To write a roofing supplement that gets approved, compare the carrier's estimate to the measured roof line by line, list only items that are missing or under-quantified, and back each one with a photo, a measured quantity, and a code or manufacturer citation. Put it in a short cover letter that references the claim number, lists each line with its justification, and asks for a revised estimate by a specific date.
- →Start from the carrier's estimate, not from a blank page
- →Every line needs a photo, a quantity, and a citation
- →Keep the cover letter short and factual — the attachments do the arguing
- →Ask for a revised estimate and a response date
- →Track each round so the second request references the first
Step 1: Get the documents together
Before writing anything, collect four things: the carrier's estimate PDF, a measurement report for the roof, dated photos from the inspection (and from tear-off if the job has started), and the policy declarations page if you have it. A supplement written without the measurement report is a guess, and desk adjusters can tell.
Step 2: Compare the scope line by line
Walk the carrier's estimate in order and ask the same question for every category: is it there, and is the quantity right? Most first-pass estimates price the field shingles and miss the accessories. The usual gaps are listed below.
| Category | What to check | Where the quantity comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Starter strip | Present at eaves and rakes | Eave + rake linear feet |
| Drip edge | Present where code requires | Eave + rake linear feet |
| Ice and water shield | Valleys, eaves in cold climates, penetrations | Valley LF, eave LF × required width |
| Ridge cap | Priced as cap, not cut shingles | Ridge + hip linear feet |
| Flashing | Step, counter, kick-out, pipe boots | Photo counts and wall LF |
| Steep / high charges | Applied to the right squares | Pitch and story count per facet |
| Waste | Matches roof complexity | Measurement report waste table |
Step 3: Document each item
- A clear photo showing the item or its absence, with the facet labeled
- The measured quantity, taken from the report rather than estimated
- A citation: the adopted building code section (for example IRC R905 for asphalt shingles) or the manufacturer's installation instructions
- One sentence explaining why the item is necessary to restore the roof
Padding gets supplements denied and damages your credibility with the desk. If you can't photograph it, measure it, and cite it, leave it out.
Step 4: Write a short cover letter
The letter should fit on one page: claim number, insured name and address, date of loss, a numbered list of requested items with quantity and justification, and a clear request for a revised estimate by a date. Leave out arguments about fairness. The attachments carry the weight. See our supplement letter template for a starting format.
Step 5: Submit and follow up
Send the package through the channel the carrier asks for, usually the claim portal or the adjuster's email, and log the date. If you don't hear back within the window you asked for, follow up once in writing. If items are denied, request the reason in writing so the next round can address it directly.
RoofGenius reads the carrier's estimate PDF, flags candidate missing line items against the measured roof, attaches the code citation, and drafts the supplement letter for your review. See how AI Supplements work.