Has your home recently been affected by storm damage? Are you wondering what to do first? Does your homeowners’ insurance pay for the damage? If so, you can stop holding your breath; we’ve got answers to these and more.
At Hoel Roofing, we are not new to storm damage. With the extreme weather conditions we experience in Indiana, we have often been called out by homeowners in the aftermath of storms and have seen damage of varying levels, requiring services ranging from small patches to entire roof replacements. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover storm damage. The challenge usually is in understanding what qualifies as “storm damage” and what doesn’t.
In this article, we offer a clear breakdown of what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how to protect yourself during the claims process.
Before jumping into what’s typically covered and what’s not, it’s important to know the first steps you should take following storm damage.
Write down the date and time of the storm. Take pictures of hail size, missing shingles, dents in gutters, torn window screens, and any other damage. Make sure that these images have timestamps to prove that they were taken after the storm had happened. Weather reports are also important to have.
We also recommend recording a video walkthrough to capture your notes in real-time, along with the date and time.
If shingles are missing and water could get in, call a roofer for an emergency tarp. This prevents further damage and keeps your claim cleaner.
Most homeowners’ insurance policies will cover any damage directly caused by a storm for repair or replacement. The only damages not covered are flood and earthquake damage, which are typically covered by separate policies. Your insurance will cover damages to:
This typically includes shingles, tiles, or metal panels that are blown off by strong winds or torn up by hail, which is usually covered under the policy. Even a few missing shingles can leave your roof vulnerable to leaks, so this type of claim is one of the most common.
Hailstones, flying debris, or even wind-driven branches can dent aluminium siding, crack vinyl, or tear gutters loose. Insurance typically covers the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged sections.
If hail cracks a window or wind throws debris through it, the breakage is covered under the policy. Screens that are shredded or damaged during the same event are often included as part of the claim.
When a storm knocks down a tree and it lands on your roof, garage, or another part of your house, the resulting damage is typically covered. However, if the tree simply falls in the yard without hitting a structure, insurance may not step in for removal costs unless your policy specifically allows for it.
A direct lightning strike can damage roofing, start a fire, or ruin electrical systems in your home. In these cases, insurance generally helps cover both the physical and fire-related damage.
| Type of Damage | How It Happens | What Insurance Usually Covers |
| Roofing materials | Shingles, tiles, or metal panels blown off by high winds or damaged by hail | Repairs or replacement of the affected roofing sections |
| Siding and gutters | Dents, cracks, or holes from hail, flying debris, or branches | Repairing or replacing the damaged sections of siding and gutters |
| Windows and screens | Cracks or breakage from hail or windblown debris | Replacement of windows and repair/replacement of screens |
| Falling trees/branches | Trees or branches knocked over by wind and landing on your house or garage | Damage to the structure is covered; tree removal may only be covered if it hits a covered structure |
| Lightning damage | Direct lightning strike causing fire, roof damage, or electrical system destruction | Repairs for physical damage, fire damage, or electrical/electronic damage resulting from the strike |
Aside from damages from flooding and earthquakes, homeowners’ insurance covers regular wear and tear, ageing, and issues resulting from poor maintenance. This includes:
Think of it like a car: your insurance pays if you’re in an accident, but it won’t replace your car just because it’s old. The same logic applies to roofs.
Even with coverage, claims aren’t guaranteed. The most common reasons for denial include:
If the adjuster determines that the damage is due to aging, rather than the storm, the claim may be denied. This means you’d be left paying for the repairs out of pocket. That’s why it’s important to have a roofer inspect before filing, so you don’t waste time on a claim that won’t be approved.
Insurance companies require proof to support a storm claim. If you don’t have photos of the damage, records of when the storm happened, or reports that show weather conditions in your area, the insurer can argue that the storm wasn’t the cause. This can result in partial coverage or no coverage at all. Having a roofer document everything from day one protects you.
Not all adjusters are roofing experts. Sometimes they miss signs of hail impacts, lifted shingles, or subtle leaks that could grow worse later. If the adjuster overlooks real storm damage, your payout will be lower than what you actually need for proper repairs. Having a knowledgeable roofer present during the inspection helps ensure that nothing is missed.
Insurance adjusters are supposed to be the experts that the insurance relies on to judge if the storm indeed caused the damage; however, they don’t always have roofing expertise, and may not judge as accurately as you hope. That can lead to missed damage or incorrect assessments. Here’s how to protect yourself:
We always recommend working with a roofer. The truth is that insurance companies may not be upfront, and the adjuster may not accurately assess the damage. A professional roofer knows how to spot storm damage that the average homeowner or even an insurance adjuster might overlook. They can help you to document the damage with photos, provide detailed reports, and speak the same technical language as the insurance company. This ensures that nothing is missed and that your claim reflects the true cost of repairing or replacing your roof.
Without a roofer’s guidance, you risk underpayment, denied claims, or being pressured into quick fixes that don’t actually solve the problem. With a roofer, you gain an advocate who protects your home, your investment, and your peace of mind throughout the entire process. We have compiled a list of the top roofing companies in Indiana. You should check it out and contact your preferred contractor.
If you would like information on what your next steps should be after a storm, check out our guide on Dealing With Roof Damage From A Storm? Call A Roofer Before Your Insurance
Toyosi Ogunsola is the Content Manager at Hoel Roofing & Remodeling in Rushville, IN, where she oversees the creation of educational, trustworthy content about roofing, remodeling, and home improvement. With a master’s degree in Emerging Media Design and Development and a background spanning content strategy, UX research, and digital marketing, Toyosi combines data-driven insights with clear, engaging writing to help homeowners make informed decisions. Passionate about translating complex roofing topics into helpful resources, she works closely with Hoel’s team of roofing experts to ensure every piece of content is accurate, practical, and user-focused.
