How to File an Insurance Claim After Storm Damage
The Storm Is Over. Now What?
A big storm just rolled through Charlotte and you're pretty sure your roof took a hit. Maybe you can see missing shingles from the ground, or maybe your neighbor's tree came down and you're not sure what it did to your roof. Either way, the steps you take in the next 48 hours determine whether your insurance claim goes smoothly or turns into a months-long headache.
Step 1: Document Everything Immediately
Before you touch anything, take photos and video from every angle you can safely reach. The ground, the yard, the gutters, any visible damage on the roof. Take wide shots and close-ups. Photograph the date stamp on your phone. If there's water coming in, photograph where it's coming in and put a bucket down. This documentation is your evidence — do it before any temporary repairs.
Step 2: Prevent Further Damage (But Don't Do Major Repairs)
Your insurance policy requires you to mitigate further damage — that means tarping a hole, putting a bucket under a leak, or boarding up a broken window. But do not start permanent repairs before the adjuster sees the damage. If you replace shingles before the inspection, the adjuster has nothing to inspect and your claim gets complicated fast. Tarp it, document it, and wait.
Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company
File your claim as soon as possible. Most policies have time limits — typically 60-90 days — but sooner is always better. When you call, have your policy number ready and the date of the storm. They'll assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster visit. Write down every person's name and every claim number.
Step 4: Call a Local Roofing Contractor (Before the Adjuster Comes)
This is the step most homeowners skip, and it's the most important one. Have a roofer inspect your roof before the adjuster arrives. A good contractor will document the damage independently, know exactly what the repair or replacement should cost, and be there when the adjuster shows up. The adjuster works for the insurance company. Your contractor works for you. You want someone in your corner.
Step 5: Meet the Adjuster — With Your Contractor
When the adjuster comes, have your contractor there. They'll get on the roof together, look at the same damage, and discuss the scope of work. If the adjuster misses something (and they sometimes do — they're looking at dozens of roofs that week), your contractor can point it out in real time. This is not adversarial. It's collaborative. But it only works if your contractor is present.
Step 6: Review the Estimate and Approve the Work
Once the claim is approved, you'll receive a check (usually minus your deductible). Review the scope of work with your contractor, confirm the materials, and schedule the installation. A reputable contractor will never ask you to sign over your insurance check or pay the full amount upfront. If someone does, walk away.
Red Flags to Watch For
Storm chasers show up in every neighborhood after every big storm. They knock on your door, point at your roof, and offer to handle everything. Here's the problem: they're gone in six weeks. They have no local office, no local reputation, and no local accountability. When that roof leaks in a year, good luck finding them. Always use a contractor with a local address, local references, and a track record you can verify.
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