Storm damage and insurance
Storm damage and insurance: how it works
Sudden hail, wind or fallen-branch damage may be covered; age and normal wear usually are not. Your policy and carrier decide coverage—no roofer can promise approval. You stay in control of your claim.
Know your policy
Check whether your deductible is a flat amount or a percentage for wind and hail, whether settlement is ACV or RCV, and the deadline to report a loss. Some policies limit older roofs or cosmetic damage.
What ACV means
ACV means Actual Cash Value. It is the current value of the damaged roof or materials after the insurer subtracts depreciation for age and wear. An ACV-only policy generally does not include a later payment for recoverable depreciation.
What RCV means
RCV means Replacement Cost Value—the eligible cost to replace covered damage with materials of similar kind and quality. With many RCV policies, the insurer pays ACV first, then may release eligible recoverable depreciation after completed work is documented. Your deductible and non-covered work remain your responsibility.
Document, then contact your carrier
- Take photos and video before cleanup; write down the storm date
- Stay off the roof; safe temporary tarping can prevent further damage
- Read your policy and call your carrier yourself
- Keep reports, estimates and carrier communications
- Don't sign anything for permanent work under pressure
If a claim is denied or low
- Ask for the reasons in writing
- Request a reinspection when appropriate
- Provide an independent roof report with photos
- Review any appraisal clause in your policy
- Contact the Illinois Department of Insurance for consumer guidance
What Your Insurance Should Cover
Ask your insurer to review these items. Coverage depends on your policy, exclusions, limits, deductible and documented damage.
- Complete roof replacement when justified by covered damage, policy terms and applicable code—not automatically at 50% damage
- Emergency tarping and temporary repairs to prevent further damage
- Interior damage from covered roof leaks
- Damaged gutters, downspouts and roof accessories
- Code upgrade requirements, if ordinance or law coverage applies
- Removal and disposal of damaged materials
Insurance Company Red Flags
A settlement may not include every covered repair. Watch for these issues, request explanations in writing and compare the estimate with documented damage before accepting a settlement. A denial or delay alone does not prove improper handling.
- Quick settlements without a proper inspection
- Pressure to use their preferred contractors
- A denial based on normal wear and tear without explaining the evidence and policy terms
- Low estimates that leave out necessary covered repairs
- Refusal to pay for code upgrades that your policy covers
- Unexplained delays or repeated requests without a clear next step
Roofing Company or Adjuster Red Flags
- Promises of guaranteed claim approval or a “free roof”
- Offers to waive, absorb or pay your deductible
- Pressure to sign immediately or before reading the full agreement
- Requests to assign control of your claim rights
- Instructions not to speak directly with your insurance carrier
- Vague contracts, missing prices or requests for a large cash payment upfront
Our insurance claim road map, step by step
The same journey we walk with every homeowner: from your first call to the released depreciation check and your warranty.
- 1
Your First Call
Call us and tell us what you are seeing after the storm. We ask about hail, wind, leaks and the age of the roof, then schedule your free inspection, usually within 24 to 48 hours. We answer in English and in Spanish.
- 2
Free Storm Damage Inspection
A StormBear specialist arrives in a marked vehicle and gets on the roof. We look for hail bruising, creased or missing shingles, damaged vents, gutters, soffit, fascia and siding, and we photograph every finding, including attic and interior water stains.
- 3
Damage Report Built for Your Carrier
Within 24 hours you receive a written report with dated photos, storm data for your address and a full itemized scope of work in the format insurance adjusters expect.
- 4
Filing the Claim
We help you prepare what to document before you call — you make the call yourself. We keep your report on file so the date of loss is documented correctly, and you stay in control of the claim at all times.
- 5
We Meet Your Adjuster On Site
Your project manager climbs the roof with the adjuster, points out every damaged area and supplies our documentation so nothing is missed or undervalued.
- 6
Understanding ACV, RCV & Your Deductible
ACV (Actual Cash Value) is the roof's current value after age and wear are subtracted. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) is the eligible cost to replace covered damage. With many RCV policies, the carrier may pay the ACV first and release eligible recoverable depreciation after the work is completed and documented. Your deductible and any non-covered work remain your responsibility. Your insurer decides coverage, and you stay in control of the claim.
- 7
Agreement, Colors & Scheduling
You sign a straightforward agreement matched to the approved insurance scope, choose shingle colors and gutter or siding profiles, and we lock in your installation date in writing.
- 8
Materials & Job-Site Prep
Materials and a dumpster are delivered before the crew arrives. On day one we protect landscaping, decks and driveways with tarps and plywood, and we let your neighbors know what to expect.
- 9
Installation Day
Our licensed and insured crew tears off the old system, repairs the decking, then installs underlayment, ice-and-water shield, flashing, ventilation and your new roof, gutters or siding to manufacturer specifications. A project manager is on site all day.
- 10
Cleanup Same Day
Every evening we haul away debris, roll magnets across the lawn, driveway and street for nails, and leave the property as clean as we found it.
- 11
Final Walkthrough & Sign-Off
We walk the property with you, review the finished work and correct anything on your punch list. You sign the certificate of completion only when you are completely satisfied.
- 12
Depreciation Released & Warranty
We send the final invoice and completion photos to your carrier so your recoverable depreciation is released, then hand you the written workmanship warranty and manufacturer registration.
JOB COMPLETE. BUILD STRONG. ROOFS STRONGER.
Not sure if it's worth calling your insurance? We'll look first and tell you honestly.
Still unsure?
Book a free inspection. You keep the report even if you don't hire us.
Book a free inspection