After a storm, document roof damage with dated photographs and keep any written findings from a technician. The claim decision belongs to the insurer. Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance handles complaints about insurers, agents and adjusters, but it does not act as your lawyer or order payment.
Key takeaways
- Photograph the damage with dates before any repair is made.
- The insurer decides the claim, based on the policy and the facts.
- The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance investigates complaints, including delayed or wrongly denied claims.
- The regulator does not decide the facts or order payment.
What should I photograph before any repair?
Dated photos of the roof edges, the flashing, shingles on the ground and the attic ceiling.
Photos made before a repair show what the storm did and when. Keep them with any written findings from the technician.
Do not throw out damaged shingles until the claim has been settled.
What does the insurer decide?
The insurer decides the claim, based on the policy and the facts.
A technician can record the damage and explain what is visible, but the decision belongs to the insurer. Read the policy, and ask the insurer in writing what it has decided and why.
When does the state regulator get involved?
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance investigates complaints about insurers, agents and adjusters, including delayed or wrongly denied claims.
It cannot act as your lawyer, decide the facts or order payment. Its complaint process is the route to take when a claim is delayed or denied and the explanation does not hold up.
Frequently asked questions
Does this guide list claim deadlines?
No. Deadlines and policy limits vary and were not confirmed in the sources, so none are printed. Read your policy and ask the insurer.
Can the regulator order my claim paid?
No. The regulator does not decide the facts or order payment. It can look into a complaint about an insurer, agent or adjuster.
Should I let a roofer handle the claim?
Ask first, and get any agreement in writing before you sign it.
This guide is general information for Kenosha County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.