The Complete Guide to Roofing Insurance Supplements
What is a roofing insurance supplement?
A supplement is an additional request for compensation on an insurance claim. When roofing contractors find missing line items on the original insurance estimates, they submit supplements to the insurance adjuster to ensure full coverage for the work required.
The Basics of Roofing Supplements
Why do we supplement?
Every missed line item in a roofing estimate is money left on the table. Roofing supplements help contractors recover the true cost of completing the job: covering materials, labor, and code-required upgrades that were overlooked in the original insurance estimate.
How do we supplement?
Successful supplementing isn’t about adding fluff - it’s about accuracy and documentation. From reviewing the initial estimate to writing a clear, detailed supplement, contractors need a consistent process to capture every necessary line item and build defensible supplements.
Roofing Supplement Strategies for Professional Contractors
Build better estimates. Submit stronger supplements. Maximize your claim outcomes.
The Roofing Supplement Process Explained
How to Get Started with Supplementing
Maximizing Roofing Insurance Claims
Roofing Supplement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if I need a roofing supplement?
If your original insurance estimate doesn’t fully cover the materials, labor, or code-required items needed to complete the job properly, you likely need to submit a supplement. Common signs include missing line items, low material quantities, or incorrect waste calculations. Reviewing the estimate carefully against your scope of work is the best first step.
What documentation do I need for a supplement?
Insurance supplements should always be backed by clear documentation. This includes:
- Photos showing damage or install areas
- Measurements from EagleView or similar tools
- Code references for required items
- Manufacturer specs for materials or install details
- A line-item estimate (usually built in Xactimate)
Strong documentation speeds up approval and increases your chances of getting paid fully.
How long does the supplement process take?
Most roofing insurance supplements take anywhere from 10 to 21 days to finalize. Factors like documentation quality, adjuster responsiveness, and claim complexity can all speed up or slow down the process.
At OneScope, our average supplement turnaround is around 21 days from submission to approval.
What are common code-required items in roofing supplements?
Code-required items vary by state and municipality, but some of the most common include:
- Ice and water shield at eaves or valleys
- Drip edge
- Starter strip
- Synthetic underlayment for low-slope roofs
- Roof-to-wall flashing
- Ridge and hip coverage
These are often missed in initial estimates and must be added with proper code references.
Should I handle supplementing myself or hire a supplement company?
It depends on your capacity and experience. If you’re familiar with Xactimate, code compliance, and insurance processes — and have time to manage documentation and back-and-forth with the adjuster — handling it in-house may work.
Most contractors partner with a supplement company to save time, increase approval rates, and avoid leaving money on the table. OneScope helps contractors recover more — faster — while staying focused on production.
Can I add overhead and profit (O&P) to a roofing supplement?
O&P is sometimes allowed on roofing supplements, but only under certain conditions. Many carriers require the job to meet specific criteria, such as:
- Multiple trades involved
- Complex coordination or specialty labor
- Proof that the general contractor will manage multiple trades
Proper documentation and justification are key to getting O&P approved.
Explore More on Roofing Supplements
Understanding Xactimate for Supplements
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How to Document Roof Damage for Supplements
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Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Supplements
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Choosing a Supplementing Company
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Guide to State and Local Roofing Code Items
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Strategies for Increasing Roofing Estimates
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Understanding Overhead and Profit in Supplements
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Getting Code Items Approved in Supplements
Read More →Need Help with Roofing Supplements?
OneScope’s experts prepare accurate Xactimate estimates, submit supplements on your behalf, and follow up to ensure you get paid what you deserve. We act as an extension of your team and work directly with adjusters.