How to Make an Insurance Claim for Roof Damage (Step-by-Step Guide)
When your roof leaks or takes a hit in a storm, the last thing you need is a confusing insurance process.
The good news? If you follow the right steps — and have a professional roofing report — your claim can move quickly and smoothly.
At Aquashield Roofing, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Horowhenua and Kāpiti document roof damage properly and work with their insurers to get results.
Here’s exactly what to do when roof damage happens.
⚡ Step 1: Stay Safe and Prevent Further Damage
First things first — don’t climb on the roof.
It’s often slippery or unstable after a storm.
Instead:
- Move valuables away from drips inside.
- Use a bucket or towel to contain leaks.
- If safe, cover exposed areas with a tarp to reduce water ingress.
Insurance policies require you to take “reasonable steps” to prevent further damage — not repairs, just protection until professionals arrive.
🧰 Step 2: Take Photos of the Damage
Before calling anyone, document what you can safely see:
- The damage from inside your home (ceilings, walls, flooring).
- Exterior shots from the ground (missing sheets, dents, branches, etc.).
These photos are key evidence for your claim.
Don’t climb the roof — that’s our job. Aquashield’s inspection will include detailed close-up photos for the insurer later.
🧾 Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Provider
Call your insurer or lodge a claim online as soon as possible.
You’ll need to provide:
- Your policy number
- Date and cause of damage (e.g. high winds, fallen tree, hail)
- Basic description of what’s affected
They’ll usually ask you to get an independent roofing assessment or quote — that’s where we step in.
🧱 Step 4: Book a Professional Roof Report
Aquashield Roofing provides photo-based roof reports specifically designed to support insurance claims.
We’ll:
- Inspect and identify the cause of damage
- Photograph all affected areas
- Clearly note whether the issue is sudden or long-term wear
- Provide a detailed quote for repair or replacement
This gives your insurer the evidence they need to make a fast, fair decision.
🧩 Step 5: Submit the Report and Quote
Once you have your Aquashield report, send it to your insurer or loss adjuster.
They’ll review it and may send an assessor to confirm details.
Because our reports use clear photos, honest descriptions, and New Zealand roofing standards, claims are approved faster and with less back-and-forth.
💬 Step 6: Wait for Approval — Then We Get to Work
Once the claim is approved, we’ll:
- Schedule the repair or re-roof promptly
- Supply all compliance documentation
- Clean up and sign off with a workmanship guarantee
We can also provide before-and-after photos for your insurance file, ensuring every stage is fully documented.
🌧️ Step 7: Prevent Future Claims With Maintenance
Most insurers expect homeowners to maintain their roofs.
Regular maintenance protects both your property and your policy.
We recommend:
- A professional inspection every 12–18 months
- Cleaning gutters and downpipes twice a year
- Re-coating or fastener replacement on ageing roofs
It’s simple: maintain your roof, protect your insurance coverage.
💬 Need Help With a Claim Right Now?
Whether you’ve just found a leak or storm damage has left your roof vulnerable, we can help.
👉 Book an insurance roof report today
👉 Request a quote for storm or leak repair
We’ll take care of the inspection, documentation, and repair — so your claim gets approved faster and your home stays protected.
