Severe storms are part of life in West Tennessee. High winds, heavy rain, and hail can hurt your roof in just a few minutes. The good news is that your homeowner’s insurance often pays to fix or replace a storm damaged roof. You may only owe your deductible. The hard part is knowing how to file the claim the right way. This guide walks you through it, one step at a time.
Step 1: Check for Damage Safely
After a storm passes, take a look at your home. You can spot some damage from the ground. Look for shingles in the yard, dented gutters, or torn flashing. Check your ceilings and attic for water stains or drips. Do not climb on the roof yourself. Roofs are slippery and dangerous after a storm. A trained roofer can check it safely for you.
Step 2: Write Down What You See
Insurance companies want proof. Take clear photos of any damage you can see. Save photos of the storm in the news or weather reports for that day. Write down the date and time the storm hit. Keep a simple list of what looks wrong. The more details you have, the easier your claim will go.
Step 3: Get a Free Roof Inspection
Before you call your insurance company, it helps to know how bad the damage really is. A local roofer can give you a free inspection. They will look for hail dents, lifted shingles, and hidden leaks that are easy to miss. They will also take photos and write a report. This report shows the true scope of the damage and supports your claim.
Step 4: Call Your Insurance Company
Next, call your insurance company to start the claim. Have your policy number ready. Tell them the date of the storm and what you found. They will give you a claim number and set up a time for an adjuster to visit. Write down the name of everyone you speak with. Keep notes of each call.
Step 5: Meet the Adjuster
The insurance adjuster will come to look at your roof. This person decides how much the insurance will pay. It is smart to have your roofer there at the same time. Your roofer can point out damage the adjuster might miss. They speak the same language and can talk through the repairs together. This helps make sure nothing gets left off the claim.
Step 6: Review the Offer
After the visit, the insurance company will send you a report and an offer. Read it closely. Make sure it covers all the damage your roofer found. If something is missing, you can ask for another look. A good roofer will help you understand the numbers and push back if the offer is too low.
Step 7: Get the Work Done
Once the claim is approved, you can schedule the repair or replacement. You usually pay your deductible, and the insurance covers the rest. Pick a licensed local roofer you trust to do quality work. Keep all receipts and paperwork in one place in case you need them later.
A Few Things to Remember
Do not wait too long to file. Most policies have a deadline after a storm. The sooner you act, the better. Be careful with storm chasers who knock on your door after bad weather. Stick with a local company that will still be here next year. And never let anyone tell you to lie about the damage. Honest claims are the only kind worth filing.
We Are Here to Help
Filing a roof claim can feel confusing, but you do not have to do it alone. At One Call Roofing, we inspect storm damage for free, document everything for your insurer, and meet your adjuster on-site. We serve Jackson, Madison County, and communities across West Tennessee. From your first call to the final nail, we make the process simple.
Storm damage on your roof? Contact us today for a free inspection and honest advice.