What's usually covered and what isn't
| Event | Typical coverage | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wind tears off shingles | Usually covered | Sudden event |
| Hail bruises shingles | Usually covered | Damage must be documented |
| Tree limb through the roof | Usually covered | Tree removal may be limited |
| Water damage inside from an ice dam | Often covered | Check your policy |
| Old, worn-out shingles | Not covered | Maintenance, not damage |
| Slow leak ignored for months | Often denied | Report damage promptly |
The order of operations
- Stop the water. A tarp or temporary repair. Your policy expects you to prevent further damage. Keep the receipt.
- Take your own photos. From the ground, inside the house, of the date-stamped debris in the yard and any damage to cars, gutters and siding.
- Open the claim. Call your insurer or use their app. Write down the claim number.
- Get the roof documented. We photograph each slope, mark and measure damage, and write a summary.
- Meet the adjuster. If you'd like us there, we walk the roof with them and point out what we found.
- Review the estimate. Compare the insurer's line items to the roofer's. Ask about anything missing, such as ice and water shield or code-required items.
About storm chasers
After a big hailstorm in the area, crews from out of state sometimes go door to door. Some do fine work. Some disappear after cashing the first check. Before you sign anything, ask for a local phone number, proof of insurance and a written estimate, and never sign a document that hands your claim over to a contractor without reading it carefully.
Questions readers ask
How long do I have to file?
It depends on your policy. File as soon as you know there's damage; delays give the insurer a reason to question it.
Should I get more than one estimate?
It's reasonable. Compare the scope of work, not only the total.
Will you inflate the estimate to cover my deductible?
No. The deductible is yours to pay, and inflating a claim is insurance fraud.
Keep reading: Storm damage repair · Roof inspection · Paying for a roof