The first 24 hours
Once it's safe, look for the obvious from the ground: displaced or broken tiles, shingle debris in the yard, dented vents or flashing, and interior water stains. Don't climb onto a wet or damaged roof.
If water is actively coming in, put a bucket under it, move valuables, and call a roofer for same-day tarping. Stopping the water is the priority; the permanent repair comes after.
Document before you file
Photograph everything you can safely see, and note the storm date. A roofer can produce adjuster-ready documentation — measurements, photos, and a written loss report in the format insurers expect.
That documentation is what separates a smooth claim from a denied one. It also tells you honestly whether the damage is a repair, a claim, or both.
Repair, claim, or both
Not every storm calls for an insurance claim — sometimes a targeted repair is faster and cheaper than a deductible. A trustworthy roofer will tell you when a claim isn't warranted rather than pushing one.
Watch out for storm-chaser crews that appear after every storm promising a 'free roof.' Work with a licensed, local contractor who'll still be here for the warranty.
- Does insurance cover monsoon roof damage in Arizona?
- Most homeowner policies cover sudden storm damage (wind, hail, microburst) but not gradual wear or neglected maintenance. Adjuster-ready documentation of the storm loss is key to an approved claim.
- Should I file a claim for every roof leak?
- No. If the repair costs less than your deductible or the damage is from wear rather than a storm, a direct repair is usually the better call. Get an honest inspection first.
Questions about your roof? A free written inspection settles it — no pressure.