The hours right after a storm are the most important, and the most confusing, part of any roof claim. What you do in the first two days often decides whether your insurance company pays for a full repair or leaves you fighting for a fraction of it. Here is the order we tell our own customers to follow.
First, make sure everyone is safe
Before anything else, stay off the roof. Wet, storm-damaged roofing is dangerously slick, and hidden structural damage can give way underfoot. If water is actively coming into the house, move belongings out of the way and place buckets, but leave the roof itself to a professional with fall protection.
Document everything, immediately
Insurance adjusters work from evidence. As soon as it is safe, photograph everything: fallen branches, dented gutters, shingles in the yard, water stains on ceilings, and any visible damage you can capture from the ground. Timestamp matters, so do it the same day. The more thorough your documentation, the harder it is for a claim to be underpaid.
Get an emergency tarp in place
Most policies require you to prevent further damage once a loss has occurred. A properly installed tarp does two things: it stops water from ruining your interior, and it shows the insurer you acted responsibly. Keep the receipt for any emergency work, because reasonable mitigation costs are typically reimbursable.
Call a roofer before you call the adjuster
This order surprises people, but it matters. A qualified roofing contractor can inspect the damage, tell you honestly whether it is worth claiming, and give you a professional assessment before the insurance adjuster arrives. Walking into the claim with an independent expert on your side changes the entire conversation.
Understand your deductible and coverage
Not every storm claim is worth filing. If the damage is minor and close to your deductible, a claim may raise your premium for years while saving you very little. A good contractor will tell you when a repair is cheaper paid out of pocket, and when the damage clearly justifies a claim.
Meet the adjuster on the roof
When the insurance adjuster comes out, your roofer should be there too. Adjusters are human and they can miss damage, especially the subtle bruising that hail leaves on shingles. Having your contractor point out every affected area, with photos and measurements ready, is the single biggest factor in a fair settlement.
Beware of storm chasers
After every major storm, out-of-town crews flood the area offering fast, cheap work. Many disappear the moment the check clears, leaving you with no warranty and no one to call when the repair fails. Choose a licensed, insured, local contractor who will still be here next year.
The bottom line
Storm claims reward the prepared. Document early, mitigate the damage, bring in an honest professional before the adjuster, and never sign with the first crew that knocks on your door. Handled correctly, a storm claim restores your roof fully. Handled poorly, it leaves you paying twice.