Claim guides · Storm damage

Storm Damage Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step Guide for Property Owners

After storm damage, make the site safe, prevent further damage, document everything, report the claim promptly, then compare the insurer’s estimate with your own. If the numbers don’t match or the claim is complex, that is the point to consider a licensed public adjuster.

Book a free consultation Call 833-446-7728

Free consultationWe work for policyholders, not insurers

The short answer

The steps at a glance

Make it safe. Get people clear of damaged structures, downed lines and roofs. What to do in the first 24 hours
Prevent further damage. Tarp, board up and dry out, but keep repairs temporary. Can you make repairs before the adjuster inspects?
Document everything. Photos, video, a list of damaged items and weather records for the date of loss. How to document hail, wind and tornado damage
Report the claim. Notify your insurer or agent promptly and get a claim number in writing. How and when to report storm damage
Meet the adjuster. Walk the property with the insurer’s adjuster and ask for the estimate in writing. What to expect at the inspection
Compare the estimate. Put the insurer’s estimate next to your contractor’s, line by line. Insurance estimate too low?
Resolve disagreements. Ask for a re-inspection, use the policy’s appraisal clause for amount disputes, or get legal advice for coverage disputes. Claim denied? · How appraisal works

Commercial and residential claims follow the same steps, with different details

Commercial property

Expect more moving parts: several buildings, rooftop equipment, tenants, and often a business interruption claim alongside the property claim. Tell your broker as well as the insurer.

Commercial roof hail damage claim guide · Business interruption claims

Your home

Focus on safety, temporary repairs and keeping receipts, including living expenses if you can’t stay in the house. Many home claims settle fairly without outside help.

Storm damage to your home: claim guide

Where a public adjuster fits, and where one doesn’t

A public adjuster is licensed by the state to represent the policyholder on the claim. It is usually not the first call after a storm. If your insurer’s estimate is well below your contractor’s, the claim is large or complex, or talks have stalled, read Insurance Estimate Too Low? Your Options. That is usually the point to consider a licensed public adjuster, not the day the storm hits.

For an honest look at when the fee is worth it, see Do I need a public adjuster?.

State rules differ

Fee limits, cancellation rights and licensing rules for public adjusters are set by each state. Check a license before you sign anything: how to verify a public adjuster’s license. For fee rules, see how much a public adjuster costs, or check with your state’s department of insurance.

Sources

Last checked: October 28, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.

Questions

Common questions

What is the first thing to do after storm damage?

Make sure everyone is safe and stay off damaged roofs. Then take photos before anything is moved and call your insurer or agent to open a claim.

Do I have to wait for the adjuster before cleaning up?

No. Take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, such as tarping or boarding up, and photograph the damage first. Hold off on permanent repairs until the insurer has had a chance to inspect, unless waiting is unsafe.

When should I think about a public adjuster?

Usually after you have the insurer’s estimate: when it is well below your contractor’s number, when the claim is large or complex, or when talks have stalled. On a small, simple claim, the fee may cost more than a public adjuster can add.

Don’t navigate your insurance claim alone

Talk with a Mission PLC public adjuster about your loss. The consultation is free.