Don’t Face Storm Damage Alone
When a severe storm hits the Boise area, the safety of your family is the first priority. But once the wind and rain subside, the next major concern is often the condition of your roof. Discovering damage can be incredibly stressful, and the thought of navigating a complex insurance claim can feel overwhelming. Many homeowners are unsure where to start, what to document, or how to communicate with their insurance provider. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to help you manage your roof insurance claim with confidence and ensure you get the fair settlement you deserve to protect your home.
Step 1: Immediate Actions After a Storm
Your first steps after a storm are crucial for both safety and the success of your insurance claim.
- Prioritize Safety: Visually inspect your roof from the ground. Look for downed power lines, broken glass, or unstable structures. If you suspect significant damage, it may be unsafe to stay in the home.
- Prevent Further Damage: If you have active leaks, use buckets to catch water and move valuable items out of the way. It’s essential to mitigate further damage. This might involve getting a professional to place a tarp over the damaged area. These types of emergency roof repairs are often covered by insurance policies because they prevent more costly interior damage.
- Document Everything: Before any cleanup or repairs begin, take extensive photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles. Capture images of shingles on the ground, hail dents on gutters or vents, and any interior water stains. Detailed documentation is your most powerful tool.
Step 2: Understanding Your Policy and Filing the Claim
Before you call your insurance company, take a moment to review your homeowner’s policy. Understanding your coverage, deductible, and claim-filing procedure will prepare you for the conversation.
- Review Your Coverage: Look for clauses related to “wind,” “hail,” or “acts of God.” Understand your deductible—the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. Note if your policy is for Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV).
- Contact Your Insurer: Call your insurance company’s claims department promptly. Have your policy number and documentation ready. They will assign a claim number and an adjuster to your case.
- Call a Trusted Local Roofer: It is highly recommended to have a professional roofing contractor in Meridian or Boise inspect the damage. At Silverlining Roofing & Exteriors, we can provide a detailed damage report and estimate, which serves as a valuable comparison to the adjuster’s assessment. We can often meet the adjuster on-site to ensure all damage is identified and accounted for.
Did You Know?
In Idaho, hailstorms are a common cause of roof damage. Even hailstones smaller than a quarter can bruise and crack asphalt shingles, compromising their ability to shed water and shortening the lifespan of your roof. This often hidden damage is why a professional inspection is critical after any significant hail event in the Treasure Valley.
Step 3: The Adjuster’s Inspection and Reviewing the Settlement
The insurance adjuster’s role is to assess the damage and determine the cost of repairs based on your policy.
The adjuster will schedule a visit to inspect your property. As mentioned, having your chosen contractor present is a major advantage. Your contractor advocates for you, pointing out damage the adjuster might overlook and ensuring the scope of work is accurate. After the inspection, the adjuster will provide a summary of findings and a settlement offer. This document will detail the covered repairs, their estimated cost, and the depreciation amount, less your deductible.
Carefully review this document with your contractor. If there are discrepancies or missing items, your contractor can help you communicate with the insurer to seek adjustments. Don’t feel pressured to accept the first offer if it doesn’t fully cover the cost of a quality roof repair or replacement.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Waiting Too Long: Most policies have a time limit for filing claims after a storm. Delaying can result in your claim being denied.
- Not Documenting Thoroughly: Insufficient proof of damage can weaken your claim. Take more photos and notes than you think you need.
- Hiring an Unqualified Contractor: Avoid “storm chasers”—out-of-town companies that appear after a storm and disappear just as quickly. Work with a licensed, insured, and local company like Silverlining Roofing & Exteriors with a proven track record in the Boise community. You can see our recent projects right here in the Treasure Valley.
- Authorizing Work Prematurely: Do not sign any contracts or allow work to begin until you have a written agreement with your insurance company and a clear contract with your roofer.
Protecting Your Boise Home
The weather in southern Idaho can be unpredictable. High winds and seasonal hailstorms are a reality for homeowners in Boise, Meridian, and the surrounding areas. Being prepared and understanding the insurance claim process is the best defense against unexpected storm damage. A well-maintained roof is your home’s primary shield, and when it’s compromised, taking swift, informed action is key. Silverlining Roofing & Exteriors is not just a contractor; we are your local partner in protecting your most valuable asset. From the initial inspection to navigating the complexities of your claim and completing a full roof replacement, we are here to provide clarity and expert craftsmanship.
Need Help With a Roof Insurance Claim?
Don’t navigate the process alone. Let our experienced team provide a free, no-obligation inspection and expert guidance for your insurance claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call my roofing contractor or my insurance company first?
While you must notify your insurance company promptly, it’s often beneficial to call a trusted roofing contractor first. A professional inspection gives you a clear understanding of the damage and a detailed estimate to use as a baseline when speaking with your insurer’s adjuster. It ensures you are well-informed from the start.
What happens if my insurance claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, don’t panic. You have the right to appeal the decision. Start by requesting a written explanation for the denial. Then, you can provide additional documentation or a second opinion from a reputable contractor to support your case. Our team can help you review the denial and determine the best course of action.
Will filing a claim for storm damage raise my insurance premium?
Generally, claims related to weather events or “acts of God” do not result in a premium increase for an individual policyholder. Unlike at-fault claims (like a car accident), storm damage is considered a no-fault event. However, if an entire area is hit by a major storm, insurers may raise rates for that whole region in the future.
Glossary of Insurance Terms
Deductible: The fixed amount you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket for a covered loss before your insurance company’s coverage begins.
Adjuster: An individual employed by an insurance company to investigate a claim and determine the extent of the insurer’s liability and the amount of loss.
Actual Cash Value (ACV): The value of your damaged property minus depreciation. An ACV policy will only pay for the depreciated value of your roof, not the full cost of a new one.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): The cost to replace your damaged property with new material of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation. RCV policies typically pay in two installments: the first is the ACV, and the second (the recoverable depreciation) is paid after the repairs are completed and you submit the final invoice.