When hail or a windstorm hits your home, the damage is stressful enough without the paperwork. Many Minnesota homeowners have never filed a roof or siding claim before, and the process can feel confusing. This guide walks through what to do, in order, so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Prevent Further Damage
Safety comes first. If there’s active leaking, a missing section of roof, or a fallen tree, temporary measures like tarping can keep the damage from getting worse. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs, since many policies cover reasonable costs to protect the home.
Step 2: Document the Damage
Photos and notes taken soon after the storm are valuable. Capture dented gutters and downspouts, damaged siding, cracked or missing shingles, dented vents, and any interior water stains. Note the date of the storm. Not all hail damage is visible from the ground, so a professional roof inspection is worth doing even if things look fine from the driveway.
Step 3: Get a Professional Inspection
A qualified roofing contractor can identify storm damage, document it with photos, and tell you whether it likely rises to the level of a claim. Be cautious of out-of-town crews who go door to door after storms. Look for a local company with an established address, manufacturer certifications, and reviews from neighbors you can verify.
Step 4: File the Claim With Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer to open a claim. Policies often have a filing window after a storm, so check yours and don’t wait too long. You’ll typically be assigned an adjuster who will inspect the property. Review your policy for your deductible and whether roof coverage is based on actual cash value or replacement cost, since that affects what you receive.
Step 5: Meet the Adjuster
The adjuster inspection is one of the most important moments in the process. Having your contractor present is often helpful, because they can point out damage the adjuster might otherwise miss and explain what a proper repair requires.
Step 6: Review the Estimate and Approval
After the inspection, the insurer issues an estimate and a coverage decision. If the scope looks incomplete, or a claim is denied, you can request a re-inspection or provide additional documentation. This back-and-forth is common and doesn’t mean the claim is dead.
Step 7: Schedule the Work
Once the claim is approved, you choose the contractor who does the work. You aren’t required to use whoever the insurance company recommends. Get a written scope of work, confirm materials and warranty details, and make sure the final invoice matches the approved scope.
Why a Claims Specialist Can Help
At Innovative Building & Design, we have a dedicated Claims Success Manager whose job is to help homeowners through exactly this process: documenting the damage, communicating with the adjuster, and making sure the repair scope is complete. Having someone in your corner who does this every week takes a lot of the guesswork out.
Dealing with storm damage in Blaine or the surrounding north metro? Learn more about our storm damage services or request a free inspection.
This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Coverage and deadlines depend on your specific policy, so check with your insurer.
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