Storm Damage Roofers: What to Do Before You Hire One

Robert Mack — Public Loss Adjusters, LLC

Florida Public Adjuster License #A161638 · SPPA · AIC · AIC-M · CCC

Before you call a roofer, know this: what you do in the next few days can affect whether your insurance company pays for the repair. Roofers are good at identifying and fixing damage, but they don't work for you in a claim — some are paid by the job and have an incentive to start work fast, sometimes before the damage is fully documented for the insurer. If the damage came from a specific storm date, this may be a covered claim, not just a repair bill. Getting the loss documented and reviewed before repairs begin protects your ability to recover the cost.

How this affects your insurance claim

If your roof damage lines up with a specific windstorm or hail event, the cost of repair or replacement may belong to your insurance company, not you. But that depends on documenting the roof's condition, the storm date, and the damage pattern before anyone tarps, replaces, or cleans up the evidence. Once shingles are pulled or debris is hauled away, it becomes much harder to prove what caused what.

What to do now

• Photograph the roof from the ground and, if safe, from a ladder — wide shots and close-ups of missing shingles, exposed decking, or hail marks
• Photograph any interior leak signs: ceiling stains, wet insulation, drips
• Note the date of the storm and keep any local weather or news reports referencing it
• Place a tarp only over active leaks to prevent further interior damage — don't do full repairs yet
• Save any roofer inspection reports, photos, or written estimates you've already received
• Avoid signing a contract that assigns your claim benefits to a contractor before you understand what you're signing

What the insurance company will need

• Date and type of storm event (wind, hail, named storm)
• Full roof photos: overall slopes plus close-ups of damaged areas
• Interior photos of any related leaks or water stains
• Roof age, prior repair history, and any past claims
• Written inspection report from a roofer or adjuster
• Copy of your current homeowners policy declarations and roof endorsements
• Any correspondence already sent to or received from your insurance company
• Weather service or local news documentation of the storm date

What your insurance may or may not cover

Whether roof damage is covered depends on your policy's wind and hail provisions, your roof's age and condition before the storm, whether you have a separate wind/hurricane deductible, and any roof-specific endorsements (like actual cash value schedules for older roofs). Storm-caused damage is often treated differently than damage from wear, age, or lack of maintenance — but only a review of your actual policy and the roof's condition can tell you which applies here.

What could reduce or defeat the claim

The most common dispute on roof claims is causation: the insurer may argue the damage is from age, wear, or prior conditions rather than the storm you're claiming. Other frequent issues include disputes over the scope of repair versus full replacement, matching shingles that are no longer manufactured, and depreciation holdbacks on older roofs. Missing the notice deadline or letting a contractor start invasive repair work before inspection can also weaken the claim.

Should you file a claim?

A few missing shingles with no leak and a roof otherwise in good shape may be a minor repair that falls under your deductible and isn't worth filing. But visible storm damage across multiple roof slopes, an active leak, hail bruising, or a roofer telling you the roof needs full replacement is worth a claim review before you commit to any repair path — especially since filing decisions can affect future premiums and should be made with a clear picture of what's recoverable.

How a public adjuster helps in this situation

Public Loss Adjusters investigates the roof's condition and storm history, documents the damage independently of any contractor's interest in the job, prepares a detailed estimate matched to your policy's language, and presents and negotiates the claim with your insurance company on your behalf. The firm does not perform roofing repairs — it represents your claim so the scope and payment reflect the actual loss.

When you may not need a public adjuster

If the damage is cosmetic, isolated to a small area, clearly pre-existing, or costs less than your deductible to fix, a public adjuster may not add value — a straightforward repair may be the simpler and cheaper path.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find storm damage roofers I can trust?

Look for licensed, locally established roofers with verifiable reviews, and be cautious of anyone going door-to-door right after a storm asking you to sign paperwork immediately. Before hiring anyone, it helps to have the damage independently documented so your insurance claim isn't shaped entirely by the contractor's estimate.

Should I call a roofer or my insurance company first after storm damage?

Document the damage with photos first, then consider having both a roofing inspection and a claim review before repairs begin. Starting repairs before the damage is documented can make it harder to prove the cause and extent of the loss to your insurer.

Will my homeowners insurance pay for roof storm damage?

It depends on your policy's wind/hail coverage, your deductible, the roof's age and condition, and whether the damage can be tied to a specific storm. Only a review of your policy and the roof can answer this for your situation.

What's the difference between a roofer and a public adjuster?

A roofer inspects and repairs the physical roof. A public adjuster represents you in the insurance claim process — documenting the loss, preparing the estimate, and negotiating with the insurance company. They're not a substitute for each other.

Can a roofer file an insurance claim for me?

Some roofers offer to help with paperwork, but they aren't licensed to represent you in the claim the way a public adjuster is, and their primary interest is in getting the repair job, not maximizing your claim recovery.

What does storm damage to a roof look like?

Common signs include missing or lifted shingles, exposed or cracked decking, granule loss visible in gutters and downspouts, dented vents or flashing, and interior ceiling stains from new leaks.

How long after a storm can I file a roof damage claim?

Florida law places time limits on filing property claims after a loss, and policies also have their own notice requirements. Don't assume you have unlimited time — a prompt review protects your options.

Will my insurance company drop me for filing a roof claim?

Insurers can consider claim history in renewal and pricing decisions, which is one reason to have a clear-eyed review before deciding whether a small repair is worth filing versus paying out of pocket.

What if the roofer says I need a full replacement but my insurer only wants to approve a patch?

This is a common dispute in storm claims, often centered on matching shingles and the extent of hidden damage. A documented, independent estimate is usually needed to support a broader scope than the insurer initially approves.

Do I need a new roof after hail damage even if there's no leak?

Hail can bruise or crack shingles in ways that aren't visible from the ground but shorten the roof's remaining life and may qualify as covered damage — this is worth having assessed rather than assumed either way.

What is actual cash value vs replacement cost for a roof claim?

Actual cash value factors in depreciation for the roof's age, while replacement cost coverage generally pays to replace it without that deduction, subject to your policy terms. Many older roofs are specifically scheduled for actual cash value only — check your declarations page.

Can I get a second opinion on my roof damage besides the insurance adjuster?

Yes. You're entitled to have your own independent representation review the damage and prepare your own estimate rather than relying solely on the insurance company's adjuster.

What should I do before signing a roofing contract after a storm?

Read carefully for any assignment of benefits language, understand who is submitting the claim, and consider having the damage and policy reviewed independently before committing to a contractor.

How much does a public adjuster cost?

Public adjusters in Florida work on a contingency fee capped by state law and typically operate on a no recovery, no fee basis, meaning there's generally no upfront cost to have your claim reviewed.

Send photos of your roof damage, the approximate storm date, and your policy declarations page for a free claim review before repairs begin.

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