After a storm, the hours that follow matter. What you do can limit the damage and make an insurance claim easier. This plan puts safety first and covers the practical steps in order. If anyone is in danger, call 911 before anything else.
Hour 0 to 2: Make it safe
- Keep everyone away from fallen limbs, downed power lines and sagging ceilings. Treat every wire as live and call the utility company.
- Do not climb onto the roof. Wet, damaged roofs are dangerous even for professionals without fall protection.
- If water is coming in, move furniture and valuables, place buckets and lay towels. If a ceiling is sagging or bulging, stay out from underneath it and keep away from light fixtures until it has been checked.
- If you smell gas or see electrical damage, leave the house and call the utility from outside.
Hour 2 to 6: Document everything
Insurers want to see the damage and the date it happened.
- Take photos and short videos from the ground, from several angles, including wide shots of the whole house.
- Photograph interior damage, such as ceiling stains, wet insulation and damaged belongings.
- Write down the date and time of the storm and what you saw.
- Keep any pieces of damaged material that fall, and save receipts for anything you buy.
Hour 6 to 24: Stop further damage
Most homeowner policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage. That usually means a temporary repair, such as tarping the roof opening or boarding up a broken window.
- A roofing crew can tarp the roof safely. Ask for a written description of what was done.
- Keep every receipt for temporary repairs. Many policies reimburse reasonable costs, but check yours.
- Avoid permanent repairs until the damage has been documented and your insurer has what it needs.
Day 1 to 2: Call your insurance company
Call the number on your policy or the insurer's claims line and open a claim. Have your policy number, photos and a list of damage ready. Ask about your deductible and what temporary repair costs are covered, and write down the claim number and the name of the person you spoke to.
Our guide to storm damage and insurance claim steps walks through what happens after the claim is filed. Coverage decisions are made by your insurer, and no contractor can promise that a claim will be approved.
Get a professional inspection
Hail and wind damage is not always visible from the ground. A storm damage inspection documents bruised shingles, lifted seals, damaged flashing and soft decking with photos you can share with your adjuster. If the damage is limited, a targeted roof repair may be enough.
Be careful with storm chasers
After big storms, out-of-area crews often knock on doors. Before you agree to anything:
- Verify the Virginia contractor license and insurance, as described in how to hire a roofer in Virginia.
- Never sign a blank contract or a document that gives away control of your insurance claim without reading it.
- Be wary of anyone who offers to waive your deductible.
FAQ
How long do I have to file a roof damage claim in Virginia?
Policies set their own deadlines, and many require prompt notice. Check your policy and contact your insurer as soon as you see damage so the claim is documented.
Should I tarp the roof myself?
No. Tarping requires climbing onto a damaged roof, which is dangerous. Have a roofing crew do it with proper fall protection, and keep the receipt.
Will my insurance pay for a new roof after a storm?
It depends on your policy, the cause of damage and the roof's age and condition. Your insurer makes that decision. We can document the damage so your adjuster has the information they need.
Do you serve my area?
We help homeowners across Northern Virginia, including Reston, Vienna, Alexandria and Manassas. Call us for urgent damage and we will schedule an inspection as soon as we can.
