# 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. - URL: https://explained.page/storm-damaged-roof - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=storm-damaged-roof ## Step by step 1. **A storm or hail damaged your roof?** Safety first, then stop more damage, then document everything for insurance. 2. **Stay safe.** Don’t climb on a damaged roof. Stay away from downed power lines and call the power company. If water is near wiring, turn off power only if it’s safe. 3. **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. Keep receipts. 4. **Photograph everything, from the ground.** Take photos and video of the roof, gutters, siding, windows, ceiling stains, and hail next to a coin for size. Note the date of the storm. 5. **File a claim and meet the adjuster.** Get a claim number. Be there when the adjuster inspects, and point out all the damage you found. 6. **Watch out for storm chasers.** Be careful with door-to-door roofers who push you to sign right away, want a big deposit, or ask you to sign over your insurance payment. Check licenses and reviews. 7. **Get written estimates from local, licensed roofers.** Compare them with the adjuster’s estimate. Know your deductible; some states use a percentage deductible for wind or hail. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. ## 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 ## 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. ## 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. Source page: https://explained.page/storm-damaged-roof/questions/how-long-do-i-have-to-file-a-roof-damage-claim ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/storm-damaged-roof/questions/will-my-insurance-rates-go-up-after-a-storm-claim ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/storm-damaged-roof/questions/how-do-i-know-if-my-roof-has-hail-damage ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/storm-damaged-roof/questions/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-storm-damage-to-a-roof ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/storm-damaged-roof/questions/what-is-a-storm-chaser-roofer ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/storm-damaged-roof/questions/should-i-sign-over-my-insurance-benefits-to-a-roofer ### What is recoverable depreciation? Money your insurer holds back at first and pays after the repairs are finished, on some replacement cost policies. Keep your invoices to claim it. Source page: https://explained.page/storm-damaged-roof/questions/what-is-recoverable-depreciation ### How much does it cost to tarp a roof? It varies by size and area, often a few hundred dollars or more. Insurance often covers emergency tarping. Keep the receipt. Source page: https://explained.page/storm-damaged-roof/questions/how-much-does-it-cost-to-tarp-a-roof ## Official sources - [Ready.gov: severe weather](https://www.ready.gov/) - [FEMA: disaster assistance](https://www.disasterassistance.gov/) - [NAIC: your state insurance department](https://content.naic.org/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your state] roofing contractor license lookup" - "[your state] department of insurance storm claim" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.