The sound of a severe storm is stressful enough. The howl of the wind, the sharp crack of hail hitting your windows, the driving rain. But the real anxiety sinks in after the storm passes.
You look outside at your yard, see debris, and maybe even a few shingles on the lawn. Your heart sinks.
The first questions are always the same: “Is my roof damaged? Is my home safe? How am I going to pay for this?”
For homeowners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, who are no strangers to intense coastal storms, Nor’easters, and severe summer squalls, this is an all-too-common reality. Whether you’re in Willingboro, NJ, cleaning up after high winds, or in West Point, PA, assessing potential hail damage, the path forward can seem confusing.
The good news is that your homeowner’s insurance is designed for this exact situation. But the claims process itself can feel like navigating a storm.
As your local, trusted roofing partner, Nailed It Roofing has helped countless homeowners in PA and NJ get their homes and lives back to normal. We don’t just build roofs; we guide you through the entire insurance process from start to finish.
This is our step-by-step guide to filing a roof storm damage claim, the right way.
Part 1: The Immediate Aftermath (What to Do in the First 24 Hours)
What you do right after the storm is critical for both your safety and the success of your claim.
1. Prioritize Safety Above All Else
- Do NOT go on the roof. A wet, damaged roof is incredibly dangerous. Shingles can be loose, and the decking underneath could be soft or compromised.
- Check for safety hazards. Look for downed power lines, broken glass, and unstable tree limbs. Call your utility company immediately if you see downed lines.
- Inspect your home’s interior. Check your attic, ceilings, and light fixtures for any signs of water intrusion or active leaks.
2. Document, Document, Document!
Your insurance company will want proof. Before you move or clean up anything (other than to prevent further damage), become a detective. Your smartphone is your best tool.
- Take photos and videos from the ground. Walk around your entire house and record what you see.
- Shingles or roofing material in your yard.
- Dents or “pockmarks” on your gutters, downspouts, A/C unit, or window screens. (This is a huge indicator of hail).
- Dented or cracked siding.
- Fallen tree limbs on or near the house.
- Take photos and videos of the interior.
- Any water stains on your ceilings, even if they’re small.
- Water spots in your attic’s insulation.
- Active drips from light fixtures or ceiling fans.
- Keep a log. Write down the date and time of the storm.
3. Mitigate Further Damage (Emergency Repairs)
Your insurance policy actually requires you to take “reasonable steps” to prevent the damage from getting worse.
This is called mitigation.
- If you have an active leak, place buckets to catch the water.
- If a window is broken or a tree has created a hole, you need to get it covered.
- This is the best time to make your first call to a professional, certified roofer.
A local company like Nailed It Roofing can be dispatched quickly to perform an emergency “make-safe” or tarping. This not only protects your home but also shows your insurance company that you are a responsible homeowner.
Part 2: The Big Question: Roofer or Insurance First?
This is the most common question we get, and the answer surprises many homeowners.
You should call a trusted, local roofing contractor before you call your insurance company.
Here’s why:
- Free, No-Obligation Inspection: A professional roofer (like us) will perform a thorough, on-roof inspection for free. We can tell you if you actually have legitimate, claimable damage.
- Avoiding a “Zero Claim”: Let’s say you call your insurance company first. They send an adjuster, who decides the damage is minor or “cosmetic.” Your claim is now denied, or the repair cost is less than your deductible. You still have a claim on your record, which can raise your premiums, all for nothing.
- Your Professional Advocate: If there is significant damage, your roofer acts as your advocate. We’ve been on thousands of roofs and know exactly what to look for. We speak the same language as the insurance adjuster and can build a comprehensive damage report that details all the damage, not just the most obvious spots.
A roofer’s inspection arms you with knowledge. You’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with before you even start the official claim.
Part 3: The Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Claim
Once you’ve had a professional inspection from Nailed It Roofing and confirmed you have legitimate damage, it’s time to file.
Step 1: Review Your Policy
Find your homeowner’s policy (it’s often online). Look for two key things:
- Your Policy Number: You’ll need this to file.
- Your Deductible: This is the amount you are responsible for paying. It’s important to know this number upfront so there are no surprises.
Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company
Find the 24/7 “claims” hotline for your provider. When you call:
- Stick to the facts. “My home was hit by a severe storm with wind and hail on [Date]. My roofing contractor has inspected the roof and confirmed significant damage that I need to file a claim for.”
- Don’t guess or speculate. Don’t say “I think my roof is leaking.” Say, “I have water stains on my ceiling.” Stick to what you can see and what your roofer has documented.
- You will be assigned a claim number. Write this down. It’s your reference for everything.
Step 3: Schedule the Adjuster’s Visit (The Most Important Step)
Your insurance company will assign an “adjuster” to your claim. Their job is to come to your home, assess the damage, and decide how much the insurance company will pay for the repairs.
CRITICAL ADVICE: Have your roofer meet the adjuster at your home.
This is non-negotiable. Why?
- The adjuster works for the insurance company. Their goal is to close the claim.
- Your Nailed It Roofing representative works for you. Our goal is to ensure your home is restored to its pre-storm condition, according to all local building codes.
We will walk the roof with the adjuster, pointing out every wind-lifted shingle, every subtle hail impact, and every damaged piece of flashing. We ensure they see the full scope of the damage, which leads to a fair and accurate assessment. Homeowners who have a roofer present during the inspection are far more likely to get their claim fully approved.
Part 4: Understanding the Insurance Paperwork (It’s Confusing!)
After the adjuster’s visit, you will receive a “Scope of Loss” or “Adjuster’s Report.” This is the most confusing part for most homeowners in West Point, PA, and Willingboro, NJ.
Let’s break down the terms you’ll see.
- RCV (Replacement Cost Value): This is the total cost to replace your roof today with new, similar materials. (e.g., $20,000)
- Depreciation: This is the amount your roof has “lost” in value due to its age. (e.g., a 10-year-old roof has lost $8,000 in value).
- ACV (Actual Cash Value): This is the RCV minus the Depreciation. It’s what your roof was “worth” the moment before the storm. (e.g., $20,000 – $8,000 = $12,000)
- Deductible: Your portion of the cost. (e.g., $1,000)
How You Get Paid (The Two-Check System):
Most RCV policies work in two checks. Using the numbers above:
- The First Check (ACV Check): Your insurance company will first send you the ACV minus your deductible.
- $12,000 (ACV) – $1,000 (Your Deductible) = $11,000
- This is your first check. You use this to pay your contractor to start the work.
- The Second Check (Depreciation Check): Once the work is complete, Nailed It Roofing sends a final invoice to your insurance company. This proves the roof has been replaced. Your insurer then “releases” the depreciation money and sends it to you.
- $8,000 (Depreciation)
- This is your second check.
Total Payout: $11,000 (First Check) + $8,000 (Second Check) = $19,000. Total Roof Cost: $20,000. Your Total Out-of-Pocket Cost: $1,000 (Your Deductible).
A good roofer’s job is to ensure their estimate matches the insurance company’s “Scope of Loss” so that the only thing you ever have to pay is your deductible.
A note on mortgages: If you have a mortgage, your bank may be listed on the check. This is normal. Nailed It Roofing can help you with the paperwork your bank requires to endorse the check.
Part 5: Choosing Your Contractor (The Final Step)
After a big storm, your neighborhood will be flooded with “storm chasers.” These are often out-of-state companies that knock on every door, promise the world, and then disappear as soon as the work is done, leaving you with no warranty.
Your insurance claim is for a full roof replacement. You do not have to “save” the insurance company money by picking the cheapest roofer.
Your job is to pick the best and most qualified roofer.
- Choose Local: Nailed It Roofing is a permanent, local business serving New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We live where you live. Our warranty means something because we’ll be here for years to come.
- Check for Certifications: We are certified by major manufacturers. This means your new roof comes with a real, protected warranty.
- Check for Insurance: We are fully licensed and insured in both PA and NJ.
- Never Sign a Blank Contract: Be wary of any roofer who pressures you to sign a contract before your claim is even approved.
Once you choose Nailed It Roofing, the process is simple. We schedule your roof replacement, install your beautiful new roof (often in just one day), and handle all the final invoicing with your insurance company.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
Dealing with storm damage is overwhelming. But you don’t have to be an insurance expert and a roofing expert—that’s our job.
From the first free inspection in West Point, PA, to the final nail in Willingboro, NJ, Nailed It Roofing is your partner. We are committed to making this stressful process as simple and transparent as possible, ensuring you get the high-quality roof you deserve, all for just your deductible.
If you’ve been through a storm, don’t wait for a small leak to become a huge problem.
Call Nailed It Roofing today for a 100% free, no-obligation storm damage inspection.
FAQs from Nailed It Roofing
1. What is the first thing to do after a storm damages my roof? First, prioritize your safety. Never go on a wet or potentially damaged roof. Second, document the damage from the ground. Take photos and videos of any shingles in your yard, visible damage to your home, or “collateral damage” like dents on gutters and A/C units. Third, call a trusted local roofer (like Nailed It Roofing) for an emergency tarping if you have active leaks and to schedule a full, safe inspection.
2. Should I call my roofer or insurance company first after a storm? You should call a trusted, local roofing contractor first. A reputable roofer will provide a free, no-obligation inspection to confirm if you have enough legitimate, claimable damage. This prevents you from filing an unnecessary claim (a “zero claim”), which can go on your record. If damage is found, your roofer then acts as your expert advocate when you do call your insurer.
3. How do I know if I have enough roof damage to file a claim? The only way to know for sure is with a professional roof inspection. However, you can look for these signs from the ground:
- Shingles or roofing material in your yard.
- “Pockmarks” or dents on gutters, downspouts, or window screens (a key sign of hail).
- Visible cracks, chips, or missing shingles on the roof.
- Any new water stains appearing on your ceilings or in your attic.
4. Will my insurance premium go up if I file a roof storm damage claim? Filing a single claim for storm damage, which is considered an “Act of God,” typically does not cause your individual premium to increase. However, if a major storm causes widespread damage in your area (like in West Point, PA, or Willingboro, NJ), the insurance provider may raise the rates for everyone in that zip code, regardless of whether you personally filed a claim.
5. What is the difference between RCV and ACV in a roofing claim?
- RCV (Replacement Cost Value): This is the total cost to replace your roof with new, similar materials at today’s prices.
- ACV (Actual Cash Value): This is your roof’s current value. It is the RCV minus depreciation (the value your roof lost due to age and wear).
Most RCV policies pay the ACV first, then pay the depreciation (the rest of the money) after the new roof is installed.
6. Why did my insurance company send me two checks for my roof? This is the standard process for a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy.
- The first check is for the ACV (Actual Cash Value), which is the depreciated value of your old roof (minus your deductible).
- The second check is for the Depreciation. Your insurer “releases” this money to you after you prove the new roof has been fully installed by your contractor.
7. Should my roofer meet the insurance adjuster? Yes, 100%. This is a critical step for a successful claim. Your Nailed It Roofing representative acts as your expert advocate. We will walk the roof with the adjuster, speak their technical language, and point out every single piece of storm damage to ensure they write a fair and accurate report that covers the full scope of the replacement.
8. What is a “storm chaser” roofer and should I avoid them? A “storm chaser” is an out-of-state roofing company that travels to areas recently hit by storms. They often knock on doors, make big promises, and use high-pressure sales tactics. They are notorious for doing cheap, fast work and then disappearing, leaving homeowners with a bad roof and a worthless warranty. You should always avoid them and choose a certified, local company like Nailed It Roofing that has a permanent presence in your NJ or PA community.
9. Do I only have to pay my deductible for a new roof after a storm? Yes. For a standard, fully approved Replacement Cost Value (RCV) claim, your only out-of-pocket cost is your deductible. The insurance company is responsible for the entire remaining cost of the roof replacement as detailed in the approved “Scope of Loss.” A reputable roofer will complete the job for the total amount paid by the insurer, plus your deductible.
10. What kind of photos should I take for a roof damage claim? From the safety of the ground, you should take:
- Wide shots of all four sides of your house.
- Close-up shots of any shingles or debris you find on the lawn.
- Photos of “collateral damage”: This includes dents on gutters, downspouts, A/C units, window screens, and siding.
- Interior photos: Document any water stains on ceilings or visible leaks in your attic.
