Don’t let roof storm damage overwhelm you. Learn the step-by-step process for filing a roof insurance claim in Arkansas, including state timelines, RCV vs. ACV policies, and how to get a fair settlement.

When a severe thunderstorm or hailstorm rolls through Central Arkansas, the aftermath can be incredibly stressful. If your roof takes a beating, your next step is navigating the insurance claim process. For many homeowners, dealing with adjusters, policy jargon, and repair estimates feels like a second full-time job.

Filing a claim doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you know exactly how the process works and what your rights are under Arkansas law. Here is your step-by-step guide to successfully filing a roof insurance claim.

Step 1: Document the Damage Safely

As soon as it is safe to go outside after a storm, walk around your property. Do not climb on your roof.

Instead, document the damage from the ground. Take clear, timestamped photos and videos of:

• Missing, torn, or lifted shingles visible from the yard.
• Granules washed out at the bottom of your downspouts.
• Dents on your gutters, garage doors, AC units, or window screens (insurance adjusters look for this “collateral damage” as proof of a severe hail impact).
• Any interior water stains on your ceilings.

Step 2: Get a Professional Inspection Before Calling Insurance

Your very first call should not be to your insurance company—it should be to a local roofing professional.

Why? Because if you file a claim and the insurance adjuster determines the damage doesn’t exceed your deductible, you now have a claim on your record with zero payout.

At ArkansasRoofers.org, we operate fully mobile throughout the state. We don’t maintain a bulky physical office; our network comes directly to your driveway to provide a thorough, honest inspection. We document everything with precise measurements and photos, and we will tell you straight up if the damage warrants filing a claim.

Step 3: Understand Your Coverage (RCV vs. ACV)

Before filing, check your declarations page to see how your roof is covered. Your policy type is the single biggest factor in how much money you will receive.

• Replacement Cost Value (RCV): This is the gold standard. The insurance company pays to replace your roof at today’s market prices, minus your deductible.
• Actual Cash Value (ACV): The insurance company pays the depreciated value of your roof based on its age. If your 20-year roof is 15 years old, they will subtract 15 years of wear and tear from your payout, leaving you to cover a massive out-of-pocket difference.

Step 4: File the Claim (Know Your Arkansas Timelines)

If a pro confirms you have legitimate storm damage, call your agent to file the claim. Provide the date of the storm and let them know you already have a roofer's inspection report.

Arkansas law provides specific protections for policyholders. Once you file, the clock starts ticking for your insurance carrier:

• 15 Working Days: They must acknowledge your claim.
• 45 Working Days: They have this window to investigate your claim. If they need more time, they are legally required to notify you and explain why.
• 10 Working Days: Once a settlement is reached, they must issue payment within this timeframe.

While you generally have up to five years under Arkansas contract law to file a claim, most insurance policies require "prompt" notification. It is always safest to file within 30 to 60 days of the storm.

Step 5: The Adjuster Visit and Supplementing

The insurance company will send an adjuster to your home. Always have your roofing contractor present for this meeting.

Adjusters are handling dozens of claims a week and can easily overlook subtle hail hits or wind-creased shingles. Your roofer will walk the roof with them to ensure every piece of damage is documented.

When you receive your settlement estimate, don't panic if it looks lower than your roofer's quote. This is completely normal. Your roofer will file a "supplement"—a routine request providing additional photos and documentation to the insurance company to cover missed items or updated local building code requirements, ensuring your roof is fully funded.

Get Your Claim Started Off Right

The hardest part of a roof claim is taking that first step. If a storm just blew through Central Arkansas and you suspect your roof took a hit, let us do the heavy lifting.