Storms are a common threat to residential and commercial roofing in Michigan. It’s important to know what to do after storm damage, so you can protect your building from the elements and preserve its structural integrity. Always have your insurance company’s contact information on hand so you can proceed quickly if your roofing is compromised. Here’s what you need to know to file a claim and get the best benefits.
Understanding Storm Damage and When to File Claims
The state of Michigan suffered 60 confirmed weather and climate disasters between 1980 and 2024, resulting in over $1 billion in accumulated damages. These events included 41 severe storms, 7 winter storms, and one tropical cyclone. Storm-driven wind and hail can cause severe roof damage. But even snow can create trouble for a Michigan roof in areas like Gaylord and Buckley. The weight of the snow alone can cause roofs to collapse.
It’s important to know how to file a roof insurance claim in Michigan. Amid the shock and cleanup, this step is easily forgotten, but prompt action makes a big difference in the final cost of the catastrophe.
Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately
Knowing how to document roof damage can make the difference between a successful claim and a denial. Accurate, detailed documentation proves that your residential roofing has suffered measurably. Take pictures and video of the damage before you do anything else. A slow video walk-through is a great accompaniment to a photo collection for reference sake.
Put safety first and never trust a damaged roof to hold your weight. Capture photos from all angles, including the ground. If the roof collapsed into the home or there’s obvious water damage inside from compromised roofing, take photos of the interior as well. Get close-up images of damaged shingles, dented flashing, and shingles or roof debris in the yard. Place a common item like a dollar bill in these close-up shots so the insurance company can evaluate the damage to scale.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly
Start the roof insurance claim process as soon as possible after the storm. Most insurance companies have a six to 12-month deadline for filing your claim. If you wait too long, your roof damage won’t be covered because of the timeline alone. In storm-prone areas like Manistique, insurance companies will often face a flood of filings after severe weather events. The sooner you get your claim in, the sooner you’ll get the help you need.
Review your insurance policy to make sure you have all the required information in hand before you make the call. This includes a detailed account of the damage, the purchase price of any damaged property, the date of the damage, and your supporting photos.
Step 3: Schedule and Prepare for the Insurance Adjuster Visit
An insurance adjuster must conduct a roof inspection for an insurance claim. Do not conduct any repairs before the inspector’s visit unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you must take protective measures to keep your home safe, discuss this with your insurance provider and follow their guidelines so you don’t accidentally void your coverage.
The insurance adjuster will evaluate your roof damage to determine whether it’s recent, storm-related, and covered under your policy. The adjuster will also determine what kind of repairs you’re eligible for. In general, if more than 30% of your roof is damaged, the insurer will opt to replace rather than repair it. If your policy has Replacement Cost Value (RCV) coverage, the insurer will pay to replace the roof with similar roofing materials. Without this coverage, your insurance may only pay for the depreciated value of the previous roofing.
Step 4: Work With Your Roofing Contractor During the Process
Contact a local roofing company for a pre-adjuster inspection that you can give the insurance adjuster when they arrive. A roofing contractor can provide expert information to supplement the insurance adjuster’s report. Professional roofers who are familiar with the Buckley, Gaylord, and Manistique climate can identify damage caused by common weather patterns in the area. Local contractors know their local building codes inside and out. They may spot issues that put your home out of compliance, which an insurance adjuster might miss.
A local roofing company can accurately quote the repair costs. They’ll factor in key facts like the current price of materials and labor in the area. These details can make a big difference in the final cost of your claim.
Contact us today at (906) 466-7663 to learn more about how we help protect your home year-round.
Step 5: Review the Settlement and Get Roofing Repairs
Insurance payouts for roofs that have suffered wind and hail damage average $13,000. However, this doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed such a generous amount. Insurance companies exist to make a profit, and some will quickly find reasons to question a claim. Your insurer may claim that your roof suffered only cosmetic damage or that the damage pre-existed the storm. If you are offered a settlement, you may find that it falls far short of the actual repair or replacement cost.
This is where your documentation and pre-adjuster inspection come in handy. You can contest the settlement with information and an expert advocate of your own. If the final settlement still doesn’t cover the full cost, look into financing options that will help you restore your home before the damage gets worse. Reliable, quality repairs are important to protect your home from future storms, and a lengthy delay leaves you vulnerable.
Get Professional Help With Your Michigan Roof Insurance Claim
Documenting the damage and partnering with a roofing expert can make a big difference in the outcome when you’re filing a roofing claim. Story Roofing is an experienced local contractor with over 50 years of experience protecting and repairing Michigan homes. We can help with recovery after the storm, so you can rest easy knowing your home is safe.