Storm or hail damage

What to do first

1. Stay safe. Walk around the outside first. Look for loose power lines, gas leaks and damage to the structure. Do not go inside if you smell gas. Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof.
2. Take photos and video. Record the roof from the ground, the gutters, the siding, the windows and any wet ceilings. Do it before you clean up.
3. Cover the damage. Put a tarp over holes and board up broken windows. Make only temporary repairs. Keep every receipt, because insurers often pay back reasonable temporary repairs on a covered loss.
4. Keep the damaged items. Do not throw anything away until the adjuster has seen it.
5. Get the roof inspected. Hail damage is often hard to see from the ground. Ask a roofer for a written estimate with photos of the damage.
6. Talk to your insurer. Ask about your deadlines and your deductible. Write down the claim number and the name of each person you talk to.

Do not make permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects. Ask your insurer first.

Before you file a claim

Read your deductible. A wind or hail deductible can be a percent of the amount your home is covered for, not a flat amount. If the repair costs little more than your deductible, think before you file. A claim can affect your premium and whether your insurer renews the policy.

If you file, the insurer sends an adjuster. Try to be home for the visit. Your roofer can meet the adjuster with you. Compare the roofer’s estimate with the insurer’s, line by line.

Watch for storm chasers

After a big storm, some contractors go door to door for quick money. Walk away from anyone who:

• offers to pay or waive your deductible
• pushes you to sign today for a discount
• wants full payment up front, or cash, a wire transfer, a gift card or crypto
• asks you to sign over your insurance check
• asks you to sign an assignment of benefits. You do not need one to get repairs.

Our guide to hail damage insurance claims explains each step of a claim, and the insurance terms you will meet.

Find a roofer near you

Choose your state and city in the “Find roofers near you” box, or browse storm and hail damage roofers by city. The box opens the city’s storm repair list when one is available; otherwise it opens the full city list.

We check that each phone works, that the website is live and that it says the company does roofing. We do not check licenses or insurance. Check a roofer’s license and insurance before you sign.