Storm damage on your roof? Claim what you're actually owed.

Stay safe first

Do not climb your roof. Walk the yard perimeter, note visible damage such as missing shingles, dented gutters, and debris, and photograph everything from the ground.

Document before cleanup

Take date-stamped photos and video of all visible damage before any repairs. Insurers need evidence of the storm event, not a post-cleanup roof.

Stop active leaks with a tarp

Place a temporary tarp over any breach to prevent interior water damage. Keep receipts, since most policies reimburse reasonable emergency mitigation.

File your claim promptly

Every policy has a deadline to report storm damage, often 12 months, some states less. File early; late claims give insurers grounds to deny.

Request a contractor for the adjuster meeting

Have a contractor who specializes in insurance claims present when the adjuster comes out. They know what to point to and can dispute underpayment on the spot.

Understand ACV vs RCV before you settle

Actual Cash Value deducts depreciation; Replacement Cost Value pays the full rebuild. Never accept an ACV payment if your policy includes recoverable depreciation.

Document the damage

Photograph impact marks, missing shingles, and structural issues from the ground before any cleanup or repair — this is the evidence your adjuster needs.

Get an independent inspection

Hire a licensed local contractor to inspect the roof and put findings in writing. See our guide on what to verify before you sign anything.

Navigate the claim

Understand your ACV vs RCV payout, deductible, and recoverable depreciation before you settle. Bring your contractor’s written estimate to the adjuster meeting.

Get your roof restored

Once approved, your contractor completes the work directly with you, coordinating with your insurer so you pay only your deductible.

A small editorial team that researches and publishes storm-damage and insurance-claim guidance, sourced from NWS/NOAA records and state statutes. We do not take quote requests, and we do not refer, route, or introduce homeowners to contractors.

Not a contractor, public adjuster, or engineer, and not a substitute for a licensed local professional who has actually looked at your roof. All cost estimates are directional only.

Does homeowners insurance cover roof storm damage?

Most policies cover sudden, accidental damage from hail, wind, and storms. Whether a specific claim is covered depends on your policy, the cause of loss, and your roof's condition, so a documented inspection is the first step.

How long do I have to file a storm damage claim?

Deadlines run from the date of loss and vary by state and policy, often around 12 months and sometimes less. File early, because late claims give insurers grounds to deny.

What is the difference between ACV and RCV?

Actual Cash Value pays the depreciated value of your roof; Replacement Cost Value pays the full cost to rebuild. If your policy includes recoverable depreciation, you can collect the difference after the work is completed.

How much does storm damage roof repair cost?

It depends on roof size, material, pitch, and the extent of damage. Use the estimator above for a directional range, then get a written, itemized estimate from a licensed contractor for a real assessment. On an approved claim, many homeowners pay only their deductible.

How do I find a contractor I can trust?

This site does not take quote requests and does not refer, route, or introduce homeowners to contractors. See our guide on what to verify — license, insurance, local address, and a written contract — before you sign with anyone.