A roof inspection and insurance claims job covers two things that usually happen together on Connecticut coastal properties: a contractor climbs up (or flies a drone) to document the condition of your shingles, flashing, vents, and decking, then helps you build the paperwork an insurance adjuster needs after wind, hail, or a fallen limb causes damage. In New London, that combination matters because nor'easters and salt-air wear both show up on a roof at the same time, and an adjuster needs to be able to tell the two apart.
What the work actually involves
A proper inspection means someone gets on the roof or uses a drone to check every slope, not just a walk around the yard with binoculars. They should photograph specific damage (creased shingles, exposed nail heads, cracked pipe boots, granule loss in the gutters), check the attic for water staining, and write up findings in a report you can hand to your insurer. If a claim is involved, the contractor should be willing to meet the adjuster on-site, point out damage the adjuster might miss, and provide a scope and estimate that matches typical local repair costs, not just what the insurer initially offers.
What to check before you hire
- Ask whether the inspection is free and whether it comes with dated photos and a written report, not just a verbal opinion.
- Confirm the company is licensed in Connecticut and carries liability insurance, and ask how long they've worked with New London homeowners specifically on storm claims.
- Find out if they'll meet your adjuster in person. Contractors who avoid that step often can't back up their damage findings.
- Be wary of anyone who pressures you to sign a contract before the inspection is done or before you've seen the adjuster's determination.
How we score the 7 businesses here
Our ranking weighs how each company documents damage, how they communicate through the claims process, and what past customers say about follow-through after the check clears. The full breakdown of criteria is on our methodology page, and you can see how all 7 New London roofing contractors stack up on the ranked roofing contractors guide.