After a hail storm or severe wind event, your first thought is probably the roof. Your second is probably dread about dealing with the insurance company. We've helped hundreds of Eastern Iowa homeowners through this process, and we can tell you: it's manageable when you know the steps.
Step 1: Document Everything Before You Call Anyone
Before you call your insurance company — or a roofing contractor — take photos. Get photos of every area of visible damage from ground level. If it's safe, document any interior damage (water stains, wet insulation). Write down the date of the storm and any relevant weather information. This documentation becomes your evidence, and having it organized from the start makes every conversation easier.
Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company to Open a Claim
Once you've documented the damage, call your insurer to report it. They'll assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster to inspect your roof. Most insurance companies in Iowa have a window of time you're required to report damage — usually within a year of the event, but check your policy.
- Have your policy number ready
- Note the claim number they assign you
- Ask how long until an adjuster can come out
- Ask what the process is if you disagree with their assessment
Step 3: Get a Roofing Contractor Involved Early
This is the step most homeowners skip — and it's the one that costs them money. A qualified roofing contractor can be present during the adjuster's inspection to point out damage the adjuster might miss. Adjusters work for the insurance company. A contractor works for you. We do this for our customers all the time, and it regularly results in more complete settlements.
Step 4: Review the Adjuster's Report Carefully
After the inspection, you'll receive a written estimate from the adjuster. Read it line by line. Common things that get missed or underpaid: damaged gutters, fascia, ventilation components, and interior water damage. If the estimate seems low, don't just accept it. You have the right to dispute the assessment, and having a contractor's documentation to compare against the adjuster's report is the most effective way to do that.
Step 5: Understand Your Deductible and ACV vs. RCV
Your policy will either pay Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV). ACV pays for what your old roof was worth — depreciated for age. RCV pays for the actual cost to replace it with new materials. If you have an ACV policy, you'll receive less than the full replacement cost. If you have RCV, you typically receive an initial payment and then a second payment (recoverable depreciation) after the work is completed. Know which type you have before you start.
Step 6: Choose Your Contractor and Schedule the Work
Once the claim is approved, choose a licensed, local contractor — not a storm chaser who shows up after every major weather event and disappears when there's a problem. A local contractor has a reputation to protect in the community and will be around to honor any warranty. Get the work scheduled and completed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
The most important thing to remember: you don't have to go through this alone. We work with all insurance companies and have helped Eastern Iowa homeowners navigate claims from start to finish. If you've had storm damage and aren't sure where to start, call us first.