Stay off the roof, stop any water coming inside, take photos from the ground, then get a professional roof inspection before you file an insurance claim.
Step by step
- Stay safe. Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof.
- Limit water damage. Put buckets under drips and move belongings. Call a roofer about an emergency tarp.
- Document it. Photograph damage you can see from the ground, ceiling stains and anything that fell. Note the date of the storm.
- Get an inspection. Hail damage is often invisible from the ground. A roofer can photograph the damage up close.
- Call your insurer. File within your policy's deadline and schedule the adjuster.
Watch out for storm chasers
After big storms, out-of-state crews knock on doors. Choose a local contractor with a real address and reviews you can check, and never pay in full before the work is done.