Roof storm damage and your insurance claim: first steps

Updated October 26, 2026. General information only, not professional advice.

After hail or high winds, many homeowners wonder whether insurance will help with the roof. This guide covers the general steps state insurance regulators recommend. It is general information, not advice about your policy. Every policy is different, and only your insurer can say what is covered and how much it will pay.

Step 1: Make sure everyone is safe

Before you think about the claim, check the house.

Stay off the roof. Look at it from the ground, with binoculars or a phone camera zoom.
Keep away from water near outlets, lights or the electrical panel.
Watch for downed power lines and stay far away from them.

If there is fire, sparking or a structural collapse, leave and call 911.

Step 2: Document the damage

Good records make any claim easier. The Texas Department of Insurance advises:

Take pictures and video of the damage.
Make a list of damage inside and outside the house.
Keep damaged items until your insurance company tells you what to do with them.

Also write down the date of the storm, when you first noticed the damage, and anything you saw, such as hail size or fallen limbs.

Step 3: Prevent more damage

Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to stop the damage from getting worse. TDI suggests covering broken windows and holes to keep rain out, and notes that your policy may pay for temporary repairs.

Have a tarp put on if water can get in.
Catch leaks inside with buckets and move belongings.
Keep every receipt for supplies, tarping and other emergency costs.

Ask your insurer before making permanent repairs, since they may want to inspect the damage first.

Step 4: Contact your insurer

TDI advises filing a claim as soon as you can after hail or strong winds damage your home. Your policy also sets deadlines and steps, so read it or ask your agent.

When you call:

Have your policy number, photos and list of damage ready.
Ask what the next steps are and whether an adjuster will inspect.
Keep a log of every call: the date, who you spoke with and what they said.

Things to understand about roof coverage

TDI explains a few terms that often surprise people:

Replacement cost vs. actual cash value. Some policies pay up to the full cost to repair the roof at current prices. Others pay less if the roof is older or worn. Some insurers switch older roofs to actual cash value at renewal.
Wind and hail deductibles. The deductible for wind and hail damage can be different from your other deductible, which may mean paying more out of pocket for a storm-damaged roof.
Payment in parts. With replacement cost coverage, TDI says the company may pay with two checks, a partial payment first and the rest later.

Your own policy is what controls. If something is unclear, ask your insurer or agent to explain it in writing.

Step 5: Hire carefully

Storms bring out contractors who go door to door. Some do good work. Others take deposits and disappear. FEMA advises working only with licensed, registered and insured contractors, getting two or three written estimates, and not paying large amounts up front.

Watch for these red flags:

Offers to waive or cover your deductible. TDI says it is illegal to waive a homeowners deductible under Texas law. In Florida, contractors may not offer a rebate, gift, waiver of a deductible or anything of value in exchange for a roof inspection.
Promises that the roof will be free or that insurance will definitely pay.
Offers to handle or file your claim for you. In Florida, contractors may not file a claim with your insurer on your behalf, and may not interpret your policy unless they are also a licensed public adjuster.
Pressure to sign today, or contracts with blank spaces.

Florida also gives homeowners a right to cancel certain roof contracts within 10 days after signing, or by the official start date, whichever comes first, when the damage came from an event covered by a governor's state of emergency. Check your state's rules before you sign.

If you disagree with the insurer

If you think a payment is too low or a claim was denied in error, ask your insurer to explain the decision in writing. Your state's department of insurance has a consumer help line and a way to file complaints. Keep your photos, receipts and call log together, since you may need them.

When to call a pro

Call a roofer if water is getting in, shingles or flashing are missing, or you need a written estimate for your claim. A roofer can tarp the roof, document the damage and tell you what the repair involves. Decisions about coverage stay with you and your insurer.

Before you hire anyone, verify their contractor license where your state requires one and ask for proof of insurance. Get a written estimate that lists the work and materials, keep copies of everything, and do not pay in full until the job is done.