How to File a Storm Damage Roof Claim

A bad storm just hit. You think your roof took damage. Now what?

This guide walks you through the entire insurance claim process, step by step. I will also tell you how to spot storm chasers, understand your policy, and fight back if the insurance company lowballs you.

The Claim Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Document the Damage

Before you call anyone, grab your phone. Take photos and video of everything you can see from the ground. Do not climb on the roof. That is what you pay a roofer to do.[1]

• Wide shots of the entire roof from each side of the house
• Close-ups of any visible damage -- missing shingles, dents, debris
• Photos of damage inside the house -- water stains, drips, wet insulation
• Photos of damage to gutters, siding, fences, or anything else the storm hit
• Save weather alerts, hail reports, or any news coverage of the storm

Date and time matter. Your insurance company will check weather records against your claim date.

Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company

File the claim as soon as possible. Most policies require "prompt notice." Some companies interpret that as 30-60 days. Do not wait months.[2]

When you call, get these three things:

1. Your claim number
2. Your adjuster's name and direct phone number
3. Your deductible amount (usually $1,000-$2,500 for wind/hail)

Step 3: Get an Independent Estimate

This is the step most people skip. Do not skip it.

Hire a local roofer to inspect your roof and write up an estimate before the insurance adjuster shows up. This gives you a professional number to compare against whatever the insurance company says. A good roofer will do this inspection for free because they want the repair job.[3]

Make sure the estimate is detailed -- materials, labor, tear-off, permits, line by line. See our guide on how to read a roofing estimate for what to look for.

Step 4: Meet the Adjuster

The insurance company sends an adjuster to inspect the damage. Be home when they come. Better yet, have your roofer there too.

The adjuster works for the insurance company. They are not your enemy, but their job is to assess damage -- not maximize your payout. Having your roofer present ensures nothing gets missed.[2]

Walk the adjuster through every area of damage. Show them your photos. Point out the items your roofer found.

Step 5: Review the Settlement

After the inspection, you get a settlement offer. Compare it line by line against your independent estimate. Common gaps:

• Adjuster missed damage on one slope of the roof
• Adjuster used lower material prices than current market rates
• Adjuster left out items like drip edge, starter strips, or ice shield
• Adjuster applied depreciation incorrectly (on ACV policies)

If the settlement is too low, you can dispute it. More on that below.

What Storm Damage Looks Like

Not all storm damage is obvious. Here is what your roofer (and the adjuster) should be looking for.[1]

Hail Damage

• On shingles: Round or irregular dents that expose the black mat underneath. The granule coating is knocked off, leaving soft spots.
• On metal: Visible dents and dings on flashing, vents, and gutters.
• On soft metals: Check aluminum vents, gutters, and downspouts. If they are dented, your shingles probably are too.

Wind Damage

• Lifted shingles: Shingle tabs are bent upward or curled. The seal strip broke loose.
• Missing shingles: Entire shingles torn off, leaving exposed underlayment or decking.
• Creased shingles: A horizontal crease across the shingle where wind folded it back.

Fallen Debris

• Tree branches that punctured or cracked shingles
• Impact marks where large debris hit
• Damaged ridge caps from falling limbs

The Storm Chaser Problem

Storm chasers are the biggest risk you face after a storm. Here is how to spot them:

• Out-of-state license plates on their truck
• No local address. Their "office" is a hotel room.
• They showed up uninvited within days of the storm
• They want you to sign an AOB -- an Assignment of Benefits that hands control of your insurance claim to them
• They offer to "waive your deductible." This is insurance fraud. It is illegal in most states.
• They pressure you to sign today. Legitimate roofers give you time to think.

Use a local roofer with a permanent address, verifiable references, and proper insurance. Check our guide on roofing scams for more warning signs.

ACV vs. RCV: Your Policy Type Matters

How much your insurance pays depends on which type of policy you have.[2]

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

This is the better policy. It pays what it costs to replace your roof today with a similar material, regardless of how old your roof is. If your 15-year-old shingle roof gets destroyed by hail, RCV pays for a brand new shingle roof at 2026 prices.

RCV policies usually pay in two parts: the depreciated value first (minus your deductible), then the remaining "recoverable depreciation" after you complete the repairs.

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

This policy pays the depreciated value of your roof. A 20-year-old roof on a 25-year shingle? The insurer might say it is only worth 20% of replacement cost. You are stuck paying the rest.

ACV policies are cheaper in premiums but can leave you with a massive out-of-pocket bill. If you have an ACV policy, consider switching to RCV at your next renewal.

What Adjusters Look For

Understanding the adjuster's checklist helps you prepare.[5]

• Age of the roof. Older roofs get more scrutiny. An adjuster may argue damage is wear and tear, not storm-related.
• Maintenance history. If your roof was in poor shape before the storm, the insurer may deny or reduce the claim.
• Consistent damage pattern. Hail damage should appear across the entire exposed side, not just one spot. Random missing shingles on an old roof may be wear, not wind.
• Collateral damage. Adjusters check gutters, AC units, fences, and window screens. If these show hail or wind damage, it supports your roof claim.
• Neighboring claims. If your neighbors are filing claims too, it supports the storm narrative.

How to Dispute a Low Settlement

If the insurance company's offer is significantly less than your independent estimate, you have options.[5]

1. Request a re-inspection. Send your roofer's detailed estimate to the adjuster and ask them to come back. Point out specific items that were missed or underpriced.
2. Invoke the appraisal clause. Most homeowner's policies include an appraisal clause. Both sides hire an appraiser. If they disagree, a neutral umpire decides. This avoids court and usually gets you a fair number.
3. Hire a public adjuster. A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. They charge 10-15% of the settlement but often recover significantly more than the original offer. Worth it on large claims.
4. File a complaint. If the insurer is acting in bad faith, file a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance. In NC, that is the NC Department of Insurance (ncdoi.gov).
5. Consult an attorney. For large claims where the insurer is clearly lowballing, an insurance attorney may recover more than enough to cover their fee.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most policies require prompt notice, typically within 1 year. But many insurers expect notice within 30-60 days. File as soon as you find the damage. Waiting too long gives them grounds to deny your claim.

Will filing a roof claim raise my insurance rates?

It depends. A single weather-related claim usually does not raise rates because the damage was not your fault. But multiple claims within 3-5 years can increase premiums. Check with your agent before filing a small claim.

What is the difference between ACV and RCV on a roof claim?

ACV (Actual Cash Value) pays the depreciated value based on your roof's age. A 15-year-old roof might get 50% of replacement cost. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays what it costs to replace your roof today. RCV pays more but costs more in premiums.

Should I let a storm chaser roofer handle my insurance claim?

No. Storm chasers charge 20-40% more than local roofers.[4] They push you to sign an AOB that gives them control of your claim. Use a local roofer with a permanent address and real references.