Storm Damage Claim Survival Guide
When a storm strikes your home, it can feel overwhelming. I’m Travis Haessly, known as “The Roof Champion,” and I’ve made it my mission to help homeowners navigate the chaos of storm damage and insurance claims. This guide will walk you through what to do step-by-step – from documenting damage to filing a claim to fighting denials – all in clear, no-nonsense language. Storm restoration is serious business, but we’ll keep it practical (and even a bit playful) along the way. Think of this as a roadmap to turn a stressful situation into a manageable game plan.
A Storm Just Hit—Now What?
First off, take a deep breath. Your beautiful home has taken a hit, but with the right moves, you’ll get it back to prime condition. Here’s what to do immediately after the storm:
Ensure Safety: Make sure your family is safe and check for urgent issues (like downed power lines or major leaks). If anything is dangerous, call the proper authorities or professionals.
Inspect and Document the Damage: I know you’re probably thinking “What the hail just happened?!” But now it’s time to get to work. Grab your camera and document everything you see. Walk around your property and take photos of all damage and debris. Don’t worry about overdoing it – the more photos, the better. (We’ll dive into exactly what to capture in the next section.)
Call a Trusted Contractor (Before Your Insurer): It might sound counterintuitive, but your next call should be to an experienced storm restoration contractor – not immediately to your insurance company. A qualified contractor (like yours truly) can assess the damage and provide an independent repair estimate before you file the claim. This serves a couple of purposes:
You’ll get a professional opinion on how bad the damage is and what it might cost to fix.
You’ll have a ballpark figure to give the insurance company, so they know it’s not just a minor issue.
If the damage is significant, a solid contractor estimate can prompt the insurer to assign a more seasoned adjuster to your case (which is better for you).
And don’t fret if that estimate is high – in most cases your only out-of-pocket cost will be your deductible, not the full repair bill.
Secure the Property: If there are broken windows, roof punctures, or other openings, take steps to prevent further damage (cover them with tarps or plywood, if safe to do). Your policy requires you to protect the property from more harm, so patch what you can. Save receipts for any materials or emergency repairs – those costs may be reimbursable later.
File Your Insurance Claim (Armed with Information): Now you’re ready to contact your insurer to start the claim. Provide the basic facts of what happened (e.g. “A hailstorm on June 10 damaged our roof and siding”). Let them know you have extensive photo evidence and a contractor’s estimate to support the claim. By showing that you’ve done your homework, you signal that this claim is well-documented and legitimate. No need to let them “figure out” how much damage occurred – you can show them upfront with your evidence.
After filing, your insurance company will assign an adjuster and schedule an inspection. While you wait for that, let’s make sure your documentation is on point – it’s truly the foundation of a successful claim.
What to Document (and How)
Insurance companies live and die by evidence. The more proof you have of damage, the stronger your claim. I always tell homeowners: “Documentation is #1!”. Use this checklist to cover all the bases:
📸 Exterior Overview (360° View): Take wide-angle photos all around your home’s exterior, overlapping each shot. Capture every side of the house (front, back, both sides) so nothing is missed.
📸 Yard and Surroundings: Photograph any debris or fallen branches in your yard. If patio furniture or yard items were moved or damaged, snap those too – anything that’s “not where it should be” helps illustrate the storm’s impact.
📸 Roof and Siding Close-ups: Zoom in on anything broken, dented, or missing on your roof, siding, or gutters. From the ground, you might spot missing shingles, cracked siding, bent flashing, or detached gutters. Get clear photos of each issue (use a ladder only if you’re comfortable – safety first!).
📸 Hail Hits (“Spatter” Marks): If it hailed, look for telltale signs. Check metal surfaces (gutters, downspouts, AC units) and painted wood for dents or chipped paint. Also look for mud splashes or clean spots where hail knocked dirt off surfaces – these “spatter” marks are proof of hail impact. Take close-ups as evidence of hail size and direction.
📸 Interior Leaks or Water Stains: Inspect your attic and ceilings for water intrusion. If you see wet insulation, water stains, or drips inside, photograph them. Even a small stain can indicate a roof leak caused by the storm.
📸 Ground Finds: Sometimes pieces of your roof end up on the ground. Look for shingle fragments, fascia, or other materials around the house. A photo of a torn shingle in your yard is powerful evidence that it didn’t come off by itself.
📸 Measure the Hail: If you find hailstones, safely gather the largest ones. Photograph a hailstone next to a common object (a coin, golf ball, or ruler) to show its size. (Do this quickly before they melt!)
📸 Backup Your Photos: Don’t lose all this golden evidence! Back up the images to a cloud drive or a USB stick (ideally both). It’s also wise to keep a written list of damaged items/areas. These backups ensure you have proof if anything gets lost or if there’s any dispute later.
By thoroughly documenting the damage, you’ve essentially built a case file for your home. An adjuster will have a hard time overlooking issues when you can point to photos and evidence for each one. In fact, don’t be surprised if they’re impressed by your preparedness!
Why Most Claims Get Denied
You’ve followed all the steps – so how could your claim still get denied or underpaid? Unfortunately, it happens. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to minimize what they pay out on claims. Some adjusters are great people, but they work in a system that often defaults to finding reasons not to pay. If you’re not prepared (or don’t have an expert helping you), you might get a lowball offer or a denial that isn’t truly justified. They might say things like “It’s just wear and tear” or “not enough damage” hoping you’ll accept it without question.
Common excuses insurance companies use to deny or reduce claims:
“Not enough damage.” A vague catch-all. The adjuster acknowledges some damage but claims it’s not severe enough to exceed your deductible or warrant repair. This is often just an excuse to avoid paying out.
“Pre-existing condition.” They’ll insist the issue was there before the storm. Unless you have proof otherwise, it’s hard to disprove – and often not true, just a convenient out.
“Wear and tear.” Similar idea: they say the damage is due to aging and normal deterioration, not the storm. Yes, policies exclude routine wear, but this excuse is overused to dodge valid storm damage.
“We’ll do a repair, not a replacement.” They offer to patch up a few spots rather than fund a full repair or replacement. In reality, if one part of your roof or siding is battered, chances are the rest is affected too. A cheap patch job can leave you with mismatched materials and lingering issues. It’s a classic money-saver for them, but it shortchanges you.
Bottom line: a claim denial (or tiny payout) doesn’t necessarily mean you’re wrong or that the damage isn’t covered. Often it just means the insurer is betting you won’t fight back.
Also, be aware that sometimes claims fail due to avoidable mistakes. If a homeowner files with scant evidence or uses imprecise language, it gives the insurer an easy excuse. For example, saying “I never noticed a leak there before” could be misused to claim it was pre-existing. Remember, the insurance company usually only talks directly to you, not your contractor. That’s another reason it helps to have an expert guide you – to avoid the pitfalls that insurers love to exploit.
How to Win Against the Odds
Now for the good news: you can get a fair outcome, even if your insurer initially gives you the runaround. I’ve helped homeowners do it time and again. The keys are preparation, persistence, and having the right people on your side. Here’s how to tilt the odds in your favor:
Start Strong – Preparation is Everything: Many battles are won before they begin. By documenting thoroughly and getting a contractor’s estimate early, you’ve given the insurance company a rock-solid claim package from the start. Remember, it’s actually your duty as the policyholder to prove your loss – and you’ve done that. You’re miles ahead of the average claimant who files with little information and hopes for the best.
Be Patient, But Firm: Once your claim is in, expect to wait around 7–10 business days for an initial response. (Major disasters can slow timelines.) Don’t panic – a bit of patience is okay. However, if you hear nothing for two weeks or more, it’s time to follow up. Most states require insurers to respond within a reasonable timeframe (often ~15 business days). A polite call or email to your adjuster saying “just checking in” is absolutely fine. You’re entitled to prompt communication.
Meet the Adjuster (and Bring Backup): When the insurance adjuster comes to inspect, have your contractor or an independent public adjuster with you if possible. Two sets of eyes are better than one. Your expert can point out damage and ensure nothing is missed. Always get the adjuster’s name and contact info, and don’t hesitate to ask questions during the walkthrough (in a friendly way). Show that you’ve documented everything. If the adjuster overlooks something or dismisses an issue, make a note of it. You can even record the inspection (with permission or via a doorbell camera) for your records.
Don’t Accept the First “No”: If the insurer denies your claim or comes back with a lowball offer, don’t give up. You have options. You can ask for a re-inspection or a second opinion. You can politely escalate the matter to a supervisor and present your evidence. You might also consider bringing in outside help at this stage. For example, hiring a public adjuster (a licensed claims specialist who works for you) can put pressure on the insurer to be fair. Another route is invoking the policy’s appraisal clause – a process where each side hires an appraiser and a neutral umpire makes a binding decision on the scope of damage. And if all else fails and the stakes are high, consulting an attorney who specializes in insurance claims may be warranted (think of this as the last line of defense). The point is: you are not out of ammo after one “no.” Keep fighting for what you’re owed.
To illustrate why persistence matters, let me share a quick success story. Recently, a massive hailstorm hit a neighborhood in central Ohio. One homeowner’s roof was approved for full replacement by his insurance, but his neighbor down the street – with the same insurer and essentially identical damage – was initially denied. It was completely unfair. I took up the denied neighbor’s case and told him I’d fight for the claim like it was my own. And fight we did – for 270 days. We went through multiple rounds of evidence and appeals. Eventually, our persistence paid off: the insurance company reversed course and paid for a full roof replacement. If we had given up early, that neighbor would’ve been stuck paying out of pocket for a new roof. The lesson? Don’t quit if you know your claim is valid. Keep pressing until you get the result you deserve.
“When it feels like the insurance company has you backed into a corner, remember: there are experts ready to stand by your side — contractors, public adjusters, appraisers, engineers, and attorneys — each dedicated to proving your loss and fighting for your rightful claim.”
In other words, you’re never truly alone in this process. Help is available — you just need to use it.
Don’t Go It Alone—Call The Roof Champion
Tackling a complex insurance claim by yourself is a bit like going into a boxing match with one hand tied behind your back. Yes, you could do it alone, but having an expert in your corner dramatically increases your chances of victory. That’s where I come in. I genuinely believe that having a knowledgeable advocate on your side is a game-changer.
So, what do I bring to the table?
Roofing & Siding Expertise: I’ve spent years in construction and exterior remodeling. I know roofs, siding, gutters – every component a storm can wreck – inside and out. I can quickly discern storm damage from pre-existing issues, ensuring nothing gets missed in your claim.
Master Documentation & Tech: I handle all the evidence gathering for you. I come equipped with drones, infrared cameras, moisture meters, and even a digital microscope to spot damage that others might overlook. The result is a detailed report (with photos, videos, and data) that insurance adjusters can’t easily deny.
Insurance Claim Savvy: I understand the insurance lingo and policy fine print. Deductibles, depreciation, code upgrades – I navigate all that so you don’t have to. I also know the common insurer tactics, and I counter them with facts and experience. Consider me your personal claim strategist, guiding you on what to say and do at each step.
An Advocate from Start to Finish: When you hire The Roof Champion, I’m with you every step. I’ll meet the insurance adjuster on-site to make sure nothing is missed. I’ll help negotiate the claim, push for all warranted repairs, and keep the process moving. Essentially, I handle the heavy lifting (and the stressful phone calls) so you can focus on your life.
Quality Repairs & Restoration: Once approved, I don’t just hand you a check and walk away. I’ll ensure the actual work on your home is top-notch. My team and I use quality materials and proven techniques to restore your home’s beauty, safety, and value. No half-measures – you get a lasting fix, not a band-aid.
Above all, I operate with a service-first attitude. I don’t promise what I can’t deliver, I won’t pressure you, and I won’t disappear when things get tough. I treat your home like it’s my own family’s home – meaning I’ll inspect every inch and fight every battle necessary to get you what you’re owed.
If a storm has hit your home (or even if you just suspect damage), reach out and schedule an inspection. I’ll give you an honest assessment and a clear game plan. Even if you decide not to file a claim, you’ll have expert guidance and peace of mind.
Remember, you don’t have to go into this fight alone. 🏆 I’m The Roof Champion, and I’m here to protect your home like it’s my own.
Let’s weather the storm together — and come out on top.