After a major storm hits, many homeowners may immediately ask:
👉 Should I call a roofer or insurance first?
It’s a fair question, and making the wrong move can sometimes create unnecessary stress, confusion, or even add claims to your record that may not have been needed.
At Storm Warden Roofing and Exteriors, we recommend starting with a professional roof inspection before filing a claim.
Here’s why.
Why Calling a Roofer First Often Makes Sense
A professional roofer can determine:
- Whether storm damage actually exists
- If the damage appears claim-worthy
- What areas may have been affected
- Whether immediate repairs are needed
👉 Filing a claim without confirmed damage can sometimes create unnecessary claim history.
A professional inspection helps homeowners make informed decisions first.
Storm Damage Isn’t Always Obvious
Not all hail or wind damage is visible from the ground. Some of the most common hidden issues include:
- Bruised Shingles
- Lifted seal strips
- Granule loss
- Flashing damage
👉 If you’re unsure what to look for, check out our guide on signs of wind damage on your roof.
What Happens If You Call Insurance First?
If you contact your insurance company first:
- A claim may immediately be opened
- An adjuster may be scheduled to inspect your property
- Damage that the adjuster finds may or may not qualify as storm realted damage
If little or no storm damage exists, homeowners can end up with a claim history entry on their record without receiving any insurance benefits. Too many claims on a record could negatively impact a homeowner’s chance to renew their future insurance policy.
That’s why many homeowners prefer to understand the condition of their roof before involving insurance.
A Roof Inspection Helps Build Your Case
A professional inspection first provides:
- Photo documentation of damages found
- A Storm related damage assessment which can help show how the storm contributed to the damage
- Identification of problem areas clearly marked to ensure insurance don’t overlook anything
- A clearer understanding of the next steps that should be taken such as filing a claim or holding off
For damage to qualify, insurance adjusters want to see a clear connection between the storm event and the damage found on the roof and exterior of a home. Having a professional inspect done first can help make that connection.
👉 If you still want to want to get your insurance involved first, learn more about why roof claims get denied in our blog on why roof insurance claims get denied in Texas.
Understanding Supplements and Insurance Estimates
Insurance paperwork can be very confusing for homeowners that are unfamiliar with roofing claims.
listed on your claim are terms and items like:
- Depreciation
- ACV (actual cash value) vs RCV (replacement cash value) policy
- supplements
- Type of damage reported
- scope discrepanices
Our supplemental claims partner provides a helpful breakdown of how roofing insurances claims work in their Anatomy of an Insurance Claim article.
Monitor Storm Activity After Severe Weather
If your neighborhood recently experienced hail or high winds, it’s a good idea to document storm dates and conditions as they will come in handy later.
To get an accurate measure of storm activity in your area, you can track weather activity through the National Weather Service website.
Beware of High-Pressure Storm Chasers
If you do prefer to have your roof inspected before calling your insurance company, do research on the contractor you choose. After major storms, many out-of-town companies begin knocking on doors immediately.
Be cautious of contractors who:
- Push you to file a claim right away
- Promise a “free roof”
- Avoid detailed inspections or provide little to no documentation
- Pressure homeowners into signing a contract immediately
- Demand a lot of money up front
- Cannot confidently navigate your insurance estimate (if you already have one)
👉 A trustworthy roofing company will give honest recommendations—even if your roof doesn’t need replacement, and will provide you with a good amount of evidence before asking you to sign anything.
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection
If your home recently experienced hail or wind damage, before involving your insurance, the smart first step is understanding the condition of your roof with a free roof inspection.
👉 When the storms strike… Call the Warden.
📞 682-224-2097
🌐 https://swrae.com
