Damage guide
Storm damage
Severe storms can combine wind, hail, rain and fallen trees. After a storm, many contractors may appear door to door — take time to verify anyone you hire.
Immediate safety considerations
- • Stay away from downed power lines and report them to your utility.
- • Do not climb onto a damaged roof.
- • Watch for broken glass, exposed nails and unstable structures.
If anyone is in danger, call 911.
How to document the damage
- Only document damage once it is safe to be in the area.
- Take wide photos of each room, then close-ups of specific damage.
- Record a short video walkthrough narrating what you see.
- Write down the date and time you discovered the damage.
- Keep damaged items until your insurer says you can discard them, when it is safe and sanitary to do so.
- Save receipts for emergency supplies, temporary repairs and lodging.
When to contact your insurer
Contact your insurer to report the damage. Some policies have separate deductibles for wind or named storms — check your declarations page.
We can't tell you whether a loss is covered — only your policy and insurer can.
Professionals who may help
Common terms
- Wind/hail deductible
- A separate deductible some policies apply to wind or hail damage, often a percentage of the dwelling coverage.
- Temporary repairs
- Reasonable steps like tarping to prevent further damage until permanent repairs.
Questions to ask potential contractors
- • Are you licensed for this work in my state or city? Can I see the license number?
- • Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance? Can you provide certificates?
- • Will you provide a written, itemized estimate before starting?
- • Who will be doing the work — your employees or subcontractors?
- • What are your payment terms? (Be cautious of large upfront payments.)
- • Will you obtain any required permits?
- • Can you provide references from recent, similar jobs?
- • What will you need from me to support documentation for my insurer?