Roof Repair After a Storm: What to Do Before You Hire a Contractor

You do need a licensed roofing contractor for the actual repair — that's not something a public adjuster does. But before any tarp comes off or shingles go on, the damage needs to be documented in a way an insurance company will accept as storm-caused. Many contractors are focused on the repair, not the claim, and homeowners often end up underpaid or partially denied because the loss wasn't documented or presented correctly before or during repairs. A public adjuster handles the claim side — inspection, documentation, estimate, and negotiation — while your contractor handles the physical work. The two roles work together, not instead of each other.

How this affects your insurance claim

Storm damage to a roof is one of the more commonly disputed types of property claims in Florida, because insurers frequently argue the damage is from wear, age, or prior conditions rather than the specific storm. Before repairs begin, the roof's condition, the pattern of damage, and its connection to a specific storm date need to be documented. Once shingles are replaced or decking is covered, that evidence is gone.

What to do now

• Photograph the roof from the ground and, if safe, closer up — every slope, not just the obvious damage
• Photograph any interior leaks, staining, or attic intrusion tied to the roof damage
• Get a tarp or temporary cover if there's active leaking, but avoid full replacement before the loss is documented
• Keep any blown-off shingles, flashing, or debris that landed in the yard
• Note the date of the storm and check local weather reports or advisories for that date
• Get a written contractor estimate or inspection report, but hold off signing a repair contract that assigns your insurance benefits before you understand the claim

What the insurance company will need

• Full roof photos from all slopes, taken before and after any temporary repairs
• Interior photos of any leak, stain, or water intrusion connected to the roof
• Date and details of the storm event (local wind speed or weather service data if available)
• Contractor inspection report describing the damage and likely cause
• Any temporary repair or tarp invoice
• Roof age, prior permits, or replacement records if available
• Copy of your current policy, including any roof or wind/hail endorsements
• Prior insurance correspondence if you've already filed or reported the claim

What your insurance may or may not cover

Whether storm-related roof damage is covered, and to what extent, depends on your specific policy — the cause of loss provisions, any roof-specific endorsements or exclusions, your roof's age, and the deductible structure (some Florida policies carry separate wind or hurricane deductibles). Cosmetic damage, prior wear, and maintenance issues are often treated differently than sudden storm damage, and the line between them is exactly where most disputes happen.

What could reduce or defeat the claim

The most common dispute is causation: the insurer's adjuster may attribute the damage to age, wear, improper prior installation, or lack of maintenance rather than the storm. Roof age itself can also trigger reduced (actual cash value) payouts rather than full replacement cost, depending on the policy. If repairs happen before documentation, or if a contractor starts work under a signed assignment of benefits, the carrier has more room to dispute scope and cause.

Should you file a claim?

If the damage is limited to a few shingles with no interior intrusion and falls below your deductible, a straightforward contractor repair may be all this needs. But if there's a leak, decking damage, a full slope affected, or the estimate approaches or exceeds your deductible, it's worth having the loss reviewed before you commit to repairs or sign anything with a contractor.

How a public adjuster helps in this situation

A public adjuster does not replace shingles or tarp a roof — that's the contractor's job. What the firm does is inspect and document the damage independently, connect it to the storm event, build a detailed estimate using the same standards insurers use, and present and negotiate the claim on your behalf so the contractor can do accurate, fully-scoped work instead of chasing a partial payout. Florida law caps what a public adjuster can charge as a percentage of the claim, and the firm works on a no recovery, no fee basis.

When you may not need a public adjuster

If the damage is minor, clearly cosmetic, well under your deductible, or your roof was already flagged for replacement due to age before the storm, a public adjuster may not add value — a straightforward contractor repair may be the simpler path.

Frequently asked questions

I need roof repair after a storm — should I call a contractor or file an insurance claim first?

Do both, but in the right order: document the damage with photos first, get a contractor inspection for scope and cause, and consider a claim review before signing a repair contract, especially if damage is more than a few shingles.

Does a public adjuster do roof repair or storm contracting?

No. A public adjuster handles the insurance claim — documentation, estimate, and negotiation. Roofing contractors handle the physical repair or replacement. The two work together on the same loss.

Will my homeowners insurance cover storm roof damage?

It depends on your policy's cause-of-loss provisions, your roof's age, any wind/hail exclusions or endorsements, and whether the damage is tied to a specific storm versus wear over time. A policy review is the only way to know for sure.

Why did my roofing contractor tell me to sign an assignment of benefits?

Some contractors use assignment of benefits (AOB) agreements to bill the insurer directly. This can limit your control over the claim and your ability to negotiate. Read any AOB carefully, or have it reviewed, before signing.

Should I get my roof fixed before the insurance adjuster sees it?

Only if there's active leaking that requires emergency mitigation like a tarp. Full repairs before documentation can remove the evidence needed to support the claim.

How do I prove my roof damage was caused by a storm and not just age?

Photos showing a damage pattern consistent with wind or impact, the storm date matched to local weather data, and a contractor or adjuster's written assessment of cause all help establish this.

What's the difference between a public adjuster and the insurance company's adjuster?

The insurance company's adjuster works for and is paid by the insurer. A public adjuster is licensed to represent you, the policyholder, and is paid only from your claim recovery.

My roof is old — will the insurance company still pay for storm damage?

Possibly, but roof age can affect whether you're paid actual cash value versus full replacement cost, and some policies exclude older roofs from certain coverage. This depends entirely on your policy language.

What if the insurance company says my roof damage is just wear and tear?

This is one of the most common reasons roof claims are denied or reduced. Independent documentation of the specific storm event and damage pattern is often what determines whether that decision can be challenged.

Can I still file a claim if I already had some repairs done?

Sometimes, but it's harder. Keep every receipt, photo, and piece of the old roofing material if possible, and get a claim review as soon as you can.

How much of my roof needs to be damaged for insurance to pay for full replacement?

There's no fixed threshold — it depends on your policy, local building codes regarding matching materials, and the extent and pattern of damage found during inspection.

Do I have to use the contractor my insurance company recommends?

No. You have the right to choose your own licensed contractor for repairs.

What happens if my roof claim gets denied?

A denial isn't always final. A public adjuster can review the denial reasons, re-inspect the damage, and, where warranted, present additional documentation or a reassessment to the insurer.

How long do I have to file a roof storm damage claim in Florida?

Florida law sets time limits for filing property claims after a loss. Because these deadlines matter, it's best to report suspected storm damage and get a review promptly rather than wait.

What does a public adjuster cost?

Florida law caps public adjuster fees as a percentage of the claim recovery, and this firm works on a no recovery, no fee basis — there's no upfront cost to have your roof damage reviewed.

Can I get a second opinion if my insurance adjuster's inspection didn't match what my contractor found?

Yes. Discrepancies between the insurer's inspection and your contractor's findings are common and are often exactly the situation where an independent public adjuster inspection helps.

Is a tarp on my roof enough, or do I need to file a claim right away?

A tarp is a temporary mitigation step, not a fix. If there's real damage, getting the claim reviewed sooner protects the evidence and your filing timeline.

What documentation does the insurance company need for a roof storm claim?

Typically photos of the damage, a contractor's inspection report, the storm date, and sometimes weather data — but the exact requirements can vary by insurer and policy.

Send photos of your roof damage and your policy declarations page for a free claim review before you sign a repair contract or make permanent repairs.

Related: Parent Hub · Claim Process · Sibling · Sibling