Storm Damage Roof Insurance Process: Should You File a Claim?

Storm damage to your roof can be stressful, but navigating the insurance process shouldn’t be. Whether you're dealing with hail, wind, or fallen debris, it's important to understand how your policy works, what your roof is actually covered for, and how to work with both your roofer and insurance company to get the best possible outcome.

This technical guide walks you through how to decide whether filing a claim makes sense, what to check before you file, and how to navigate the process if you do. After reading this, you’ll know exactly how to work with your insurer and roofer to get your roof covered properly.

Should You File an Insurance Claim for Roof Damage? Start Here

Not all storm damage warrants an insurance claim. In fact, filing a claim, even if it’s denied, may increase your insurance premiums. A qualified roofer should inspect your roof first to determine whether the damage is due to a recent storm or regular wear and tear. Based on their assessment, you may or may not decide to proceed with an insurance claim.

Signs that may indicate storm-related damage:

• Hail strikes or soft spots on shingles

• Wind uplift on shingle edges

• Dents on metal vents or flashing

• Debris damage from trees or branches

  
  

Read our Post-Storm Roofing Guide to see what to check after a storm.

Once you contact your insurer to formally open a claim, an adjuster is assigned and the claim is on record, even if no payout is ultimately approved.

When Filing a Roof Insurance Claim Does Not Make Sense

Before contacting your insurance company, every homeowner should pause and answer two practical questions. These often determine whether filing a claim helps or hurts you financially.

1. Was there a verifiable storm event that could have caused the damage?

Insurance only covers sudden, storm-related damage tied to a specific event. That usually means a documented hail or wind storm within your insurer’s lookback window (often the last 6–12 months). If damage can’t reasonably be linked to a recent storm, the claim is likely to be denied or limited.

2. Does the repair cost clearly exceed your deductible?

If the cost to repair the damage is close to or lower than your deductible, filing a claim rarely makes sense. You may pay more out of pocket than the repair itself, and you still assume the risk of higher premiums or policy non-renewal.

Real example from Sun Prairie

We worked with a homeowner named Anna in Sun Prairie who had four shingles lifted by wind during a localized storm. The rest of the roof was performing well. Their deductible was $2,500. A professional repair cost less than that amount. Even if the claim were approved, insurance would likely have covered only a small, localized repair, not a full replacement. In this case, filing a claim would have increased long-term risk with no financial upside, so we advised against it.

Once a claim is filed, you generally can’t “undo” it, even if the payout ends up being minimal.

This is more common than many homeowners expect. Not every storm-damaged roof should become an insurance claim.

Before You File: Policy Details That Can Change the Outcome

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that storm coverage is not always included. You may have to opt in to add roof protection to your policy, often at an additional cost. This has become more common recently as insurance carriers adapt to increased hail size and frequency.

Key coverage types:

• RCV (Replacement Cost Value): Covers the full cost of replacing your roof.

• ACV (Actual Cash Value): Pays out based on the depreciated value of your roof.

  
  

Older roofs may only qualify for ACV or may be partially or completely excluded. Always confirm with your insurance provider how your policy applies before filing.

What Insurance Counts as Storm Damage vs Wear and Tear

Insurance covers sudden, storm-related damage, not general aging or cosmetic wear. Common covered events include:

• Hail impact that bruises or cracks shingles

• Wind damage that tears or lifts shingles

• Tree limbs that puncture or scrape roofing materials

  
  

Note: Cosmetic damage (e.g., surface dents on metal roofs) is typically not covered. Learn more in our metal vs. asphalt roofing comparison.

Because coverage depends on both cause and timing, documentation becomes critical if you decide to proceed.

How to Document Roof Damage (If You Decide to File)

After a storm:

• Take clear photos of damage (roof, siding, windows, etc.)

• Save inspection notes, estimates, and correspondence

• Don’t discard materials before your adjuster arrives

  
  

Move quickly! You typically have 6 - 12 months to file a claim, depending on your policy. Filing too late can lead to denial.

Be sure to ask yourself early in the process: should I file a claim for roof storm damage? That answer will depend on what your roofer finds, how your policy is structured, and the severity of damage.

When Does a Roof Insurance Claim Officially Start?

A roof insurance claim officially begins when you contact your insurer and request that a claim be opened. At that point, the claim is logged, an adjuster is assigned, and the event becomes part of your insurance record. This is why many homeowners choose to have a professional roof inspection before contacting their insurer.

Meeting the Insurance Adjuster: Why Your Roofer Should Be There

When the insurance adjuster visits your property, your roofer should be there too. They can:

• Point out less obvious storm-related damage

• Assist with proper chalking and documentation

• Help ensure all damaged components are noted

• Match scope of work to accurate, localized pricing

  
  

Adjusters may use:

• Chalk to mark hits

• Drone or satellite tools for measurement and imaging

  
  

Think of your roofer as your advocate in the process. An adjuster represents the insurance company, while your roofer is there to represent you. They can make sure the adjuster’s inspection fully reflects the real condition of your roof. Without that balance, some damage may be overlooked or undervalued, which could limit your payout.

Local expertise is also critical. During busy storm seasons, insurance companies sometimes bring in adjusters from out of state to handle the workload. While qualified, they may not be familiar with what storm damage looks like in Wisconsin’s unique climate or what the fair market pricing is for labor and materials in this region. A local roofer can bridge that gap, ensuring the assessment accounts for both proper building practices and realistic costs.

In most claim situations, your roofer can attend or coordinate with the adjuster to ensure nothing is missed.

What to Do If Your Roof Insurance Claim Is Denied

A denied claim isn’t the end of the road. A qualified roofing contractor can:

• Provide a second opinion

• Document missed issues with photos

• Resubmit the claim with updated evidence

  
  

Be wary of out-of-state storm chasers who encourage you to file immediately. Comprehensive documentation is the best way to strengthen your case.

Approved Claim? Payouts, Deductibles, and Upgrade Options

If your claim is approved, the amount you receive depends on your policy and roof condition:

• RCV policies pay the full replacement cost (minus deductible)

• ACV policies deduct depreciation, resulting in a lower payout

  
  

Upgrading to Solar after an approved insurance claim:

• Most insurance policies will pay to restore your previous roof

• You can apply that amount toward a solar upgrade, such as Solstice solar shingles

• Solar systems cost more than a standard roof. Homeowners cover the difference, often aided by local and national incentives

• Be sure to notify your insurer after installing solar, as these components may need to be added to your policy

  
  

Considering Class 4 Shingles After a Claim:

When replacing your roof after storm damage, it may be worth upgrading to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. These shingles are tested to withstand larger hail impacts compared to standard Class 3 shingles, making them a strong long-term investment. Here’s what to know:

• Cost: Class 4 shingles are more expensive up front, though your insurance claim payout can offset much of the cost if you’re already replacing your roof.

• Premiums: Some insurance companies offer discounts on premiums for homeowners who upgrade to Class 4 shingles because they’re less likely to need future hail-related repairs. However, we’ve also seen cases where insurers actually raise premiums, since replacing Class 4 shingles can be more costly if a future claim occurs.

• Action step: Always ask your insurance agent how upgrading will affect your specific policy. The financial outcome can vary widely depending on your insurance provider.

Insurance vs Roof Warranties: What Storm Damage Doesn’t Cover

Storm damage is not covered by manufacturer warranties or workmanship guarantees. However, filing an insurance claim will not void your existing warranty coverage.

Make sure to:

• Keep your warranty paperwork organized

• Work with certified contractors like Sun Vault Roofing, who understand how to preserve both warranty and claim eligibility

Does Storm Damage Affect Your Roof’s Structure?

Storms don’t just damage shingles. Falling trees, heavy debris, or severe winds can cause structural damage such as broken rafters, crushed trusses, or compromised framing.

Who handles it?

• Insurance company: In most cases, your insurance company will bring in an engineer or adjuster to evaluate structural issues as part of the claim.

• Roofer’s role: A roofing contractor can provide emergency repairs (like tarping or installing temporary underlayment) to keep you and your home dry in the short-term, until more comprehensive repairs or replacements can be completed. They can also help identify when the damage goes beyond roofing into framing or load-bearing elements.

• Engineer involvement: If the damage is significant, your insurance company may require a licensed structural engineer’s assessment before approving a permanent repair. Your roofer can often coordinate with that engineer to make sure roofing work is aligned with structural recommendations.

  
  

Action step: If a tree falls on your home or you suspect structural damage, don’t just call a roofer. Notify your insurance provider immediately. They’ll decide whether an engineer needs to be involved. Meanwhile, a qualified roofer can secure the site and prevent further water intrusion until permanent repairs are approved.

Need Help Navigating a Storm Damage Claim?

Sun Vault Roofing has helped hundreds of Wisconsin homeowners navigate the storm damage roof insurance process. 

Your insurance adjuster represents the company.

We represent you.

From inspection to adjuster meetings and final repairs, by making sure damage is accurately documented and fairly evaluated, we’re your advocate every step of the way.

📞 Call 608-608-1082 or schedule a free inspection today to review your roof after a storm.