When the Storm Passes, the Real Work Begins

Minnesota averages over 40 severe thunderstorm warnings per year, and hail damage is one of the most common homeowner insurance claims in the state. But filing a claim — and getting a fair settlement — requires knowing the process.

At Weatherguard Construction, we've helped thousands of homeowners navigate the insurance claims process. Here's what you need to know.

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

As soon as it's safe to go outside after a storm:

  • Take photos and video of all visible damage from multiple angles
  • Note the date and time of the storm
  • Save weather reports or hail size reports for your area
  • Don't make permanent repairs yet — only temporary protective measures

Use your smartphone to photograph damage to roofing, siding, windows, gutters, decks, and any outdoor property.

Also look for less obvious signs: dents in soft metals (gutters, downspouts, roof vents, window wraps), granules from shingles collecting at downspouts, cracked window glazing, torn window screens, chipped paint on trim or decks, and damage to outdoor AC units. Inside, check ceilings, attic spaces, and around windows for water stains or damp insulation.

Safety First

Only inspect from the ground. Avoid climbing ladders or walking on the roof after a storm — surfaces may be slick and structurally compromised. Watch for downed power lines, broken glass, and loose debris. If you suspect roof openings or active leaks, place buckets and tarps indoors and consider professional emergency tarping.

Mitigate and Save Receipts

Policies require reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Board up broken windows, cover roof penetrations with tarps, and run fans or dehumidifiers if moisture is present. Save receipts for all temporary measures — these costs are often reimbursable.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

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

  • Have your policy number ready
  • Describe the damage clearly
  • Ask about your deductible
  • Request a timeline for the adjuster's visit
  • Get a claim number for your records

Stick to the facts and avoid guessing about causes or costs. Ask for the desk adjuster’s name and best contact method, any claim deadlines in your policy (for filing, completing repairs, and submitting recoverable depreciation), and whether photos can be uploaded to your claim portal. If your roof is leaking or windows are broken, request authorization for emergency services.

Ask About Coverage Details

Every policy is different. Ask your carrier to explain coverage for code upgrades (often called “Ordinance or Law”), matching of materials, cosmetic vs. functional damage, damage to detached structures, fences, and personal property, and whether impact-resistant roofing may qualify for premium discounts after replacement.

Step 3: Get a Professional Inspection

Before the insurance adjuster arrives, hire a reputable contractor to inspect your property. A professional inspection:

  • Identifies damage you might miss (especially on the roof)
  • Provides documentation the adjuster can reference
  • Ensures nothing is overlooked in the claim
  • Gives you an independent repair estimate

Choose a contractor with specific storm experience across roofing, siding, windows, gutters, and decks. A thorough inspection should include the attic (to check for moisture, daylight at penetrations, and wet insulation), all slopes of the roof, soft metals, and every elevation of your home’s exterior. In hail events, AC condenser fins and window screens often show damage first — they help validate storm impact.

How to Vet a Contractor

  • Confirm licensure and insurance for your state and municipality
  • Ask for local references and photos of similar storm restorations
  • Look for manufacturer credentials (for example, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred for roofing or LP SmartSide trained installers for siding)
  • Verify they will provide a written scope aligned with the insurance estimate and submit documented supplements if needed
  • Ensure they have a physical local address and do not require large upfront payments

Step 4: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

When the adjuster visits your property:

  • Be present during the inspection
  • Have your contractor present if possible
  • Share your photos and damage documentation
  • Point out all areas of damage, including interior water stains
  • Ask questions about anything you don't understand

Expect the adjuster to take photos, measurements, and notes using industry-standard estimating software. Provide access to the attic and any rooms with water staining. Ask that code-required items be addressed in the estimate. Depending on your local jurisdiction, that can include ice and water barrier at eaves and valleys, drip edge, high-wind nailing patterns, or kickout flashing. Code requirements vary by city and state across Minnesota, Illinois, and Colorado, so be sure the scope reflects your local building department’s standards.

If Something Is Missed

It’s common for hidden issues to appear after tear-off (such as rotten decking, concealed flashing damage, or compromised underlayment). Your contractor should document these findings and submit a supplement to the carrier with photos and code references so the claim can be updated fairly.

Step 5: Review the Settlement Offer

Insurance companies typically issue a settlement in two parts:

  1. Actual Cash Value (ACV): Initial payment minus depreciation and deductible
  2. Recoverable Depreciation: Additional payment after repairs are completed

Review the settlement carefully. Common issues include:

  • Damage items missing from the scope
  • Incorrect measurements
  • Undervalued materials or labor
  • Missed code upgrade requirements

Ask your contractor to compare the insurer's scope line-by-line with their inspection findings. Confirm material types, quantities, waste factors, and flashings are accurate. If your policy is Replacement Cost Value (RCV), you'll receive the depreciation once work is completed and documented — but many policies set deadlines to claim the holdback, so mark your calendar.

Mortgage Company Endorsements

If there's a mortgage on your home, insurance payments may be issued to both you and your lender. Contact the lender promptly for their endorsement process, required forms, and inspection steps. Starting early helps avoid delays in paying your contractor and keeping the project on schedule.

Step 6: Start Repairs with a Licensed Contractor

Choose a licensed, insured contractor with storm damage experience. Important considerations:

  • Never pay more than your deductible out of pocket
  • Get everything in writing before work begins
  • Verify the contractor will work within the insurance scope
  • Ask about their warranty on workmanship

In many states, it is illegal for a contractor to waive or rebate your deductible. You are typically responsible for the deductible and any elective upgrades or uncovered items you choose to add. Make sure your agreement details materials (brand, color, profile), permits, protection of landscaping, daily cleanup, magnet rolling for nails, and timeline. If you opt for impact-resistant shingles or upgraded siding, ask your insurer whether discounts apply after installation.

Permits and Inspections

Storm repairs often require permits and may include city inspections. A qualified contractor will pull the proper permits, meet inspectors as needed, and incorporate any final inspection notes so your project closes out properly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting too long to file your claim
  • Not documenting damage before temporary repairs
  • Accepting the first settlement without review
  • Hiring unlicensed storm chasers
  • Signing a contract before the insurance inspection
  • Not filing for recoverable depreciation

Additional pitfalls include discarding damaged materials before photos are taken, failing to involve the contractor at the adjuster meeting, or skipping interior moisture mitigation (which can lead to mold). If door-to-door reps pressure you to sign quickly, slow the process down. Take time to verify credentials and read agreements fully.

What If Your Claim Is Denied or Underpaid?

Denials and low estimates can often be resolved. Consider these steps:

  • Request a reinspection, ideally with your contractor present and additional documentation in hand
  • Ask your carrier to review new code citations, photos, and measurements
  • Use the appraisal clause in your policy if there is a genuine scope or pricing dispute
  • Consult your state's department of insurance for guidance on next steps if needed

Keep communication professional and in writing. Organized documentation is your best ally for a fair outcome.

Frequently Overlooked Damage

  • Attic: wet or compacted insulation, water trails on rafters, daylight at vents or flashing
  • Gutters/downspouts: impact dents, loose hangers, leaks at seams
  • Siding and trim: hairline cracks in vinyl, chipped paint on wood, damaged LP or fiber cement edges
  • Windows and doors: cracked glass, damaged screens, compromised seals, dented aluminum wraps
  • Decks and paint: hail bruising on deck boards, peeling paint on railings
  • HVAC: bent AC condenser fins (document brand/model for the claim)

Timeline: What to Expect

Every claim is different, but a typical flow looks like this:

  • Days 1–3: Document damage, file claim, schedule contractor inspection
  • Days 3–10: Adjuster visit and initial estimate
  • Days 10–20: Scope review, supplements if needed, mortgage endorsement steps
  • 2–6 weeks: Permits, material ordering, and build schedule (weather dependent)
  • Project completion: Final invoice submitted, recoverable depreciation released

Seasonal backlogs can extend timelines after widespread storms. Starting early helps secure materials and preferred install dates.

After Repairs: Close Out and Protect Your Home

When work is complete, take "after" photos from the same angles as your "before" images. Keep copies of permits, final invoices, and warranties for roofing, siding, windows, and gutters. Register manufacturer warranties where applicable and set a reminder for a yearly exterior inspection, ideally before winter in Minnesota, Illinois, and Colorado. Clean gutters regularly and watch for new stains after heavy rain to catch small issues early.

Consider Resilience Upgrades

Ask about impact-resistant shingles, upgraded underlayments, enhanced flashing details, LP SmartSide siding options, and durable gutter systems. Many homeowners see insurance savings with Class 4 impact-resistant roofing — your carrier can confirm eligibility. Quality products from established brands, installed by certified pros, can improve performance in future storms.

Homeowner Recordkeeping Tips

  • Create a digital folder with dated photos, estimates, and adjuster reports
  • Maintain a call log noting who you spoke with, dates, and summaries
  • Store receipts for temporary repairs and deductibles
  • Back up documents to cloud storage for easy access during the claim

Weatherguard Is Here to Help

With over 25 years of experience in storm damage restoration, Weatherguard Construction works directly with your insurance company to ensure your claim is handled fairly. Contact us for a free storm damage inspection — we'll document everything and guide you through every step of the process.

As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor with an A+ BBB rating and membership in the NRCA, Weatherguard brings trusted expertise to roofing, LP SmartSide siding, Pella/Marvin/Kolbe/Andersen window replacements, TimberTech and Trex decking, gutters, and exterior painting. From emergency tarping to final inspections, Weatherguard coordinates with adjusters, secures permits, and keeps homeowners informed with clear, practical communication.

Storm damage can be stressful, but a structured approach — document, report, inspect, verify, and repair — leads to better outcomes. Whether you're in Minnesota, Illinois, or Colorado, Weatherguard is ready to help you navigate the process and restore your home with confidence.