We get it. Storm rolls through, shingles go flying, maybe you notice a small leak or spot something that doesn’t look quite right up there—and your first instinct is to call the insurance company.
Totally understandable.
But before you do that, there are a few things every Michigan homeowner should know about roofing claims. At BC Exteriors, we’ve walked a lot of folks through this process, and we’ve seen what works… and what can cause unnecessary headaches.
So here’s a simple, honest breakdown—no scare tactics, no fluff—just what you need to know before filing that claim.
Step One: Document Everything
If you suspect damage—whether it’s from wind, hail, or another storm event—take photos or video right away, especially from the ground (don’t risk climbing up there).
Look for:
- Shingles in the yard
- Visible dings on gutters, flashing, or vents
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Granules collecting in gutters
- Sagging or bubbling areas on the roof
But here’s the thing: some damage isn’t obvious—especially from the ground. That’s why step two is so important.
Step Two: Call a Roofing Pro Before You Call Insurance
This is where a lot of homeowners go wrong. They file the claim first—without knowing the full story—and then find out:
- The damage isn’t covered
- It’s below their deductible
- Their claim gets denied
- Or they get underpaid without knowing it
Calling a trusted local roofing company first (like us) gives you the upper hand. We’ll do a full inspection, document the damage properly (including with drone footage when needed), and give you a realistic view of what’s going on up there. That way, you know if filing a claim even makes sense—and you have the info you need if it does.
Step Three: Understand What Your Policy Actually Covers
Not all policies are created equal. Some cover full roof replacement. Others prorate based on age. Some don’t cover wind damage unless it’s caused by a hurricane-level event. It’s wild.
Key terms to look for:
- ACV (Actual Cash Value) vs. RCV (Replacement Cost Value)
- ACV pays out less based on depreciation
- RCV covers what it actually costs to replace your roof today
If that makes your head spin, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it. We’ve worked with most major carriers in Michigan and can help you navigate the fine print.
Step Four: Beware of Storm Chasers
After big storms, out-of-town roofing companies tend to flood into Michigan neighborhoods with flashy flyers and high-pressure tactics. They may offer “free roofs” or try to get you to sign something before you even know the damage.
Here’s our advice:
Stick with someone local. Someone you can call back. Someone with roots in the community (and a real office in town). Someone like… us.
Step Five: We’ll Help You Every Step of the Way
At BC Exteriors, we’re not just here to fix roofs—we’re here to help homeowners make smart, informed decisions.
When it comes to insurance claims:
- We document the damage professionally
- We meet with your adjuster if needed
- We walk you through the process from start to finish
- We keep things honest, pressure-free, and focused on what’s best for you
Let’s Take a Look Before You File
If you think your roof may have damage—or you’re just not sure—give us a call. We’ll inspect it for free, give you an honest assessment, and help you decide whether it’s worth filing a claim or not.
You can schedule an inspection on the home page of our website (on the form) or call us a 248-688-0211. We’re happy to answer your questions.
Because peace of mind isn’t just part of the job—it’s part of who we are.