What to Do After Storm Damage — And How the Insurance Claim Process Works

A storm rolls through Columbus or Fortson, you notice something on the news about hail, and the next morning you're staring at your roof not knowing if you have a problem or not. Here's exactly what to do — and what most homeowners get wrong.

Step 1: Don't Get on the Roof

This sounds obvious, but every season we hear from homeowners who climbed up to check and made the situation worse — or got hurt. A wet, storm-damaged roof is unpredictable. Document what you can safely from the ground: missing shingles, visible damage to gutters or fascia, tree limbs on the roof, interior water stains on ceilings.

Step 2: Call a Local Contractor, Not Your Insurance Company First

Most homeowners do this backwards. They file a claim first, an adjuster comes out, and they accept whatever number the insurance company produces — often without knowing if it covers what the job actually requires.

The better sequence: get a licensed contractor on the roof first. A good contractor will document the damage thoroughly — photos, measurements, material-by-material assessment — and give you a clear scope of work. Then when the adjuster arrives, you have your own documentation to compare against.

Be wary of out-of-state "storm chasers" who show up in your neighborhood after a big event and pressure you to sign paperwork on the spot. Use a local contractor who will be there after the job is done.

Step 3: Understand What Insurance Covers

Most standard homeowner's policies cover roof damage caused by sudden, accidental events — wind, hail, fallen trees. They do not cover damage from normal wear, age, or lack of maintenance.

The key terms to understand:

• Actual Cash Value (ACV): The insurance company pays you the depreciated value of your roof — not what it costs to replace it. An older roof will get a lower payout.
• Replacement Cost Value (RCV): The better policy: you get paid the full replacement cost, with depreciation "held back" until you actually complete the work. Once the job is done and you submit receipts, you receive the rest.
• Deductible: What you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. In Georgia, some policies have a separate, higher wind/hail deductible — check your declarations page.

Step 4: The Adjuster Visit

When your insurance company sends an adjuster, have your contractor present or available. A good contractor can walk the adjuster through the damage scope, answer technical questions, and ensure nothing gets missed. Line items that adjusters commonly under-document include: ice and water shield, proper ventilation upgrades required by current code, full flashing replacement (not just patching), and code-compliance upgrades.

If the adjuster's estimate is significantly lower than your contractor's scope, you have the right to negotiate or invoke the appraisal process. A detailed, itemized contractor estimate is your best tool in that conversation.

Step 5: Don't Wait Too Long

Most insurance policies have a filing deadline — typically 12 months from the date of loss, but some are shorter. More practically: roof damage that goes unaddressed leads to secondary damage (water intrusion, mold, structural rot) that may not be covered because it's considered a maintenance issue rather than storm damage.

If you suspect storm damage, get an inspection scheduled. Even if you decide not to file a claim, knowing the condition of your roof is never a waste of time.

What We Do on Storm Calls

When Buckstop Roofing responds to a storm damage call in Columbus, Fortson, Hamilton, or anywhere else in our service area, here's what you get:

• A licensed specialist gets on the roof — we don't guess from the driveway
• Full photo documentation of all damage, organized by location
• Written scope of work with itemized materials and labor
• We attend the adjuster visit if you want us there
• We work directly with your insurance company on your behalf
• No charge for the inspection — ever