Skyridge Ricky's Secrets: How to Get Your Utah Roof Insurance Claim Approved in 2025
By Skyridge Ricky • February 26, 2025 • 13 min read
I have a love-hate relationship with insurance adjusters. Some are great, but some look at a roof covered in hail bruises and tell me it's just "wear and tear." It drives me absolutely bonkers! If you've lived in Utah for more than a few years, you've probably been through a windstorm that made your house shake or a hailstorm that sounded like someone was throwing gravel at your windows.
After the storm, the "storm chasers" show up at your door with high-pressure sales pitches. Don't listen to them! Dealing with insurance is a game of details, and if you don't have the right proof, you're going to lose. Let me pull back the curtain and show you how we get claims approved so you aren't left holding a $15,000 bill for a storm you didn't ask for.
Why You Should Never File a Claim Before an Inspection
This is the biggest mistake I see homeowners make. They see a shingle in their yard, get scared, and call their insurance company immediately. Stop! As soon as you call that 1-800 number, a "claim" is opened on your record, whether they pay you a dime or not. If a roofer comes out later and says the damage is only $200, you've still got a claim on your history that could raise your rates.
I remember a couple in West Jordan who filed a claim because they saw some "granules" in their gutters. The adjuster came out, found zero storm damage, and denied the claim. Six months later, a *real* hailstorm hit, but because they already had a recent denial on file, the insurance company fought them tooth and nail on the second claim.
Always have a pro (like the Sky Ridge crew) do a "pre-inspection." We get up there with high-res cameras and chalk. If we don't find enough damage to justify a full replacement, we'll tell you. We'd rather fix a few shingles for a few hundred bucks than have you waste your one "get out of jail free" card with your insurance company.
Professional Takeaways
- Skyridge Ricky's Rule: Pre-inspection first, insurance call second
- Opening a claim with zero damage stays on your record for years
- A $200 repair isn't worth a $1,000 deductible and a rate hike
- Time-stamped photos from a roofer are better than a phone call
The "Test Square" Secret (How Adjusters Actually Think)
When an adjuster walks onto your roof, they aren't looking at the whole thing at once. They use what's called a "Test Square." They mark out a 10-foot by 10-foot area on each slope of your roof. To approve a full replacement, they usually need to see a certain number of "bruises" or "hits" inside that one square.
In Utah, hail hits often look like a dark thumbprint where the granules have been knocked off, exposing the black asphalt underneath. If the adjuster finds 8 hits on the north and only 2 on the south, they might only pay for half the roof! That's a nightmare because you'll end up with shingles that don't match.
My secret? We do our own test squares before the adjuster arrives. We circle the damage with chalk so it's impossible to miss. When the adjuster shows up, I'm standing there with my own ladder, ready to walk the roof with them. I don't let them do it alone! I've seen adjusters "miss" damage on steep slopes because they didn't feel like climbing up there.
Professional Takeaways
- A "Test Square" is 100 square feet of roof area
- Chalking hits helps the adjuster see damage in the bright Utah sun
- We advocate for a full replacement if the shingles can't be matched
- Adjusters are more likely to approve if a professional roofer is present
RCV vs. ACV: The Letters That Determine Your Payout
Here is a teacher-moment for you: check your policy for the letters "ACV" or "RCV." This is the difference between getting a check for a full roof and getting a check for half a roof. ACV (Actual Cash Value) means the insurance company subtracts "depreciation." If your roof is 15 years old, they'll say it's only worth 25% of its original price. They'll send you a tiny check, and you'll have to pay the rest out of pocket.
RCV (Replacement Cost Value) is what you want. It means they pay whatever it costs to put a brand-new roof on today, minus your deductible. I worked with a homeowner in Orem who thought they had great coverage. When the wind blew off half their shingles, the insurance company sent an ACV check for $3,000. The real cost to fix it was $11,000! They were devastated.
Before a storm even hits, call your agent and confirm you have RCV coverage. If you don't, switch! It's usually only a few extra dollars a month, but it saves you thousands when the sky turns gray.
Professional Takeaways
- RCV policies pay for the current cost of a new roof
- ACV policies deduct for the age of your roof—avoid these!
- Read your policy to find your wind and hail deductible
- Deductibles in Utah are often higher for wind/hail than standard fire
Wrapping it up
Insurance claims are stressful, but you don't have to do it alone. Skyridge Ricky and the Sky Ridge crew have handled hundreds of claims all across the Wasatch Front. We know the adjusters, we know the codes, and we know how to fight for what's fair. If you think a storm hit your home, don't panic! Give us a call first. We'll give you an honest look, document the truth, and help you get your home back to normal. Your roof is too important to leave to chance—let's make sure your insurance company does their job!
