Do You Want To Exclude Wind and Hail?

Homeowners usually want good and broad coverage for their homes. Insurers may offer you the opportunity to exclude wind and hail from coverage from your policy in the interest of saving money. But buyer beware! If your roof sustains storm damage this would be a significant item to pay for out of pocket! We never encourage homeowners to accept these type of exclusions! A better alternative would be to opt for a higher deductible hail or wind events if it resulted in a large saving on your annual premiums.  You need a good understanding of hail damage insurance claims before you exclude these from your policy! 

Average Home Insurance Payouts for Wind and Hail Damage

The average home insurance payout for a hail damage claim is an estimated $12,000!  But keep in mind that this would include other items damaged by hail such as wind wraps, windows, doors, gutters, siding and shutters!

 It is very important to work with a local roofing contractor with insurance claims experience. They can inspect your property carefully and look at window wraps, window screens, HVAC units and all of the items that are easily overlooked for storm damage. This ensures that all damaged items are documented for your insurance.

Understanding the Roof Insurance Claim Process

1. Get an Accurate Roof Inspection

Call a licensed general contractor (not just a handyman) to inspect your roof. Make sure they’re local and check licenses at verify.tn.gov.

2. Document the Storm Damage

Take clear photos/videos of:

• Shingles

• Gutters

• Windows

• Vents

• Interior ceilings

3. File Your Insurance Claim – If Damage is Present

Contact your insurer’s claim department and provide:

• Date of the storm

• Type of damage

• Contractor’s findings

4. Have Your Roofer Meet the Adjuster

Have your roofing contractor present during the insurnace adjuster’s inspection to make sure nothing is missed.

5. Wait for Insurance Approval

Don’t make any roof repairs until the claim is approved and you have documentation.

The claims process for roof damage is similar to any other type of insurance claim. Generally, this is how roof damage claims work:

• Call a reputable roofing contractor to inspect your roof! 

👉Pro Tip: Do not contact your insurance company and file a claim until you are certain that the damage justifies filing a claim!

What Goes Into the Roof Claims Process?

To file a claim, you contact the home insurance company claims department. You will provide information on the date of the storm and/or damage and what type of damage occurred – hail, wind, water, fallen trees. Take photos or video of the damage if you can do so safely. By working with a reputable roofing contractor, they will handle this portion of the claim for you.

After receiving the information, the insurance company will assign an adjuster, who will schedule a time to review the damage. They look for:

• Missing and damaged shingles.
• Water damage below the shingles.
• Signs of wear and tear.
• Amount of damage.
• Type of roof.

This information will help the adjuster decide whether to pay your claim as a repair or a full roof replacement. You should always have your own roofing contractor with you during the adjuster’s inspection. They can advocate for you and be your voice with your insurance company! An experienced contractor can ensure all damaged items are properly documented by the adjuster and point out items that they may overlook.

🔨 DURING THE PROCESS

✅ Ensure all damage (roof, flashing, vents, siding, windows) is documented
✅ Don’t begin major repairs until claim is approved
✅ Use a contractor who will handle insurance paperwork & codes
✅ Never pay the deductible to a contractor – it’s illegal and a red flag

An Insurance Company Adjuster Can Deny Your Claim

A home insurance adjuster can deny your claim if the damage damage falls below their criteria for a roof replacement, or was caused by a problem that is not a covered peril.

That’s why we always recommend working with a local roofing contractor first! Let them help diagnose the problem and determine if your roof problem can be corrected with a minor roof repair.

💰Payout Depends on Your Insurance Policy

The insurance company will review your home insurance policy, including coverage amount and deductible. Dwelling coverage is the portion of homeowners insurance that covers the roof.

The insurance deductible will be subtracted from your claims payment and is your responsibility to pay. Higher deductible for hail and wind damage are becoming very common.  

📌Tips to Maximize Your Roof Insurance Claim

UPGRADE AND GET A BETTER ROOF!

If your claim for a full roof replacement is approved, talk to your roofer about upgrades. This can help you get the best roofing system for your home!

Protect the House From Further Damage

If you have interior leak or damage caused by storms, you need to protect your home! Contact a local roofing contractor immediately so that they can secure your home with properly installed tarps. Failing to secure your home and prevent additional damage can result in those items not being covered by your insurance carrier. 

What If Your Insurance Claim for Roof Damage is Denied?

Insurance companies are businesses and their adjusters are looking out for the insurance company. They also handle a large amount of claims and can easily overlook items. Make sure to have someone with experience in insurance claims to meet with the adjuster that is looking out for your best interest and will serve as your voice with your insurance company! 

Don’t Get Multiple Estimates

There is no need to obtain multiple estimates. You have the right to use the contractor of your choice. Pick a local, reputable contractor experienced in insurance claims and allow them to work direct with your insurance company to resolve your claim. There is no need to get the lowest price for insurance – which may result in the lowest quality roofing system! 

Time if Of The Essence! 

Never let roof damage for without being addressed! Time is not on your side when your roofing system has sustained damaged! Secure necessary tarps and contact your insurance carrier immediately if you see interior water leaks, missing shingles, or can visibly see damage! And always have your roof inspected if strong storms have passed through your area. 

When Will I Receive My Claim Settlement?

You should receive your home insurance claim settlement promptly! Most carriers will issue payment within the first week and the final payment within 2 weeks of work being completed and a certificate of completion being filed. But, the exact timing can depend on your carrier and if there is a catastrophic event in your state. It is always wise to stay on top of payments owed to you and followup as needed with the adjuster. 

📋 When NOT to File a Claim

It’s generally not a good idea to file an insurance claim if the damage isn’t significant.  If the repair cost is only slightly above your deductible, consider paying out of pocket. A small claim may not justify a long-term insurance record.

💡 Example: Your deductible is $2,000 and repairs are $2,500 — better to pay that difference yourself.

Factors That Affect Roof Damage Claims

Roof damage claims are influenced by multiple factors:

• Your claims history: An insurance adjuster will have access to prior claims you may have made for repairs. If those repairs were never completed, they will deduct that amount from your current claim.
• Roof damage: Minor damage like a few loose shingles might not be enough to file a home insurance claim. Always opt to pay out of pocket for minor repairs.
• Deductible. Your deductible is deducted from the claim amount and will be your responsibility to pay. Beware of unreputable contractors who offer to pay this fee! It is illegal to pay for a homeowners deductible and contractors who do this are more likely to cut corners on your roof as well.
• Roof’s worth and size: The size, pitch, complexity and type of roofing material you have determines the amount of your claim. A slate roofing system is much more costly to replace than an asphalt shingle roof. A large home with lots of hips, ridges and valleys is also most costly to replace due to the design of the roof.

Avoid Roofing Scams After Storms

Roof repair scams often increase in the aftermath of large storms. These scams have been a major problem in the Nashville area. We refer to these type of companies as “stormers” who set up temporary offices when bad weather strikes. Here are tips to help protect you from storm chasers!

• Insisting on payments upfront:

   If your roof is approved by insurance and you have signed a contingency agreement with a reputable local contractor, the only cost to you would be your deductible! The first ACV payment is due when materials drop or the day your roof is installed. Final payment will be released by insurance and paid to the contractor after all work is completed. 

• Check licensing:

   If your roof claim is $25,000 or more in the State of TN your roofer MUST have a General Contractors license! Beware of storm chasers who are unlicensed or hold a “home improvement” license! Check credentials at Verify.TN.org. 

•  COI –

  Make sure your roofing contractor has General Liability Insurance and Workers Comp Coverage! If they do not have BOTH of these lines of insurance they are not a reputable roofing company!

Pro Tip:  Check out our blog post on How To Hire A Roofer in Nashville Without Getting Scammed! 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Insurance Claims

✅ Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?

Yes — but only if the leak is caused by a covered peril, such as hail, wind, lightning, or a fallen tree. Insurance does not cover leaks from age, neglect, or lack of maintenance. If wood rot or mold is present, it may signal long-term damage, which usually isn’t covered.

✅ How do I prove hail or wind damage to my roof?

Your roofing contractor will document storm-related damage by:

• Marking hail impacts in 10×10 test squares on each elevation

• Counting missing or lifted shingles from wind

• Taking clear photographs and video evidence

This documentation is critical for claim approval.

✅ What if my insurance claim is denied or underpaid?

If your claim is denied or underpaid:

1. Ask your contractor to review the insurer’s findings.

2. Request a re-inspection from your insurance company.

3. Provide additional documentation (photos, product data, code references).
   In some cases, you may involve a public adjuster or file an appeal.

✅ Can I file a claim for partial damage?

Yes — and often you should. If the damage shortens the roof’s lifespan or shingles can’t be properly matched (especially if discontinued), you may qualify for a full replacement under Tennessee’s matching laws.

✅ Will my insurance premium go up if I file a roof claim?

No — not because you filed. It’s illegal for insurers to raise premiums based solely on individual storm claims. However, if your area experiences a widespread event, your entire ZIP code may see a rate increase (even if you don’t file).

✅ How much will I have to pay out of pocket?

You’re responsible for your insurance deductible, which may be:

• A flat amount ($500, $1,000, etc.)

• Or a percentage (1–5%) of your dwelling’s insured value

Your contractor should never offer to “waive” your deductible — this is illegal and a major red flag.