Looking for Storm Repair Contractors? Document the Damage Before You Sign a Contract

Storm repair contractors handle the physical rebuild — tarping, roofing, drywall, siding. Public Loss Adjusters does not. Before you sign a repair contract, it matters whether the damage is documented in a way your insurer will accept, because the estimate a contractor gives you and the estimate an insurance company pays on are often two different numbers. If the storm damage may be covered under your policy, getting that documented and the claim properly presented before repairs start protects the amount you can recover — a contractor's job is to rebuild, not to build your claim.

How this affects your insurance claim

Storm damage to a roof, fence, screens, soffits, or windows is often the visible edge of a larger covered loss — hidden wind-driven water intrusion, displaced flashing, or structural movement that isn't obvious from the ground. Before any tarping, tear-off, or repair begins, the damage needs to be photographed and measured in its current state, because once repairs start, the evidence an insurer would rely on to evaluate the claim starts disappearing. This is worth pausing on for a day or two, even if a contractor is ready to start immediately.

What to do now

• Photograph all exterior and interior damage from multiple angles before any repair or cleanup begins
• Do emergency tarping or board-up only — the minimum needed to prevent further damage, and photograph that too
• Keep any detached materials (shingles, siding, fence panels, gutters) that came off in the storm
• Get a written estimate from a contractor, but hold off signing a full repair contract until the claim has been reviewed
• Save receipts for any temporary repairs or protective measures
• Note the date and approximate time of the storm and check local weather reports for confirmation

What the insurance company will need

• Date-stamped photos and video of all damage before any repair work
• Contractor's written estimate itemizing scope of repair
• Photos of any detached or damaged materials (shingles, panels, screens) kept as physical evidence
• Weather service or local news confirmation of storm activity on the date in question
• Prior roof/exterior inspection or maintenance records, if available
• Your current policy declarations page and full policy wording
• Any temporary repair invoices (tarping, board-up, emergency mitigation)
• Photos of the interior if water intrusion followed the exterior damage
• Correspondence with your insurance company, including any adjuster notes or denial letters

What your insurance may or may not cover

Whether storm repairs are covered, and how much, depends on your specific policy — the cause of loss provisions, wind/hurricane deductible, any roof age or matching endorsements, and exclusions for wear or prior damage. Wind damage is commonly covered, but insurers frequently dispute causation (was it this storm or ongoing deterioration?) and scope (does the whole roof need replacement or just a section?). Only a review of your policy and the specific damage can answer this.

What could reduce or defeat the claim

The most common disputes in storm claims are causation (the insurer argues the damage predates the storm or is due to age/maintenance, not wind), scope (agreeing damage exists but disputing how much needs repair or replacement), and matching (whether damaged sections can be repaired in isolation or the whole roof/siding needs replacing to match). Starting repairs before documentation, or using only a contractor's estimate without an independent claim presentation, can make these disputes harder to overcome.

Should you file a claim?

If the damage is limited to a small cosmetic repair clearly under your deductible, a contractor may be all you need. But if you're looking at roof damage, siding loss, fence or structure damage, or anything a contractor quotes at a significant repair or replacement scope, it's worth having the claim reviewed before you rely solely on the contractor's estimate or the insurer's initial number — those two figures often don't match, and the difference can be substantial.

How a public adjuster helps in this situation

Public Loss Adjusters does not perform roofing, siding, or storm repair work. What the firm does is investigate the cause and scope of the storm damage, document it independently of any contractor's bid, prepare a detailed estimate based on your policy's coverage, and present and negotiate the claim with your insurance company on your behalf — so the repair contractor gets paid a scope of work that reflects what actually happened, not just what was initially offered.

When you may not need a public adjuster

If the storm damage is minor, clearly cosmetic, and below your deductible, filing a claim or bringing in a public adjuster may not make sense — a direct repair may be the simpler and more cost-effective path.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find storm repair contractors near me?

Local licensed roofing and general contractors handle physical storm repairs. Before hiring one for anything beyond emergency tarping, it's worth documenting the damage and having the claim reviewed, since repair work can affect what an insurer later accepts as storm-caused.

Does Public Loss Adjusters do storm repairs?

No. Public Loss Adjusters does not perform roofing, siding, or any physical repair work. The firm represents policyholders in documenting and negotiating the insurance claim tied to storm damage.

Should I get a contractor's estimate before or after filing an insurance claim?

You can get a contractor's estimate anytime, but it's best to document the damage thoroughly before repairs start. A public adjuster review can help make sure the estimate used for the claim reflects full coverage, not just the contractor's initial bid.

Will my insurance pay for a new roof after storm damage?

It depends on your policy, the cause of the damage, and whether it's determined to be storm-related versus wear or prior damage. Roof coverage often has specific endorsements or depreciation schedules that affect the payout.

What's the difference between a contractor's estimate and an insurance estimate?

A contractor estimates what it costs to do the repair work. An insurance estimate is based on policy coverage, depreciation, and the insurer's own scope review — the two numbers frequently differ, sometimes significantly.

Can I hire my own contractor or do I have to use the insurance company's contractor?

In most cases you can choose your own licensed contractor. Some policies or claim programs may offer a preferred contractor list, but you're generally not required to use it — check your policy for specifics.

How do I know if storm damage is covered by my policy?

Coverage depends on your policy's wind/storm provisions, your deductible, and exclusions for maintenance or prior damage. A policy review against the specific damage is the only way to answer this accurately.

What should I do before repairing storm damage?

Photograph and document everything, keep any detached materials, do only emergency protective repairs, and consider having the damage and claim reviewed before signing a full repair contract.

Can I start repairs before my insurance adjuster inspects the damage?

Emergency measures to prevent further damage (tarping, board-up) are generally expected, but full repairs before an inspection can make it harder to prove the original scope and cause of loss.

How much does a public adjuster cost for a storm damage claim?

Florida law caps public adjuster fees as a percentage of the claim recovery, and Public Loss Adjusters works on a no-recovery, no-fee basis — there's no upfront cost to have a claim reviewed.

What if my insurance company denies my storm damage claim?

A denial isn't necessarily final. It's worth having the denial letter and your documentation reviewed to see whether the basis for denial holds up against your policy and the evidence.

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

Florida law places time limits on filing property claims and any related lawsuits. The specific deadline depends on your policy and the date of loss, so it's best to act promptly and not wait.

My contractor says my roof needs full replacement but my insurer only approved a partial repair — what now?

This is a common dispute over scope and matching. Documentation showing why a partial repair won't match or perform like the rest of the roof can support a claim for full replacement, but this depends on your policy language.

Do I need a public adjuster if I already have a contractor?

A contractor and a public adjuster serve different roles — the contractor repairs the property, the public adjuster documents and negotiates the insurance claim. Having both can help ensure the repair scope and the insurance payout align.

What kind of storm damage is usually disputed by insurance companies?

Roof damage causation (storm vs. wear), scope of repair versus replacement, and matching of materials are among the most commonly disputed issues in storm claims.

Can a public adjuster help me get a bigger settlement for storm damage?

A public adjuster's role is to document and present the full, policy-supported scope of damage to the insurer. Outcomes depend on your policy and the facts of the loss — no specific result can be promised.

Send photos of the storm damage and your contractor's estimate for a free claim review before you sign a repair contract.

Related: Parent Hub · Claim Process · Sibling