A major hailstorm or wind event rolls through Middle Tennessee, and now you are staring at a damaged roof and wondering what to do next. The insurance claims process can feel intimidating, especially if you have never been through it before. But with the right documentation, the right contractor, and a clear understanding of how the process works, most homeowners can navigate a storm damage claim successfully and get their roof restored with minimal out-of-pocket cost. Here is what you need to know.
Document the Damage Immediately
As soon as it is safe to do so after a storm, document the damage. Take photos and video of anything you can see from the ground: missing shingles, damaged gutters, dented vents, debris on the roof. If you have before photos of your roof, pull those out as well. Do not attempt to get on the roof yourself. The documentation you gather now will support your claim, but a professional inspection will provide the detailed evidence your insurance company needs.
Schedule a Professional Inspection Before Calling Your Insurer
Before you file a claim, have a professional roofing contractor inspect the damage. This serves two purposes. First, it confirms that the damage is significant enough to warrant a claim. Filing a claim for minor damage that falls below your deductible can raise your rates without any benefit. Second, a professional inspection gives you an independent assessment of the damage that you can use to support your claim and ensure the adjuster does not underestimate the scope of the work needed.
File Your Claim Promptly
Most insurance policies require you to report storm damage within a reasonable time after the event. Do not wait. Contact your insurance company or agent and let them know you have storm damage and want to file a claim. They will assign an adjuster and schedule an inspection. Keep a record of every conversation, including the date, the name of the person you spoke with, and what was discussed.
Be Present for the Adjuster Inspection
When the insurance adjuster comes out to inspect your roof, be there. Better yet, have your roofing contractor there as well. Adjusters are not always roofing experts, and having a knowledgeable contractor present ensures that all damage is identified and documented. At 4 Square Roofing, we attend adjuster meetings as a standard part of our service for storm damage claims. We know what to look for and how to communicate it in a way that supports a complete and accurate claim.
Review the Scope of Loss Carefully
After the adjuster completes their inspection, your insurance company will send you a scope of loss document that outlines what they are willing to pay for. Review this carefully and compare it to your contractor's assessment. If there are discrepancies, do not simply accept the insurance company's scope. You have the right to dispute items that were missed or undervalued. Your contractor can help you identify discrepancies and provide the documentation needed to support a supplement.
Understand Your Policy and Deductible
Before you proceed, make sure you understand your policy. Know your deductible amount and whether your policy covers actual cash value or replacement cost value. Replacement cost value policies pay for the full cost of replacing the damaged materials with new ones of similar quality, minus your deductible. Actual cash value policies factor in depreciation, which can significantly reduce your payout. If you have an older roof, this distinction matters a great deal.
Dealing with storm damage? Our team handles the entire process from inspection to insurance coordination to installation. Call (615) 582-1639 or schedule a free inspection online.
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