January 28, 2026 · By Jeff Therrien
Filing a Roof Damage Insurance Claim in Ontario — A 40-Year Roofer's Tips
I've worked thousands of insurance claims in Sarnia and Lambton County. Most get approved. The ones that don't usually got messed up in the first 48 hours. Here's how to do it right.
Step 1: Document the damage before anyone touches the roof
Photos, video, multiple angles, from the ground and inside the house. Date-stamped if possible. This is the single most important thing you can do.
Step 2: Don't make permanent repairs yet
Emergency tarping or stabilization is fine — and expected. But don't fully repair the roof until the adjuster has documented the damage. Otherwise you're paying out of pocket.
Step 3: Call your insurance company
Report the damage. Get a claim number in writing. Ask whether they'll dispatch an adjuster or want you to get estimates. Note the deductible.
Step 4: Get a detailed written estimate from a local roofer
Not a 'storm chaser' who shows up after every windstorm and disappears. A local, established roofer who can stand behind the work and meet with the adjuster on-site if needed. Estimates should be line-itemed — materials, labor, disposal, permits.
Step 5: Meet the adjuster on-site
This is where a good local roofer matters. We can walk the roof with the adjuster, point out damage they might miss, and make sure the claim covers what the roof actually needs.
Step 6: Review the settlement before you sign
Insurance often pays in two parts: actual cash value (ACV) up front, then the depreciation once the work is done. Make sure your roofer's quote matches what insurance is paying for — and that you understand what's covered and what's not.
What insurance usually covers
Wind damage. Hail damage. Tree/branch damage. Sudden leaks from a covered event. Water damage to interior caused by roof failure.
What insurance usually doesn't cover
Wear and tear. Old roofs that are simply at end of life. Damage from poor maintenance.
Call me at (519) 328-2142. After 40 years, I know how to write an estimate that adjusters understand and approve.