that has my Mortgage Company's name on it?
This is standard. Since the bank has a financial interest in your home, they are listed as a payee. You must send the check to their “Loss Draft Department” for endorsement, which often requires a signed contract and a W-9 from your contractor.
This process can take 2–4 weeks, so we recommend starting this paperwork the moment you receive your first check.
Pro Tip: We can assist you with the specific documentation your bank requires to release the funds quickly so your project stays on schedule.
Can a contractor "waive" my insurance deductible?
In the state of Michigan (and most others), it is illegal for a contractor to “waive” or “absorb” an insurance deductible. It is considered insurance fraud.
Any contractor offering to do this is likely cutting corners on materials or labor to make up the difference, which can void your warranty.
Pro Tip: We offer flexible financing plans to help you cover your deductible over time without compromising on the quality of your new roof.