How Insurance Works for Storm-Damaged Roofs and Siding

What Should You Do After a Storm and How Does Storm Damage Insurance Actually Help?

So, the storm hits. The sky goes dark, the wind starts howling like it’s got something to prove, and the rain is coming in sideways. You’re inside hoping it passes quickly, but deep down, you’ve got that sinking feeling—something’s not going to make it through in one piece. When it’s finally over, you peek outside and… yep. Shingles are missing, your siding looks like it went a few rounds with a baseball bat, and tree branches are everywhere they shouldn’t be.

You walk around your house trying to take it all in. It’s a lot. The roof’s damaged, pieces of your home are scattered across the yard, and water might’ve found its way inside. You’re not sure where to start. And honestly? It’s overwhelming. You worked hard for this home, and now it looks like it’s going to cost a fortune to fix. But here’s the good news—this is exactly what homeowners insurance is meant for. And the process to get things repaired and covered doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. You just need to know the right steps to take.

Let’s walk through it together—no confusing lingo, no complicated details. Just clear, simple info to help you understand how insurance works when your home gets hit by a storm.

What Does Insurance Cover When a Storm Damages Your Home?

Here’s the good news: most homeowners insurance covers storm damage.

If your roof, siding, or even gutters get torn up from strong winds, heavy rain, or hail—you’re probably covered. The same goes for things like fallen trees hitting your house.

But there are a few important things to know:

• If your roof was already old or damaged before the storm, insurance might say, “That’s wear and tear. We’re not covering that.”
• If water comes in through a hole in your roof caused by the storm? Covered.
• If your basement floods because of rising water on the ground? Not covered—that’s flood insurance.

Insurance usually helps, but it won’t cover everything. It’s important to know what your policy includes before a storm hits.

What To Do Right After the Storm

1. Stay Safe and Look Around

First things first—don’t rush into anything dangerous. If the storm just passed, make sure it’s safe to go outside. Skip the ladder and leave the roof climbing to the pros. Instead, take a slow walk around your house and check things out from the ground. Look for shingles that may have flown off, siding that’s cracked or missing, gutters that got pulled loose, or branches that landed on your roof. Even small things can turn into big problems if they’re not taken care of. You’re just getting the lay of the land right now—no need to fix anything just yet.

2. Take Lots of Photos

Your phone is your best friend here. Snap pictures of everything that looks off—damaged roof, broken siding, fallen trees, anything. And don’t stop at the outside. Go inside your home and check the ceilings, walls, and attic for water spots or leaks. If something looks weird, take a picture of it. You don’t have to be a professional photographer—just get clear shots that show what happened. These photos will be super helpful when you file your insurance claim. The more proof you have, the smoother the process will be later.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve taken a breath and looked things over, give your insurance company a call. Let them know there’s been storm damage and that you want to start a claim. They’ll ask you a few questions about what happened and what was damaged. After that, they’ll usually send out a person called a claims adjuster—that’s someone who looks at the damage and helps decide how much the insurance will pay. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get the ball rolling.

4. Get a Roof or Siding Inspection

You don’t have to do this, but it’s a smart move. Many roofing and siding companies offer free inspections after a storm. They know exactly what to look for and can often spot things you might miss. They’ll give you a report showing what’s damaged, how serious it is, and what it might cost to fix. This is super helpful when talking to your insurance adjuster because it gives you a second opinion. Plus, it helps make sure nothing important gets overlooked.

5. Meet with the Adjuster

When the adjuster shows up, take a few minutes to walk them around and show them what you’ve seen. This is where all those photos you took come in handy—share them! If you got an inspection report from a contractor, show that too. Be open and honest. Point out everything, even the small stuff. The adjuster will take notes, look things over, and send a report back to your insurance company. They’re just doing their job, but it helps to be prepared and involved.

6. Review the Estimate

After the adjuster’s visit, your insurance company will send you an estimate. This is basically a breakdown of how much they’ll cover and what you’ll be responsible for (usually your deductible). Read through it carefully. If something looks off or doesn’t match what the contractor told you, speak up. Call your insurance and ask questions. You’re not being difficult—you’re making sure things are fair. This is your home, and you deserve clear, honest answers about what’s being covered.

7. Hire a Contractor

Once everything is approved, it’s time to get the repairs done. You can choose the contractor you want—you don’t have to go with someone your insurance company recommends. That said, make sure whoever you hire is licensed, insured, and has good experience with storm damage repairs. Ask for references if you’re not sure. A good contractor will walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help get your home back to normal without cutting corners.

What Insurance Usually Pays For

Let’s make this simple:

Documentation Tips That’ll Save You Later

Storm damage can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at a roof that looks like it’s been through a war zone or siding that’s hanging off like loose paper. It’s stressful, it’s emotional, and it’s not something anyone ever wants to deal with. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. That’s why you have insurance. It’s there to help you bounce back, even when things feel upside down.

The best thing you can do is be prepared. Know what your policy covers. Take photos. Keep your paperwork in one place. Ask questions when you’re not sure about something. Insurance stuff can get confusing, but the more you understand it, the easier the process becomes. And don’t be afraid to speak up—this is your home, your investment, your peace of mind on the line. You have every right to make sure things are done right.

Just remember: you’re not just fixing broken pieces of a house. You’re rebuilding the place where your family gathers, where memories are made, and where you feel safe. That’s worth protecting.

So the next time storm clouds roll in, you’ll know what to do. You’ll be ready. And you’ll have one less thing to worry about—because you’ve got the knowledge, the tools, and the confidence to handle it. You’ve got this.

Not sure where to start? Get a free estimate from Twin Peaks Roofing & Construction—no pressure, no stress. We’ll take a look at the damage and help you figure out what needs to be done. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s one less thing for you to worry about.