How do you make a wind damage claim on house insurance?
Short answer. Document everything the wind damaged, including the roof, siding, gutters, soffit, fences and any trees that hit structures, pin down the date and the gusts reported near you, and report the claim promptly with a factual description. Have your roofer meet the adjuster, then check the estimate for every damaged item before you accept it.
Walk the whole property
- Roof: missing shingles, creased tabs, lifted ridge caps, displaced vents.
- Walls: missing or cracked siding, loose trim, torn soffit and fascia.
- Gutters: pulled from the fascia or bent.
- Windows and doors: glass broken by debris, torn screens.
- Other structures: fences, sheds, carports.
- Trees: any that hit the house or block the driveway.
- Inside: water stains where wind opened the house.
Evidence that holds up
- Wide and close photos taken the same day or soon after.
- Blown-off shingles and siding pieces collected and kept.
- Wind gust reports for your area from the National Weather Service or local storm reports.
- The direction of damage: wind damage tends to cluster on the side facing the wind and at edges and corners.
Report and follow through
- Report promptly with the date and a list of damaged areas.
- Tarp or board up openings and keep receipts.
- Schedule the adjuster when your roofer can attend.
- Compare the estimate with your list; anything missing goes back as a supplement or reinspection request.
Deductible and settlement
A separate wind and hail deductible may apply, and the roof may settle at actual cash value if it is older. Read wind damage roof claims and supplements.