Why Your Roof’s Date of Loss Matters More Than You Think

When homeowners think about roof damage, they often focus on what they can see. Missing shingles. Dents. Leaks. What many do not realize is that insurance companies are often more concerned with when the damage happened than how it looks today.

That is where the concept of a “date of loss” comes in.

A date of loss is the day damage actually occurs to your roof system. In many cases, that damage can be traced back to a specific storm event. Hail, high winds, and severe weather can compromise a roof without leaving obvious signs from the ground.

Why does this matter? Because most homeowners insurance policies require claims to be filed within a defined timeframe from the date of loss. Many carriers expect what they call “due diligence,” meaning damage must be reported within 365 days of when it occurred.

Here is the challenge. If your roof is not inspected regularly, you may never know when that clock started.

Storm damage does not always announce itself. Metal roofs, in particular, can absorb impact in ways that are easy to miss but still significant. By the time interior issues appear or visible wear becomes obvious, the reporting window may already be closing.

This is where proactive inspections change everything.

At Churchill USA, we offer no-cost, no-obligation roof inspections designed to identify storm-related damage early. Our goal is not to pressure you into action, but to give you clarity. When you know the condition of your roof and the likely timing of damage, you can make informed decisions, protect your eligibility, and move forward with confidence.

Your roof protects everything beneath it. Knowing its story, including its date of loss, is part of protecting your home, your peace of mind, and your future.