How to File a Roof Insurance Claim After a Storm
- Eleven Exterior Inc
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
When a severe storm hits — whether it’s hail in New Jersey or high winds in Pennsylvania — your roof often takes the biggest hit. If you're a homeowner wondering how to file a roofing insurance claim after a storm, you're not alone. Acting quickly can be the difference between full coverage and costly out-of-pocket repairs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of filing a roof insurance claim, what to expect, and how to ensure your home is inspected by trusted pros who can help you get the most out of your policy.
#1 - Inspect for Roof Damage ASAP (But Stay Safe)
Once the storm passes, inspect your property from the ground. Look for visible signs of damage, such as:
Missing or lifted shingles
Dented gutters or downspouts
Shingle granules in gutters or around the house
Water spots or leaks in the attic or ceilings
⚠️ Pro Tip: Avoid climbing on your roof yourself. Storm-damaged roofs can be unstable and dangerous. Instead, contact a local roofing professional for a free storm damage inspection.
#2 - Document the Damage
Take note, clear photos and/or videos of visible damage — both up close and from a distance. Document:
The date and time of the storm event
Hail sizes (place a coin next to them for scale)
Damaged shingles, flashing, or siding
Interior leaks or water stains
"This documentation supports whether your hail damage roof claim in NJ or wind damage roof claim in PA, making it easier for your insurance provider to verify the loss.
#3 - Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Many roof insurance claims are denied simply due to poor documentation. Having a trusted roofing contractor who specializes in insurance restoration will help ensure nothing is missed.
✅Before you file the claim, a trained professional can back up your claim with:
Photo documentation
A detailed inspection report
Help communicating with insurance adjusters
Our licensed pros help ensure nothing is missed. At Eleven Exterior, we help homeowners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with detailed storm damage inspections and honest assessments.
#4 - Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your homeowner’s insurance company and inform them of the damage. They’ll walk you through the process and schedule an adjuster visit.
Here’s general information they will ask:
Your policy number
Date and time of the storm
Description of the damage
Presence of contractor
Inspection report (if available)
If the claim is approved, your insurer will issue a claim number and send out an adjuster to inspect the damage.
#5 - Meet the Adjuster with Your Roofing Contractor
It’s a smart move to have your roofing contractor on-site during the adjuster’s visit. This ensures:
All storm-related damage is pointed out
Your contractor can advocate for full and fair coverage
You avoid lowball settlements or overlooked issues
We’ve helped dozens of homeowners get full roof replacements covered by insurance — even when adjusters initially missed major damage.
#6 - Review the Insurance Estimate Carefully
After the adjuster’s visit, you’ll receive a claim estimate. It will outline the covered damage, replacement cost, depreciation, and your deductible.
Not sure how to read it? We can walk you through the paperwork and ensure you understand every line item.
#7 - Choose a Trusted Roofing Contractor
Once your claim is approved, it’s time to choose a licensed, insured roofing contractor to complete the work. Avoid “storm chasers” who appear after big storms and disappear just as quickly.
At Eleven Exterior, we:
Use premium materials (Owens Corning, GAF, etc.)
Offer lifetime warranties
Serve homeowners across all of New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Handle the job from inspection to completion — stress-free
Don’t Forget — Storm Damage Gets Worse Over Time
A small leak or lifted shingle can turn into major water damage fast. That’s why acting quickly after a storm is crucial — both to protect your home and to file your claim within your policy's time limit (usually 1 year or less).
Need a Roof Inspection for Insurance Purposes?
Get a free storm damage inspection from Eleven Exterior. We’ll document everything and guide you through the insurance process step by step.
📞 201-800-5856
📍 Serving homeowners in New Jersey & Pennsylvania
