What Your Insurance Adjuster Won’t Tell You About Storm Damage Claims in DC, Maryland & Virginia

Pivot Concepts
Aug 29
3 min read

After a major storm, one of the first calls homeowners make is to their insurance company. But while adjusters may appear to be there to help, it’s important to remember this: insurance companies are businesses—and their goal is often to minimize what they pay out.

Roof Damage Repair in DC, Maryland, and Virginia

At Pivot Concepts, we’ve worked with countless homeowners throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia who were surprised by how little their insurance actually covered. Many were left with out-of-pocket expenses they didn’t expect.

Here’s what your insurance adjuster won’t tell you—but you need to know to protect your home, your claim, and your peace of mind.

1. They Work for the Insurance Company—Not for You

Insurance adjusters are employees (or contractors) hired by your insurance company. Their job is to assess the damage, but their loyalty lies with the insurer.

That means:

They may overlook or downplay the extent of your storm damage.
They may suggest low-cost fixes instead of necessary replacements.
They may prioritize cost-saving over long-term repair quality.

What you can do: Always get an independent inspection from a licensed, local contractor before agreeing to any settlement.

2. You’re Entitled to a Second Opinion

If you disagree with the adjuster’s findings, you have the right to bring in your own contractor or public adjuster to assess the damage.

At Pivot Concepts, we provide free, detailed storm damage inspections and can document all findings to support your claim—ensuring your repairs are fully covered.

3. They Might Miss Hidden Damage

Storm damage isn’t always visible to the untrained eye. Commonly overlooked issues include:

Roof granule loss
Water intrusion beneath shingles
Loose or damaged flashing
Underlying structural damage

Why it matters: If hidden damage isn’t discovered right away, it may be excluded from your claim later—and can lead to major repair bills down the road.

4. They Often Undervalue the Full Scope of Repairs

Many insurance reports approve only minimal fixes. But partial repairs may not bring your home back to pre-storm condition.

In many cases, full roof or siding replacement is necessary due to:

Matching materials no longer being available
Building code upgrades
Long-term weatherproofing

Without a contractor advocating for you, these costs may not be included in the adjuster’s estimate.

5. You Don’t Have to Accept Their First Offer

A common misconception is that the insurance company’s offer is final. It’s not.

If your contractor provides additional documentation showing more damage or required repairs, you can submit a supplemental claim for increased coverage. This is a normal part of the claims process—and it often leads to a more accurate and complete payout.

Insurance Adjusting and Claims for Roof Repair in DC, Maryland, and Virginia | Pivot Concepts

How Pivot Concepts Supports DMV Homeowners Through the Claims Process

At Pivot Concepts, we do more than repair storm damage—we help homeowners navigate the insurance process with confidence.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

A free, comprehensive damage inspection
Professional documentation to support your claim
Clear communication and honest recommendations
Skilled restoration work that protects your home long-term

We proudly serve DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and we’re committed to helping you restore more than just your home—we help restore your peace of mind.