Updated for 2026. Indiana homeowners filed more roof damage claims in the past 3 years than ever before — $73 billion in weather-related claims across the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio) since 2023. With the April 2025 tornado outbreak and March 2026 hail storms still fresh, knowing how to navigate your roof insurance claim is critical.

This guide covers everything Indiana homeowners need to know — from understanding your policy type to getting your full payout. Written by Kyle, W., owner of ATR Roofing, who has helped hundreds of Indianapolis-area homeowners through the claims process.

ACV vs. RCV: The Two Types of Roof Coverage in Indiana

Before you file a claim, you need to know which type of coverage you have. This single factor determines whether you get $3,000 or $15,000 for the same roof.

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

• Pays the full cost to replace your roof with similar materials — minus your deductible
• The gold standard for homeowners
• Insurance pays in two checks: ACV first, then recoverable depreciation after work is completed

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

• Pays the depreciated value of your roof at the time of damage
• For asphalt shingles, depreciation is typically 3-5% per year
• A 15-year-old roof worth $18,000 new might only pay out $8,000-$10,000 under ACV
• 2026 trend: More Indiana insurers are switching roofs older than 10 years to ACV-only coverage, even if the rest of your home is RCV

What Is Recoverable Depreciation?

If you have RCV coverage, your insurance company withholds a portion called recoverable depreciation. Here’s how it works:

1. First check (ACV payment): Insurance pays the depreciated value minus your deductible
2. You complete the roof replacement with a licensed contractor
3. Second check (depreciation recovery): Submit the invoice proving work was completed, and insurance releases the withheld depreciation

Important: You must complete repairs within the timeframe specified in your policy (usually 180 days to 1 year) to collect recoverable depreciation. Miss the deadline and you lose that money. Read our detailed recoverable depreciation guide.

What Roof Damage Is Covered by Insurance in Indiana?

Covered (Sudden & Accidental)

• Hail damage — the #1 roof claim in Indiana. Quarter-sized hail (1″) and larger causes significant damage
• Wind damage — missing shingles, lifted flashing, blown-off ridge caps
• Tornado damage — structural damage, missing decking, debris impact
• Falling trees/branches — impact damage from storms
• Fire and lightning
• Ice dam damage — water intrusion from ice buildup (common in Indiana winters)

NOT Covered

• Wear and tear — aging, curling, cracking from normal deterioration
• Lack of maintenance — clogged gutters, moss growth, neglected repairs
• Roofs older than 20 years — many insurers won’t cover replacement, only repair
• Cosmetic damage only — some policies exclude dents that don’t affect function
• Pest damage — animals, insects, birds
• Gradual leaks — slow deterioration over time

Indiana-Specific Insurance Rules You Need to Know

Percentage-Based Wind/Hail Deductibles

Many Indiana policies now use a percentage deductible for wind and hail claims instead of a flat dollar amount. For example:

• 2% deductible on a $300,000 home = $6,000 out of pocket
• This is separate from your standard $1,000-$2,500 deductible
• Check your declarations page — many homeowners don’t realize they have a percentage deductible until they file a claim

Deductible Absorption Is Illegal in Indiana

Indiana law prohibits contractors from waiving or absorbing your deductible. Any roofer who says “we’ll cover your deductible” or “you won’t pay anything out of pocket” is breaking the law. This is a major red flag and a sign of a storm chaser you should avoid.

Your Right to Choose Your Own Contractor

Indiana homeowners have the legal right to hire the contractor of their choice — your insurance company cannot force you to use their preferred vendor. Your contractor can also be present during the adjuster’s inspection to ensure nothing is missed.

Filing Deadline

Most Indiana policies require you to file a claim within 12-24 months of the storm event. Don’t wait — the sooner you file, the stronger your claim.

Step-by-Step: How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Indiana

Step 1: Document Everything Immediately

• Take photos and video of all visible damage — roof, gutters, siding, windows, vehicles
• Save the date and time of the storm event
• Check NOAA storm reports to verify hail size and wind speeds in your area (this strengthens your claim)
• Keep damaged materials — don’t throw away shingles or debris

Step 2: Get a Professional Roof Inspection

• A trained inspector can find damage invisible from the ground — bruised shingles, cracked flashing, lifted seals
• Get a written inspection report with photos before calling insurance
• ATR Roofing offers free storm damage inspections with detailed photo documentation

Step 3: File Your Claim

• Call your insurance company’s claims department
• Provide the storm date, damage description, and your inspection report
• Get your claim number and adjuster assignment

Step 4: The Adjuster Inspection

• An insurance adjuster will inspect your roof — have your roofer present
• Your contractor knows what to look for and can point out damage the adjuster might miss
• The adjuster creates a scope of damage report with line-item costs

Step 5: Review the Scope and Settlement

• Compare the adjuster’s scope to your contractor’s estimate
• If items are missing, request a re-inspection or supplement
• Don’t accept the first offer if it doesn’t cover the full scope of work

Step 6: Complete Repairs and Collect Depreciation

• Hire your chosen contractor and complete the work
• Submit the final invoice to insurance
• Collect your recoverable depreciation check (RCV policies only)

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

A denied claim is not the end. Here’s your playbook:

1. Read the denial letter carefully — understand the exact reason (wear and tear, excluded peril, insufficient evidence)
2. Request a re-inspection — you have the right to a second adjuster. Have your contractor present
3. File a formal appeal — submit additional evidence, contractor estimates, NOAA storm data, and photos
4. Hire a public adjuster — an independent adjuster works for YOU, not the insurance company. They typically charge 10-15% of the settlement
5. Contact the Indiana Department of Insurance — file a complaint at 1-800-622-4461 if you believe your claim was unfairly denied
6. Consult an attorney — for large claims, a property damage attorney can negotiate or litigate on your behalf

Red Flags: How to Spot Storm Chaser Scams

After every major storm in Indiana, out-of-town contractors flood the area. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• They offer to “waive your deductible” — this is illegal in Indiana
• They pressure you to sign immediately — legitimate contractors don’t use high-pressure tactics
• They ask for large upfront payments — reputable roofers don’t require full payment before work begins
• They have out-of-state plates or no local address — they’ll be gone when warranty issues arise
• They go door-to-door after storms — while not always a scam, be cautious and verify credentials

Always verify: Indiana contractor license, proof of insurance (liability + workers comp), local business address, and Google reviews.

Recent Indiana Storms That Qualify for Insurance Claims

If your home was affected by any of these verified NOAA storm events, you may be eligible to file a claim:

• March 3, 2026 — 1.00″ hail in Avon/Hendricks County
• March 4, 2026 — 1.25″ hail in Knox County, 1.00″ hail + power pole down in Daviess County
• March 6, 2026 — 1.75″ golf ball hail in La Porte County
• February 19, 2026 — 1.50″ hail in Bloomington/Monroe County, 1.50″ in Greene County, tornado in Decatur County, 70mph winds
• April 2, 2025 — EF-2 tornado in Brownsburg (120mph, 9.57mi path), EF-1 in Carmel (105mph), EF-2 in Lapel (125mph), 20 total tornadoes statewide
• March 15, 2025 — Multiple tornadoes and widespread wind damage across Indiana
• December 28, 2025 — Tornado in Greene County

Will Filing a Roof Claim Raise My Insurance Rates?

This is the #1 question Indiana homeowners ask — and the answer may surprise you.

Storm damage claims generally do NOT raise your rates. Indiana insurers classify hail, wind, and tornado damage as “Act of God” events. Since you didn’t cause the damage, most companies won’t penalize you for filing a single weather-related claim.

However, there are exceptions:

• Multiple claims in 3-5 years — filing 2+ claims in a short window may flag your account for non-renewal
• Claims history follows you — the CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report tracks your claims for 7 years. When you switch insurers, they can see it
• Area-wide rate increases — after major storms (like the April 2025 tornado outbreak), insurers may raise rates across the entire region, regardless of whether you filed

Bottom line: If you have legitimate storm damage, file the claim. The cost of an unrepaired roof far exceeds any potential rate increase.

Code Upgrades: Will Insurance Pay for Them?

When your roof is replaced, Indiana building codes may require upgrades that didn’t exist when your home was built. Common code upgrades include:

• Ice and water shield — required along eaves and in valleys since 2012 IRC adoption
• Drip edge flashing — now mandatory on all roof edges
• Proper ventilation — current code requires 1 sq ft of ventilation per 150 sq ft of attic space
• Higher wind-rated shingles — some areas now require 110+ mph rated shingles

Does insurance cover code upgrades? It depends on your policy:

• Standard policies: Usually do NOT cover code upgrades — they only pay to restore to the previous condition
• Ordinance or Law coverage: This optional endorsement (typically 10-25% of dwelling coverage) pays for required code upgrades. Check your declarations page
• If you don’t have it: You may owe $1,500-$4,000 out of pocket for code-required upgrades during a roof replacement

ATR Roofing reviews your policy before starting work so there are no surprises.

Tree Damage From Wind Storms — Covered or Not?

Fallen trees are one of the most common causes of roof damage during Indiana storms. Here’s what’s covered:

• Your tree falls on your roof: Covered — your homeowner’s policy pays for the roof repair AND tree removal (usually up to $500-$1,000 per tree)
• Neighbor’s tree falls on your roof: Still covered by YOUR policy, not theirs. Your insurance pays regardless of whose tree it was
• Your tree falls on neighbor’s property: Their insurance covers their damage, not yours
• Dead or diseased tree: If the insurer can prove you knew the tree was dead and failed to remove it, they may deny the claim as negligence

Pro tip: After any major wind event, inspect trees near your home for cracks, leans, or root heaving. Documenting healthy trees before a storm protects you from denial.

How to Talk to Your Insurance Company Without Hurting Your Claim

What you say to your insurer matters. Follow these communication rules:

Do Say

• “I’d like to report storm damage to my roof from [specific date]”
• “I have documentation and photos of the damage”
• “I’d like my contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection”
• “I’d like to request a re-inspection” (if you disagree with findings)

Don’t Say

• “My roof is old and was probably due for replacement anyway” — gives them reason to attribute damage to wear
• “I’m not sure when the damage happened” — weakens your claim timeline
• “Just fix the leak” — limits your claim to repair instead of full replacement
• “My neighbor’s roof was fine” — irrelevant and potentially harmful to your case

Always be honest — but don’t volunteer information that isn’t asked for. Stick to facts: the storm date, the damage you see, and that you want a proper inspection.

The Supplement Process: Getting Paid for Hidden Damage

In most roof claims, the initial adjuster scope misses something. This is normal — not malicious. The supplement process exists to correct it.

How Supplements Work

1. Your contractor starts the job and discovers additional damage not visible during the initial inspection (rotted decking, damaged underlayment, compromised flashing)
2. Contractor documents the new damage with photos and measurements
3. A supplement is filed with the insurance company requesting additional payment
4. Insurance reviews and approves (or negotiates) the additional scope

Supplements are standard practice and your contractor should handle this for you at no extra charge. ATR Roofing manages all supplements directly with your insurance company.

Roof Maintenance That Protects Your Insurance Coverage

Insurance companies can deny claims if they determine damage resulted from poor maintenance. Protect your coverage with these annual steps:

• Clean gutters twice per year — spring and fall minimum
• Trim branches within 6 feet of the roof
• Inspect for and replace missing or damaged shingles promptly
• Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
• Document your maintenance — save receipts and take dated photos. This is your proof of proper maintenance if a claim is questioned
• Get a professional inspection every 2-3 years — especially if your roof is over 15 years old

Schedule a maintenance inspection with ATR Roofing — it could save your next insurance claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a roof insurance claim take in Indiana?

Typically 2-8 weeks from filing to first payment. Complex claims or supplements can take longer. Having a contractor manage the process speeds things up significantly.

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a roof claim?

Storm damage claims in Indiana generally do not increase your rates because they are considered “Act of God” events. However, filing multiple claims within a short period may affect your insurability.

Can my insurance company force me to replace my roof?

Yes — if your roof is older than 15-20 years, your insurer may require replacement as a condition of renewing your policy. This is becoming more common in 2026.

What if my roof is older than 20 years?

Many insurers will only offer ACV coverage for roofs over 20 years old, significantly reducing your payout. Some may refuse to insure the roof entirely. A proactive replacement before the policy renewal can prevent coverage issues.

Should I get an inspection even if I don’t see damage?

Absolutely. Most hail and wind damage is invisible from the ground. A professional inspection after any major storm protects your property and preserves your right to file a claim within the deadline.

Get Your Free Storm Damage Inspection

ATR Roofing has helped hundreds of Indiana homeowners navigate the insurance claims process — from initial inspection through final payment. We work directly with your insurance adjuster to ensure you receive the full coverage you’re entitled to.

Call ATR Roofing at 317-460-1191 or request your free roof inspection online.

Serving Avon, Brownsburg, Indianapolis, Carmel, Plainfield, Greenfield, Lawrence, and all of Central Indiana.