How to file a storm damage insurance claim

What to do after storm damage

After a storm, protect your property from further damage, document what happened and contact your insurer promptly. Take photos and videos before making repairs, if it is safe to do so. Make reasonable temporary repairs, save receipts and keep damaged items for inspection. Avoid major repairs until your insurer has assessed the loss.

“Homeowners’ policies require that you take reasonable steps to protect the property from further losses,” says Marc A. Ragin, Associate Professor in the Department of Insurance, Legal Studies, and Real Estate at the Terry College of Business. “For storms, that often includes putting tarps and/or plywood over broken windows or damaged roofs. Rain gutters should be cleaned of debris. If any water entered the house, use a wet/dry vacuum and fans to dry it out. Look at the trees around your house and trim any branches that are in danger of falling and causing more damage. Keep in mind that these are reasonable steps you should take – hire a professional for large trees, steep roofs, etc.”

Immediately document the damage. Take photographs and videos from as many angles as possible. Document all of your efforts to mitigate the damage. Hail damage can be difficult for a layperson to spot; it’s a good idea to have an expert inspect the damage.

“Be sure to keep all receipts so you can get reimbursed by the insurance company,” Ragin says. “You should also take pictures or videos of the damage immediately after the disaster – there’s no such thing as “too much” documentation in these situations.”

Once your home is safe and you have the proper documentation, call your insurance company and start the claims process. There should be a claims number on the policy paperwork, or look online for a 24-hour claims hotline.

How to file an insurance claim for storm damage

To file a storm damage insurance claim, document the loss, contact your insurer and work with the adjuster to assess the damage and determine the covered repair costs. Your insurer will review your policy, apply your deductible and explain the next steps for restoring your home.

Follow these steps to file a storm damage claim:

Collect documentation. Take pictures and videos of the damage, and keep receipts for temporary repairs and other covered expenses.
Call the claims number on your policy, or find the 800 number online; many insurance carriers have 24-hour claims hotlines
Work with the adjuster. Work with the insurance adjuster to get quotes for repairs and begin the process of restoring your home
Get repair estimates. Your insurer may ask for contractor estimates or other documentation before approving repairs.
Review your settlement. Your insurer will explain the payment amount, deductible and any applicable coverage limits.

Damage to your home is covered by the dwelling coverage portion of the policy, which uses replacement cost to pay a claim. This means the claim for the structure of your home will be paid based on what it costs to build at today’s prices, without depreciation. The other structures portion of your policy covers things like sheds, gazebos and fences damaged in a storm.

Once you have quotes from contractors, your insurance carrier will send a check so the work can commence and you can pay deposits. A second check will be issued once the work is complete and the final cost is known.

The insurance company will subtract the amount of your deductible from your settlement. For instance, if your deductible is $1,500 and your repairs come to $5,000, you'll be getting insurance payouts of $3,500. You'll have to pay $1,500 out of pocket, usually up front.

If any personal belongings were damaged, they will be covered under the same claim. It’s important to note, however, that your insurance carrier will most likely only reimburse you the actual cash value (ACV) for these items, which includes depreciation. Standard homeowners policies cover personal belongings for actual cash value; however, you can add replacement cost coverage for personal property to your policy. With this coverage, you’ll get the amount required to replace the items.

In 19 states, a windstorm deductible applies, but it usually only applies to named storms like hurricanes. However, some policies do have separate hail deductibles, so be sure to read yours carefully.

How long do you have to file an insurance claim after a storm?

You should file a storm damage insurance claim as soon as possible after the loss. Many homeowners policies give you up to one year to report a claim, but the deadline depends on your policy and state law. Waiting can make it harder to document the damage and prevent further loss.

The reason for this is two-fold. After a storm, many other people will be filing claims. You want to get a jump start on yours. Also, you want to get the claims process started with the insurance company right away before any additional damage occurs.

If you wait and say, more shingles fly off your roof, and then a water problem turns into a mold problem, your insurance company might see that as a sign of negligence. The more time passes, the harder it is for the insurance adjuster to assess what was caused by the storm and what was caused by time passing.

In every state, there is a statute of limitations on property damage claims; it’s most commonly two years. Make sure you file your claim within that time period to avoid the claim being denied.

FAQ: Storm damage insurance claims

Does homeowners insurance cover damage to my car?

No, homeowners insurance does not cover damage to your car. If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance, it will cover damage from hail, falling objects and other non-collision events, subject to your deductible.

Can I make repairs before the insurance adjuster arrives?

Yes, you can make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Cover a broken window or damaged roof with a tarp if it is safe to do so. Take photos first, keep receipts and avoid major repairs until your insurer has assessed the loss.

How much will my storm damage claim pay?

Your claim payment depends on the covered damage, your policy limits, your deductible and whether your policy pays actual cash value or replacement cost. Your insurer will assess the loss and explain the settlement amount.

Can I choose my own contractor for storm repairs?

Yes, you can ask your insurer about choosing your own contractor. Some insurers have preferred contractor networks, but you should understand your policy and any insurer requirements before hiring someone. Get estimates, verify the contractor’s credentials and keep all receipts.

What should I do if my insurance company denies my storm claim?

Ask your insurer for the reason in writing and review your policy. You can provide additional documentation, request another inspection or ask about the appeals process. If you disagree with the decision, your state insurance department can explain your options.