Storm Damage Insurance Claims: A Guide for PA Homeowners

Filing a Roof Insurance Claim After Storm Damage

The Lehigh Valley sees its share of severe weather — from summer thunderstorms with damaging hail to winter Nor'easters with high winds. When a storm damages your roof, knowing how to navigate the insurance claim process can mean the difference between a full replacement and an out-of-pocket expense.

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

After a storm, safely document any visible damage:

• ■Take photos from multiple angles — ground level and close-up if safely accessible
• ■Note the date and time of the storm
• ■Check for interior damage — water stains on ceilings, wet insulation in the attic
• ■Save any debris — fallen shingles, broken flashing, tree limbs

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

File your claim as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt reporting. When you call:

• ■Report the date of the storm and type of damage
• ■Ask about your deductible and coverage limits
• ■Request a claim number and the name of your assigned adjuster
• ■Ask about the timeline for the adjuster's visit

Step 3: Get a Professional Inspection

Before the adjuster arrives, have a professional roofer inspect the damage. This is critical because:

• ■Adjusters may miss damage that a trained roofer would catch
• ■A professional report strengthens your claim
• ■You'll have documentation to compare against the adjuster's findings

RoofOps provides free storm damage inspections and will document all damage with photos and a detailed report you can share with your insurance company.

Step 4: Meet the Adjuster

When the insurance adjuster visits:

• ■Be present during the inspection
• ■Have your roofer's report available for comparison
• ■Point out all areas of damage, including those not visible from the ground
• ■Ask questions about anything you don't understand

Step 5: Review the Settlement

Your insurance company will send a settlement offer. Review it carefully:

• ■Compare it to your roofer's estimate
• ■Make sure all damaged areas are included
• ■If the settlement seems low, you have the right to request a re-inspection
• ■Consider hiring a public adjuster if there's a significant discrepancy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ■Don't wait too long — most policies have time limits for filing claims
• ■Don't make permanent repairs before the adjuster visits — temporary tarping is fine
• ■Don't accept the first offer without review — adjusters sometimes underestimate damage
• ■Don't hire a contractor who asks you to sign over your insurance rights

How RoofOps Helps with Insurance Claims

RoofOps provides full insurance claim assistance for Lehigh Valley homeowners:

1. 01Free storm damage inspection with detailed documentation
2. 02Direct communication with your insurance adjuster
3. 03Supplemental claims if the initial settlement is insufficient
4. 04Complete restoration from temporary tarping to final installation

We've helped homeowners across the Lehigh Valley navigate the insurance process. Contact us after any storm for a free assessment, or call (835) 248-0004 for immediate assistance.