Storm and hail roof damage: insurance claim steps

Safety comes first

Do not climb onto a roof after a storm. Wet, hail-damaged or wind-loosened roofing can give way or slide, and debris can hide holes. Look from the ground, use binoculars, or take photos from a safe window.

• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines, as Ready.gov advises. Treat any downed line as live and report it to your utility.
• Do not touch electrical equipment that is wet or while standing in water. Downed or underground lines can charge standing water.
• If you evacuated, do not return until local authorities say it is safe.
• If you see structural damage, smell gas or have water near your electrical panel, leave and call the right professional or emergency service.

A damaged roof can wait a little while. People cannot be replaced.

Check hail reports near you

Our hail and storm reports list NOAA hail and thunderstorm wind reports by state and city, with a source link for every report. They can help you note the date of a storm before you call your insurer.

Document the damage before cleanup

Good records make the claim process smoother. Before removing debris, take photos and video of the damage, both wide shots that show where it is and close ups that show detail. Ready.gov and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners both recommend documenting damage with photos.

• Photograph the roof from the ground on every side, plus gutters, downspouts, siding, windows, vents and anything else that was hit.
• Inside, photograph ceiling stains, wet insulation, damaged belongings and any water on the floor.
• If hail fell, photos of hailstones next to a coin or ruler, and of dents on cars, mailboxes or outdoor furniture, can help show the storm’s size.
• Note the date and time of the storm and when you first noticed each problem.
• Make a written list of damaged property, and keep damaged items for the adjuster to see if you can do so safely.

Prevent more damage

Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to protect your home from further damage. That might mean having a hole in the roof covered with a tarp, boarding a broken window, or moving belongings out of the way of a leak. The NAIC notes that insurers typically reimburse reasonable temporary repairs when the loss is covered, but check your policy and ask your insurer what applies.

Keep it temporary. Hold off on permanent repairs until your insurer has had a chance to see the damage, unless your insurer tells you otherwise. Keep every receipt, and photograph the temporary repair once it is done.

Contact your insurer and read your policy

Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as you reasonably can. Policies often have a time limit for reporting a claim. The NAIC suggests contacting your insurer to file a claim before you hire a contractor.

Before or during that call, read your policy, especially:

• Your deductible. The NAIC explains that some policies have a separate deductible for wind and hail or for named storms, and that a named storm deductible is usually a percentage of the home’s value rather than a flat amount. Check your policy to see which deductibles you have.
• How the policy pays for roof damage, and whether it treats older roofs differently.
• Coverage for temporary repairs and for living expenses if you cannot stay in your home.
• Exclusions. The National Flood Insurance Program notes that most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood coverage is a separate policy.

Write down your claim number, who you spoke with and when. Keep copies of everything you send and receive.

How claims usually work

Every insurer and policy is different, and the rules vary by state, so treat this as a general outline only.

1. You report the claim. The insurer usually opens a claim and assigns an adjuster.
2. An adjuster inspects the damage. The insurance company’s adjuster usually inspects at no charge to you. It often helps to have your list and photos ready, and some homeowners ask their contractor to be there too. Public adjusters are separate professionals who work for you for a fee.
3. The insurer prepares an estimate. This sets out what the insurer believes the covered repair will cost under your policy terms.
4. Your deductible applies. The payment is usually reduced by your deductible. The NAIC notes you may receive more than one check, for example an advance first and more later. Ask your insurer how and when your policy pays.
5. Repairs and any follow up. If your roofer finds more damage once work begins, ask your insurer how to submit it before the work is done.

If you disagree with the estimate, ask your insurer to explain it in writing and share your own contractor estimates. If you still cannot resolve it, your state insurance department can explain your options, and it can help you find your insurer’s contact details if you need them.

Storm chaser warning signs

After a major storm, out of town crews and scammers often arrive in the affected area. The FTC warns that unlicensed contractors and scammers often appear in recovery zones. Be careful if someone:

• Goes door to door right after a storm, says they are “working in the neighborhood”, or offers a free roof inspection and then finds urgent damage.
• Pressures you to sign right away, often with a discount that disappears tomorrow.
• Asks for a large payment up front, or wants cash, wire transfer, gift cards, payment apps or cryptocurrency.
• Offers to cover, absorb or waive your insurance deductible. This can be illegal in some states, for example Texas, where the state insurance department says contractors may not waive your deductible or offer rebates or credits in its amount. It can also put your claim at risk. Ask your state insurance department about the rules where you live.
• Asks you to sign a blank contract, or a form you do not understand that hands them control of your claim.
• Asks you to sign your insurance check over to them.

Some contractors will ask you to sign an assignment of benefits, which lets them deal with your insurer and receive payment directly. The NAIC explains that this is a legal contract and that you are not required to sign one to have repairs done. Read it carefully, and you can choose to handle the claim yourself.

Choose a contractor carefully

Even in a rush, take the time to check a roofer before you sign:

• Look up the license with your state’s contractor licensing board or local building department. Requirements vary by state.
• Ask for proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and confirm it with the insurer.
• Get written estimates from more than one contractor, and do not automatically choose the lowest.
• Get a written contract with the full scope, price and dates, and no blank spaces.
• Pay by check or credit card, avoid paying in full up front, and make the final payment only when the work is done.

Our guide to choosing a roofer covers each step in more detail. If you suspect a scam, you can report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice.