What happens after a storm hits your home

After a storm damages your home, your first step is to prevent further damage — board windows, cover holes in the roof, move wet belongings to dry areas. Once you've stopped the bleeding, you need to document what happened, contact your insurance company, get repair estimates, and decide whether to hire a contractor or handle some work yourself. The timeline matters: most insurance policies require you to report damage within a specific window, and some repairs become more expensive the longer you wait.

This guide walks you through the process of assessing damage, working with your insurance company, finding contractors, and understanding what you'll pay out of pocket. It covers the steps in the order you'll actually take them, the documents you'll need, and the decisions you'll face along the way.

Key Takeaways

  • Document all damage with photos and video before you touch anything, and keep receipts for any emergency repairs you make to prevent further damage.
  • Contact your insurance company within the timeframe stated in your policy — usually within 30 days — and ask whether you need a police report or weather documentation.
  • Get at least two written estimates from licensed contractors before you decide who will do the work, and verify their licensing through your state's contractor board.
  • Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, what your policy covers, and whether the damage meets your policy's threshold for filing a claim.
  • If your insurer denies your claim, you can request a detailed explanation in writing and hire an independent adjuster to review the decision.

Photograph and document damage the right way

Take photos and video of every damaged area before you repair anything. Photograph the overall damage from multiple angles, then zoom in on specific problems — torn shingles, cracked siding, broken windows, water stains on ceilings and walls. Include photos of the surrounding area so the adjuster can see the scope of the storm's impact on your neighborhood. If you have video, walk through the damaged rooms and narrate what you're seeing.

Keep all receipts and invoices for emergency repairs you make to prevent further damage — tarps, plywood, temporary roof coverings, water removal services. These are separate from the permanent repairs and are usually covered by insurance. Write down the date and time of the storm, the weather conditions, and any injuries or when ready dangers. If a tree fell on your house, take photos of the tree's root system and the damage pattern, which helps prove the tree was healthy before the storm.

Store your photos and documents in at least two places — email them to yourself, upload them to cloud storage, and print copies. When you contact your insurance company, have this documentation ready to send when ready.

Contact your insurance company and file your claim

Call your insurance company's claims line as soon as you can after the storm. Have your policy number ready and describe the damage briefly. Ask the representative three things: whether you need a police report or weather documentation, what the claims process timeline looks like, and whether they'll send an adjuster to your home or if you need to submit photos. Write down the name of the person you spoke with, the date and time, and the claim number you're assigned.

Submit your photos, video, and documentation within the timeframe your policy requires — usually 30 days. Some insurers have a mobile app where you can upload photos directly; others want you to email them or mail physical copies. Ask which method they prefer. If you've already paid for emergency repairs, include those receipts in your submission.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the damage. In some cases they'll visit your home; in others they'll review your photos and estimates. Ask when you should expect to hear back and what happens if you disagree with their assessment.

Get written estimates from licensed contractors

Before you hire anyone to repair your home, get at least two written estimates from different contractors. An estimate should list each repair in detail, the materials that will be used, the labor cost, the timeline, and the total price. It should not be a verbal quote or a handwritten note — it should be a formal document on the contractor's letterhead.

Verify that each contractor is licensed in your state. Go to your state's contractor licensing board website and search by name or license number. Check whether they have any open complaints or disciplinary actions. Ask each contractor for references from recent storm damage jobs and call at least two of them. Ask those references whether the work was completed on time, whether the contractor cleaned up afterward, and whether they'd hire them again.

Do not automatically choose the lowest estimate. A significantly lower price often means the contractor is cutting corners on materials or labor. Compare what each estimate includes — some may offer a warranty on labor, others may not. Ask whether the contractor will handle the insurance paperwork or whether you'll need to submit the estimate yourself.

Understand your deductible and what your policy covers

Your insurance deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest. Storm deductibles vary widely — some policies have a flat amount like $500 or $1,000, while others use a percentage of your home's insured value, typically 1 to 5 percent. A 2 percent deductible on a $300,000 home means you pay $6,000 before insurance pays anything. Check your policy documents to find your exact deductible.

Not all storm damage is covered the same way. Wind damage is usually covered, but flooding is almost never covered by standard homeowners insurance — you need a separate flood policy. Hail damage is typically covered. Tree damage is covered if the tree fell due to the storm, but routine tree trimming or removal is your responsibility. Damage from a fallen tree that was already dead or diseased may not be covered.

Some policies have separate limits for specific items — for example, a limit on roof damage or a limit on replacement cost versus actual cash value. Actual cash value means the insurer pays what the damaged item was worth at the time of the storm, accounting for age and wear. Replacement cost means they pay what it would cost to replace it new. Check your policy to see which you have.

Decide between full replacement and partial repairs

After you receive estimates and your insurance company's assessment, you'll know roughly how much the repairs will cost and how much your insurance will cover. At this point you need to decide: do you repair everything now, or do you prioritize the most urgent repairs and handle the rest later?

Repairs that affect the structure or weatherproofing of your home should be done first — a damaged roof, broken windows, or holes in siding. These allow water inside and can cause mold and rot if left unaddressed. Cosmetic damage like dents in siding or missing shingles that don't leak can usually wait. If you're planning to sell your home soon, you may need to repair more damage than you'd otherwise prioritize, because buyers will expect the home to be in good condition.

If your insurance settlement doesn't cover the full cost of repairs, you have a few options: pay the difference out of pocket, get a second opinion from an independent adjuster, or request that your insurance company reconsider their assessment. Some contractors will work with you on payment plans if you're waiting for insurance money.

Hire a contractor and manage the repair process

Once you've chosen a contractor, get a signed contract before any work begins. The contract should include the scope of work (what's being repaired), the materials being used, the total price, the start date, the expected completion date, and what happens if the work isn't finished on time. It should also specify how you'll pay — some contractors want a deposit upfront, others want payment when the work is complete, and some want payment in stages as different phases finish.

Ask the contractor whether they'll submit the estimate directly to your insurance company or whether you need to do it. Some contractors handle all the insurance paperwork; others expect you to manage that part. Clarify this before work starts so there's no confusion about who's responsible.

During the repair process, take photos of the work as it progresses. This protects you if there's a dispute later about whether the work was done correctly. When the contractor says the work is complete, do a final walkthrough and compare the finished work to the original estimate. Make sure everything listed was actually done and that the quality matches what you agreed to. Don't pay the final bill until you're satisfied.

What to do if your insurance claim is denied or underpaid

If your insurance company denies your claim or offers a settlement you believe is too low, ask them to provide a detailed written explanation of their decision. They must tell you specifically why they're denying coverage or why they've calculated the settlement the way they have. Read this explanation carefully and compare it to what your policy says.

If you disagree with their assessment of the damage, you can hire an independent adjuster to review the claim. An independent adjuster is a licensed professional who works for you, not for the insurance company. They'll inspect your home, review the damage, and prepare their own report. This costs money upfront — typically $300 to $800 — but if they find significantly more damage than the insurance company did, it may be worth it. Some policies include a dispute resolution process where both adjusters' reports are reviewed by a third party.

You can also file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner if you believe the insurance company has acted unfairly. Each state has an insurance commissioner's office that investigates complaints about insurers. This doesn't may provide you'll win, but it creates a record and sometimes prompts the insurance company to reconsider.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a claim after a storm?

Most homeowners insurance policies require you to report damage within 30 days of the loss, though some allow up to one year. Check your policy documents for the exact important date. Reporting quickly also helps because adjusters are often backlogged after major storms, and early claims may be processed faster.

Can I repair my roof myself instead of hiring a contractor?

You can do minor repairs yourself, but major roof work should be done by a licensed contractor. Insurance companies often require that structural repairs be done by licensed professionals before they'll pay the claim. If you do repairs yourself and something goes wrong, your insurance may not cover the damage. Always check with your insurance company before starting any work.

What if the contractor I hired does poor quality work?

Document the poor quality with photos and contact the contractor in writing to request they fix it. Most contractors will return to correct their work under warranty. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with your state's contractor licensing board or pursue a small claims court case. Keep all photos, the original contract, and written communication with the contractor.

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

No. Your insurance company may recommend contractors, but you're free to hire anyone you want as long as they're licensed. Some insurers have preferred contractor networks that may offer discounts, but using them is optional. You can always get your own estimates and hire independently.

Will my insurance rates go up after I file a storm damage claim?

This depends on your insurance company and your state's regulations. Some insurers don't raise rates for weather-related claims, while others do. Call your insurance agent and ask directly whether filing this claim will affect your premium. If rates do increase, you can shop around with other insurers to see if you can get better pricing elsewhere.