How to Document Storm Damage for Insurance

Why Documentation Matters

Insurance claims are disputes resolved by evidence. The insurer will look for reasons to attribute damage to pre-existing wear or normal aging rather than the storm. Your documentation creates a record that ties specific damage to the specific storm event.

Weak documentation is one of the most common reasons legitimate storm damage claims are underpaid or denied.

Step 1: Safety First

Before photographing or inspecting:

• •Wait for the storm to fully pass
• •Stay away from downed power lines
• •Do not climb on the roof immediately after - wet or damaged surfaces are hazardous
• •Use binoculars for initial ground-level assessment

Step 2: Photograph Everything (Before Any Cleanup)

Begin photographing before touching or moving anything. Your goal is to capture the condition exactly as the storm left it.

Exterior - Ground Level

• •Wide shots showing the full roof from multiple angles
• •Close-up shots of every area of visible damage (use zoom or get as close as safely possible)
• •Missing or displaced shingles (bare patches visible from ground)
• •Granule deposits in gutters, at downspouts, and on ground
• •Bent, displaced, or detached gutters and downspouts
• •Any fallen branches or debris on or near the roof
• •Dents in metal surfaces (AC units, gutters, flashings) from hail - these corroborate hail severity
• •Damage to other surfaces (siding, window screens, vehicle dents) that support the storm timeline

Exterior - From the Roof (Only If Safely Accessible)

If you have safe roof access (NEVER on wet or damaged surfaces), photograph:

• •Close-ups of individual damaged shingles showing impact marks, cracks, or granule loss
• •Dents or deformation in metal flashings or ridge cap
• •Any areas where the roofing material has shifted or separated

Interior - Attic

Access your attic as soon as safely possible:

• •Water stains or wet spots on the underside of decking
• •Active dripping or moisture on rafters
• •Wet or compressed insulation
• •Daylight visible through the deck

Interior - Living Spaces

• •Ceiling water stains that appeared after the storm
• •Bubbling or discolored paint
• •Any active leaks (photograph with water actively dripping if possible)

Step 3: Gather Weather Event Records

Your photographs show damage - weather records prove a storm happened. Gather:

**NOAA Storm Data**

NOAA maintains detailed records of significant weather events. Search online for NOAA Storm Data and retrieve the report for your county and storm date. This record documents wind speeds, hail size, and storm path.

**Local Weather Station Data**

Weather Underground (wunderground.com) allows you to search historical conditions at specific personal weather stations near your home. Download the wind gust data and precipitation records for the storm date.

**NWS Hail Reports**

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center documents hail events with size and location data. NOAA's storm data also includes hail reports from trained spotters.

**News Coverage**

Save links to local newspaper or TV news reports covering the storm, particularly any that include information about damage in your area.

Step 4: Get a Professional Inspection Before Permanent Repairs

Before authorizing any permanent repairs:

1. Contact Roofing Doctors for a professional storm damage inspection

2. Our written inspection report documents all damage with photographs, descriptions, and measurements

3. This report identifies damage that is attributable to the storm vs. pre-existing wear - a critical distinction for insurance purposes

**Emergency temporary repairs are appropriate and should be documented too:**

• •Photograph the damage before tarping
• •Keep all receipts for tarps, temporary materials, or emergency services
• •These costs are typically reimbursable under your claim

Step 5: File Your Claim Promptly

Call your insurance company or agent to open a claim:

• •Provide the date of the storm
• •Briefly describe the damage observed
• •Request a claim number and adjuster contact information
• •Note the reporting deadline in your policy (typically 60-180 days, but varies)

Do not authorize permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has visited and assessed the damage.

Step 6: The Adjuster Visit

When the adjuster comes:

• •Have all your photographs organized and accessible
• •Have your professional inspection report ready to share
• •Request that Roofing Doctors be present at the meeting (we do this at no charge for customers)
• •Walk the adjuster through the damage you documented
• •Take notes during the inspection

A contractor present at the adjuster meeting helps ensure all storm-related damage is identified, since contractors who work on these roofs every day recognize damage patterns adjusters may overlook.

Common Documentation Mistakes

• •**Waiting too long:** Documentation loses power the longer you wait after the storm
• •**Making permanent repairs first:** Alters the evidence before the adjuster has seen it
• •**Under-photographing:** More photos are always better - shoot from every angle
• •**Missing interior documentation:** Interior damage supports the claim and demonstrates the impact of the storm
• •**Not getting weather records:** Photographs alone don't prove when the damage occurred

Roofing Doctors assists our customers with the full documentation and claim process. Our inspection reports are specifically formatted for insurance submission.