How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Alberta: A Complete Guide

After a significant hailstorm, your inbox fills with postcards from roofing companies offering "free inspections." Your insurance broker calls. Contractors knock on your door.

It's overwhelming. And in the confusion, many homeowners either don't file a claim they're entitled to or make mistakes that reduce their payout.

We've helped hundreds of Calgary families navigate this process. Here's exactly how it works.

Step 1: Document the Storm Immediately

Before calling anyone, spend 30 minutes documenting:

From the ground (don't go on the roof):

• Photo every dented downspout, gutter, AC unit, and piece of aluminum trim
• Photo any visible damage to skylight frames or window surrounds
• Screenshot the Environment Canada weather record showing hail date and size

Why this matters: Insurance companies use Environment Canada data to verify that a storm occurred. Your documentation corroborates the claim independently.

Step 2: Call Your Insurance Broker (Not an 800 Number)

Contact your broker directly. Tell them you believe you had storm damage and want to open a claim. They will:

1. Help you understand your deductible
2. Confirm what your policy covers
3. Open the claim and assign an adjuster

Important: Don't sign anything with contractors until after your adjuster visit.

Step 3: Get an Independent Roof Inspection

Here's where most homeowners make a mistake: they rely entirely on the insurance adjuster's assessment.

Insurance adjusters are not roofing specialists. They're estimators following company guidelines. Their job is to be accurate — but they can miss functional damage that a trained roofing contractor will detect.

We recommend having a qualified roofing contractor inspect your roof before the adjuster arrives, so you have an independent damage report. This often results in a more complete payout.

Our reports include:

• GPS coordinates and timestamps on every damage photo
• Measurement of hailstone impact counts per square
• Assessment of granule loss and bruising
• Metal damage correlation report

Step 4: The Adjuster Visit

Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage. During this visit:

• Be present. Don't leave them alone on the roof.
• Share your independent contractor report if you have one.
• Ask questions. What are they documenting? What is their damage threshold?
• Don't sign the "agreed scope of work" on the spot if you feel it's incomplete.

Step 5: Review the Estimate

You'll receive a written estimate (often called an "Xactimate" report) from the insurance company.

Compare it to your roofing contractor's estimate. Key things to watch for:

• Actual Cash Value (ACV) vs. Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Many policies start with ACV (depreciated value) and release the full RCV once work is completed. Know which type you have.
• Missing line items: Did they include drip edge replacement? Ice and water shield? Disposal costs? Permit fees?
• Supplement claims: If the insurance estimate misses items your contractor identifies, we can file a "supplement" on your behalf to add them.

Step 6: Choose Your Contractor Wisely

After the claim is approved, you choose the roofing contractor. You are not required to use any company the insurance company suggests.

Tips for choosing:

• Verify WCB coverage and liability insurance (ask for certificates)
• Get a written contract specifying materials and workmanship warranty
• Never pay a large deposit upfront — standard is 0-25% before, balance on completion
• Red flag: Any contractor who offers to "waive your deductible." This is technically insurance fraud in Alberta.

What if You Disagree with the Insurance Assessment?

You have rights. If you believe the insurer's assessment is incomplete:

1. Ask for a re-inspection in writing
2. File a formal dispute through your broker
3. Invoke the appraisal process (most Alberta policies allow this) where each side hires an independent appraiser

We've helped clients successfully recover thousands of dollars through the supplement and appraisal processes.

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