A storm or hail damaged your roof: what to do first
Stay off the roof and away from downed power lines. Stop more damage by catching leaks and having a pro tarp the roof, and keep receipts. Photograph everything from the ground with dates. File a claim, get a claim number and meet the adjuster. Be careful with door-to-door roofers who push you to sign or want your insurance check, and get written estimates from local, licensed roofers.
Your checklist
- Stay off the roof; avoid power lines
- Stop more damage and keep receipts
- Photograph everything with dates
- File a claim and meet the adjuster
- Watch out for storm chasers
- Get written local estimates
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
Safety first
Don’t climb on a damaged roof. Stay away from downed power lines and call the power company. Turn off power only if it’s safe.
Stop more damage
Catch drips, move belongings and have a pro put a tarp on the roof if needed. Insurers expect reasonable steps to prevent more damage, and often pay for them. Keep receipts.
Document
Photograph and video the roof (from the ground), gutters, siding, windows and ceiling stains. Photograph hail next to a coin for size, and write down the storm date.
File a claim
Get a claim number and be present when the adjuster inspects. Point out all damage.
Know your policy
- Your deductible may be a percentage of your home’s insured value for wind or hail in some states.
- Some policies pay actual cash value first and the rest (recoverable depreciation) after repairs are done.
Storm chasers
Be careful with door-to-door roofers who pressure you to sign immediately, ask for a large deposit, or want you to sign over your insurance payment. Check licenses and reviews, and get written estimates from local roofers.
Big storms
If a federal disaster is declared, you may also qualify for FEMA help.
Official sources, and where to look
- Ready.gov: severe weatherready.gov
- FEMA: disaster assistancedisasterassistance.gov
- NAIC: your state insurance departmentcontent.naic.org
[your state] roofing contractor license lookup[your state] department of insurance storm claim
Common questions
How long do I have to file a roof damage claim?
It depends on your policy and state, but report it as soon as you can. Some policies have deadlines of a year or two for wind and hail claims. More ›
Will my insurance rates go up after a storm claim?
It depends on your insurer and state. Storm claims are weather-related, but many claims can still affect rates. Ask your agent. More ›
How do I know if my roof has hail damage?
From the ground, look for dents in gutters and vents, granules collecting at downspouts, and damaged siding or screens. A licensed roofer or your adjuster can inspect the roof itself. More ›
Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage to a roof?
Wind and hail damage is often covered, minus your deductible. Damage from age or wear usually isn’t. Read your policy. More ›
What is a storm chaser roofer?
Someone who follows storms door to door, pressures homeowners to sign quickly, and may do poor work or disappear. Check licenses and get local estimates. More ›
Should I sign over my insurance benefits to a roofer?
Be very careful. An “assignment of benefits” gives the contractor control over your claim. Read it fully and get advice first. More ›
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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.