A buildings insurance policy typically covers sudden damage from a storm event, and typically excludes gradual deterioration and lack of maintenance. Almost every disputed roof claim turns on which of those two a loss adjuster believes they are looking at. Good evidence makes that judgement easy; a phone photo of a wet ceiling does not.
1. Date and locate everything
Photographs need a defensible date and a property address attached. Loose images in a phone gallery invite the question of when they were taken. A survey report with a survey date, address and inspector on it removes that argument entirely.
2. Show the whole roof, not just the hole
Adjusters look for context. A close-up of one broken tile could be anything. The same tile shown alongside intact neighbouring tiles, sound mortar and clean flashings supports a sudden-event narrative rather than a worn-out roof.
3. Separate storm damage from pre-existing wear
Be upfront about moss, aged pointing or a tired gutter run if they exist. A report that grades defects by severity and describes each one honestly is far more credible than one that presents every issue as storm related — and it protects you if the adjuster spots the wear you did not mention.
4. Tie it to the weather
Note the date of the storm and, where you can, the recorded wind speeds for your area. UK insurers commonly treat gusts around 47mph and above as storm conditions. Pairing the survey date with the event date makes the causal link explicit.
5. Get a repair quote that matches the report
- One document listing each defect with a severity grade.
- Photographs of each defect, circled, plus wide shots of each elevation.
- A roofer's quote whose line items map onto those same defects.
- Your policy number, the event date and the date you first noticed damage.
If a claim is rejected
Ask for the reason in writing, then check whether it rests on a factual claim about the roof's condition. If it does, an independent photographic survey is the cleanest way to challenge it. If the insurer will not move, the Financial Ombudsman Service can review the decision free of charge once the insurer's own complaints process is exhausted.