Frequently Asked Questions

RoofGuide is an AI-powered platform that helps homeowners understand their roof insurance policies. Simply upload your policy document and get an instant, detailed analysis of your coverage, including what's covered, your deductibles, and actionable recommendations for filing claims.

RoofGuide is designed for homeowners who want to better understand their roof insurance coverage, especially those preparing to file a claim after storm damage, considering a roof replacement, or simply wanting to know what their policy covers before they need it.

Public adjusters are licensed insurance professionals who work on behalf of policyholders (not insurance companies) to help negotiate and maximize insurance claim settlements. They understand policy language, document damage thoroughly, and advocate for fair payouts. RoofGuide can help you understand when hiring a public adjuster might benefit your claim.

Our AI reads your uploaded policy document and extracts key information including coverage types, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and conditions. It then generates a plain-English summary highlighting what's covered for roof damage, identifies potential gaps in coverage, and provides personalized recommendations based on your specific policy terms.

ACV (Actual Cash Value) coverage pays for roof replacement minus depreciation based on your roof's age and condition. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) coverage pays the full cost to replace your roof with similar materials without depreciation deductions. RCV policies generally provide better protection but may have higher premiums. RoofGuide clearly identifies which type your policy includes.

RoofGuide accepts policy documents in PDF format, which is how most insurance companies provide policy documents. Simply upload your declarations page and policy document, and our AI will analyze the relevant sections related to roof coverage.

Most policy analyses complete within 1-2 minutes. The AI processes your document, extracts relevant information, and generates a comprehensive report including coverage summary, deductible amounts, exclusions, and actionable recommendations.

Our AI is trained on thousands of insurance policy documents and achieves high accuracy in identifying coverage types, limits, and key terms. However, we always recommend reviewing important decisions with your insurance agent or a licensed professional, especially for complex claims.

To file a roof damage claim: 1) Document the damage with photos and videos immediately after discovery, 2) Review your policy to understand coverage and deductibles (RoofGuide helps with this), 3) Contact your insurance company to report the claim, 4) Schedule an inspection with the adjuster, 5) Get repair estimates from licensed contractors, and 6) Follow up on your claim status regularly.

For a successful roof claim, gather: your insurance policy declarations page, photos/videos of the damage, proof of the damage cause (weather reports, etc.), contractor repair estimates, any previous inspection reports, and receipts for emergency repairs. RoofGuide helps you understand exactly what your specific policy requires.

Roof claim timelines vary, but typically: initial inspection occurs within 1-2 weeks of filing, claim decisions come 2-4 weeks after inspection, and payment (if approved) arrives 1-2 weeks after decision. Complex claims or disputes can extend these timelines. Having proper documentation, which RoofGuide helps you prepare, often speeds up the process.

If your claim is denied: 1) Request a detailed explanation in writing, 2) Review your policy carefully (RoofGuide can help identify relevant coverage), 3) Gather additional documentation supporting your claim, 4) File a formal appeal with your insurer, 5) Consider hiring a public adjuster for complex disputes. Understanding your policy terms is crucial for successful appeals.

Hail damage on asphalt shingles appears as random dark spots, soft areas when pressed, missing granules, or cracked shingles. Check soft metals like vents, gutters, and AC units for dents—these indicate the severity of the hail. For a professional assessment, consider a licensed roofing contractor inspection after any hailstorm.

Wind damage typically occurs suddenly, affects specific areas (especially edges and ridges), and correlates with a documented storm event. Normal wear develops gradually across the entire roof and includes curling, uniform granule loss, and moss growth. Insurance covers wind damage but not wear and tear, so this distinction is important for claims.

Yes, if there are active leaks or exposed areas that could allow water intrusion. Most insurance policies require you to prevent further damage after a covered event. Keep receipts for tarping costs—they are typically reimbursable under your claim. Professional tarping is recommended for safety.

Document everything: take photos and videos of all visible damage (roof, gutters, siding, interior), note the date and time of the storm, save weather reports, photograph any debris, and record temporary repairs. This documentation supports your claim and helps ensure nothing is missed during the adjuster inspection.

Request a re-inspection and provide additional documentation such as contractor assessments, photos of missed damage, and any evidence supporting your claim. You can file a supplement claim for additional damage discovered later. Consider hiring a public adjuster if you believe significant damage was overlooked.

Look for contractors who are licensed (verify with your state licensing board), insured (request certificates), and have a physical local address. Get multiple written estimates, check online reviews and BBB ratings, ask for references from recent jobs, and be cautious of door-to-door salespeople after storms.

Yes, always get 2-3 written estimates from licensed contractors. This helps you understand fair pricing, compare scopes of work, and identify any discrepancies with the insurance adjuster's estimate. Having multiple estimates also gives you negotiating leverage and options.

AOB transfers your insurance claim rights to a contractor, allowing them to deal directly with your insurer. While this can simplify the process, it also means you lose control of your claim. Some states have restricted AOB due to abuse. Consider the pros and cons carefully and understand what you're signing.

Differences are common and can occur due to: different measurement methods, missing items in one estimate, pricing variations, or additional work the contractor identifies. Compare line-by-line, have your contractor review the insurance estimate, and file a supplement if legitimate additional work is needed.

RoofGuide offers a one-time payment model—no subscriptions or recurring fees. Pay once and get lifetime access to your policy analysis, including the ability to download a detailed PDF report. Check our pricing page for current rates and any available promotions.

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) through our secure payment processor, Stripe. All transactions are encrypted and your payment information is never stored on our servers.

Your privacy is our priority. Policy documents are encrypted in transit and at rest, processed only for analysis purposes, and never shared with third parties. We use industry-standard security measures and comply with data protection regulations. You can request deletion of your data at any time.

Only you can access your uploaded policy and analysis results. Our AI processes documents automatically without human review. We do not share, sell, or provide access to your policy documents or personal information to any third parties, including insurance companies or contractors.

Your policy analysis and account data are retained as long as you maintain an active account, giving you lifetime access to your reports. If you delete your account, all associated data including uploaded documents and analysis results are permanently removed within 30 days.