Can I claim for storm damage to my roof?
Short answer. Yes, homeowners policies generally cover sudden storm damage to a roof from wind, hail, falling trees and lightning, so you can file a claim whenever you have that kind of damage. Whether you should depends on how the repair cost compares with your deductible, the age and valuation of your roof, and whether the damage is clearly from a recent storm.
Five questions before you file
- Is there actual damage? A storm passing over is not damage. You need broken, bruised, creased or missing shingles, or punctures, not just a loud night.
- Can it be tied to a date? Hail and wind reports for your address help show the storm happened during your policy period.
- Is it bigger than your deductible? A few blown-off shingles may cost less than a 1 or 2 percent wind and hail deductible.
- How does your policy value the roof? Replacement cost, actual cash value or a roof payment schedule changes what you will net.
- Was this damage claimed before? If a prior claim paid for the same damage and the roof was not replaced, the insurer will not pay again.
Getting answers without filing
Many homeowners call the insurer first and end up with a claim on record for damage that was never worth it. A better order: check the storm history for your address, then get a free inspection with photos from a roofer who will tell you plainly whether there is claimable damage. If there is, report it promptly.
If you file
- Report the date of loss and what you saw.
- Make temporary repairs if water is getting in.
- Be home for the adjuster's inspection, ideally with your roofer.
- Review the estimate before you sign a contract for the work.
What not to sign
Avoid any contract that hands a contractor control of the claim before you understand it. Georgia lets you cancel an insurance-contingent roofing contract if the claim is denied; read the cancellation terms.
More: insurer or roofer first, how to file and the after-storm checklist. Robust Roofing has an honest take on whether to file at all.