The moments after a storm are exactly when homeowners get taken advantage of. You're rattled, your roof might be leaking, and a friendly crew shows up offering to "handle the insurance for you." Some are legitimate. Many are storm-chasers who inflate damage, do shoddy work, and vanish — leaving you with a denied claim and a roof that still leaks.
The antidote is simple: know your own roof's size and replacement value before anyone knocks. Then you control the conversation.
How to spot roof storm damage
- Hail: dark, dimpled spots where granules are knocked off; dented gutters, vents, and flashing; lots of granules in downspouts.
- Wind: missing, lifted, or creased shingles; exposed underlayment; debris on the roof.
- Inside: new water stains on ceilings, drips, or daylight in the attic.
Stay off the roof — document from the ground with a zoom lens or phone, and from the attic.
What to do, in order
- Document everything. Photos, the date, and the storm event (news/weather reports help).
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (tarp a leak) — keep receipts.
- Get your replacement value. Run the calculator so you have an independent number.
- File the claim promptly. Most policies have a tight window after the event.
- Choose your own contractor. Don't sign anything with a door-knocker on the spot.
Avoid storm-chaser scams
- Be wary of out-of-state crews that appear right after a storm and pressure you to sign immediately.
- Never sign an "Assignment of Benefits" handing your claim to a contractor without understanding it.
- A legitimate roofer is fine with you having your own estimate — a scammer isn't.
- Check licensing, local references, and reviews before committing.
Will insurance cover it?
Sudden storm and hail damage is typically covered — this is exactly what homeowners insurance is for. The full process, including the ACV-vs-replacement-cost trap, is in our insurance & claims guide.
High-risk areas
Hail and wind claims cluster in certain metros. If you're in Denver, Dallas–Fort Worth, or San Antonio, storm-driven replacements are routine — and so are the scams. Know your number first.