What is a supplement on a roof insurance claim?
A supplement is a request to your insurance company to add work that was missed or underestimated in the adjuster’s original estimate. Supplements are a normal part of many storm damage claims, because some items are hard to see or measure during the first inspection.
Why the first estimate can come up short
After a large hail storm, an adjuster may inspect several properties in a day. Some items are easy to miss during a quick inspection, and others cannot be seen until the old roof is removed.
Insurance companies expect estimates to be updated when there is evidence of additional work.
Items that are commonly missed
Extra layers. An estimate written for one layer of shingles on a roof that has two will not cover the full tear-off.
Steep and high roofs. Roofs above a certain pitch or height take extra equipment and time, which are separate line items on an estimate.
Other structures. A detached garage, shed or patio cover may have been damaged by the same storm.
Building code items. If the city has adopted a newer building code, the new roof may need to include items the old roof did not have. These are often covered under the ordinance or law section of a policy.
How a supplement is filed
A supplement is filed with supporting evidence, such as photos, measurements and itemized pricing, so the insurance company can compare it with the original estimate.
Some supplements can only be filed once the roof is open, for example when damaged decking or an extra layer is found during the tear-off.
Related questions
Will a supplement cause problems with my insurance company?
No. Supplements are a normal part of the claims process, and insurance companies review them regularly.
Does a supplement change my deductible?
No. Your deductible is set by your policy and does not change when the estimate is updated.
How long does a supplement take?
It depends on the insurance company and how busy they are after a storm. A complete supplement with good documentation is usually reviewed faster.
