Roof Insurance Claim Steps in California.

A roof can be damaged by wind, a falling tree, fire or something else your policy covers. When that happens, California rules shape how the claim moves. This page follows the California Department of Insurance (CDI) guides step by step.

LA Roof Guide is not an insurer, adjuster or contractor. Your own policy decides what is covered. Read it, and ask your insurer if anything is unclear.

Step 1: Prevent more damage

CDI says one of the most important things after a loss is to make temporary repairs. Its claims guide gives the example of covering damage in a roof, walls, doors and windows with plastic sheeting or plywood.

This matters for coverage. CDI says homeowners policies may not cover ensuing damage if you did not take reasonable steps to secure the property. CDI also says your insurer will reimburse all reasonable costs to protect the property. Keep every receipt.

CDI adds a caution. Do not make extensive permanent repairs until the adjuster has visited.

Step 2: Report the claim

CDI says you must report the damage to your insurance agent or company to start the claim. CDI suggests asking:

• Does my policy cover this damage?
• How long will it take to process my claim?
• Will I need repair estimates for the structure?
• What is my deductible?

CDI defines the deductible as the portion of the loss you pay before the insurer begins to pay.

If you find more damage later, CDI says to tell your insurer right away.

Step 3: Keep records

CDI's advice is simple:

• Keep a log of all phone calls and correspondence.
• Copy everything you send to or get from the insurer.
• Do not throw out damaged items until the adjuster says you can.

After the 2025 Los Angeles fires, CDI also advised writing down the date, time and names of insurance staff you speak with.

Photos help too. Take them before temporary repairs and again after.

Step 4: The adjuster visit

CDI says the insurer may send a "proof of loss" form. This is a formal statement of your loss that helps the insurer decide what it owes. An adjuster may visit before you fill in any forms.

If the adjuster is short on time, CDI says they may "scope the loss." That is a brief look, with a second visit to finish.

If you are asked for repair estimates, our page on how to read a roofing estimate explains the common line items. Make sure anyone giving an estimate holds a valid license. See how to check a CSLB license.

Step 5: Deadlines the insurer must meet

CDI's January 2026 adjusting guide quotes the California Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations (California Code of Regulations, Title 10). Key deadlines:

• 15 calendar days to acknowledge your notice of claim, unless payment is made within that time. The insurer must also give you the forms and instructions you need and begin any needed investigation.
• 15 calendar days to respond to your communications when a response is expected.
• 40 calendar days after receiving proof of claim to accept or deny the claim, in whole or in part.
• If the insurer needs more time, it must tell you in writing what it needs, and send an update every 30 days until it decides.
• 30 days after accepting a claim, in whole or in part, to pay the accepted amount.

A denial must be in writing. It must list the reasons and point to the policy wording or law it relies on. It must also say you can have the matter reviewed by CDI.

Step 6: How payment works

CDI's brochure says the first check is often an advance, not a final payment. It warns to be wary of early offers presented as full settlements that require a release of further claims. When both the structure and your belongings are damaged, you generally get separate checks.

Replacement cost and actual cash value. CDI explains that replacement cost pays to replace damaged property with like kind and quality, without deducting depreciation. Actual cash value pays based on current market value.

Many replacement cost policies pay actual cash value first, then the rest once the repair is done. CDI's 2026 guide says an insurer may not give you less than 12 months, from the first actual cash value payment, to collect the full replacement cost. After a loss tied to a declared state of emergency, the minimum is 36 months. The guide says extra six-month extensions are given for good cause.

Step 7: Hiring the repair

After the January 2025 Southern California wildfires, the Contractors State License Board told homeowners:

• Do not rush into repairs.
• Do not sign over any insurance payment checks.
• Hire only licensed contractors and pay no more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.

See our hiring a roofer section for the full checklist.

CDI also notes that public adjusters cannot solicit business for seven calendar days after a disaster, and advises checking any agent's or public adjuster's license on the CDI website.

Step 8: If you disagree

CDI lists these options:

• Learn your rights under the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations.
• Talk to the claims manager.
• Contact CDI.
• Consult an attorney. CDI says to get the fee terms in writing and make sure your attorney must approve any settlement.

CDI runs a free mediation program for residential property claims tied to a governor-declared state of emergency.

You can file a Request for Assistance with CDI online or by mail. CDI says it may help with an improper denial, a delay in settlement, or a cancellation or non-renewal. The Consumer Assistance Hotline is 1-800-927-4357 (TTY 1-800-482-4833).

Deadlines to sue

CDI's 2026 guide notes that a standard fire policy requires a lawsuit to be filed within 12 months after the loss begins. For a loss tied to a state of emergency, that period is 24 months. Ask a lawyer about your own case.

Related pages

• Back to roof damage and home insurance
• Insurance in fire zones
• How to check a CSLB license
• How to read a roofing estimate

This page is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Your policy wording controls.