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Key Takeaways
- Time is money (and coverage!)—waiting too long after a storm can lead to bigger damage and denied claims.
- Pics or it didn’t happen—document everything with photos, videos, and receipts before making quick fixes.
- Know your policy—ACV gives you what your roof is “worth,” RCV covers what it actually costs to replace.
- Denied claims happen—missed deadlines, weak evidence, or “pre-existing” excuses can kill your payout.
- At Apex Restoration & Roofing, we’ve got your back—from free inspections to claim support, we make it easy.
Filing a Roofing Insurance Claim? Start Here
A storm just came through, and now your roof is in rough shape. Missing shingles? Leaks? A full-on disaster? We get it—it’s stressful. And now, on top of everything, you have to deal with insurance.
Where do you even start? Between paperwork, adjusters, and fine print, the process can feel like a never-ending maze. But don’t worry—we’re here to make it simple.
This guide breaks it all down, step by step, so you get the payout you deserve—without the headache.
Let’s do this.
| Apex Restoration & Roofing: Your Roofing Specialists in Colorado Located in Englewood, Colorado, Apex Restoration & Roofing offers expert residential and commercial roofing services. With over 27 years of experience, we specialize in roof replacements, repairs, and storm damage restoration, using only the highest quality materials. Our A+ BBB rating and a 5-star rating on Google from satisfied customers ensure your project meets the highest standards of quality and satisfaction. See the Apex difference today! |
Storm Damage & Insurance: What You Need to Know
Storm damage is an insurance minefield. Unlike regular wear and tear, insurers scrutinize storm claims hard to make sure that the damage wasn’t just your roof aging.
So what counts as “storm damage” in the insurance world?
How Insurance Companies Assess Storm Damage
| Type of Damage | What Causes It? | How Insurers Judge It |
| Wind Damage | Strong winds, hurricanes, tornadoes | Look for missing, curled, or lifted shingles |
| Hail Damage | Hailstones of any size | Check for dents on shingles, gutters, and flashing |
| Water Leaks | Heavy rain, ice dams | Inspect for ceiling stains, mold, and hidden leaks |
| Fallen Trees & Debris | Wind-blown branches, flying debris | Check for punctures, broken shingles, and structural damage |
⚠️ Insurance companies love calling damage “pre-existing” to deny claims. That’s why documenting storm damage ASAP is super important—you need to prove the storm is to blame, not old age.
How to File a Storm Damage Insurance Claim
1. Inspect & Document the Damage (Receipts = Payouts)
- Snap clear, time-stamped photos—multiple angles, close-ups, and any missing shingles, dents, or leaks.
- Keep weather reports—if a storm hits, you need proof!
- Record a video walking through the damage—adjusters love that extra clarity.
2. Prevent More Damage (But Don’t Go Full DIY Mode)
- Cover leaks with tarps or temporary patches—insurers expect you to prevent further damage.
- Save ALL receipts for quick fixes—some insurance policies reimburse these costs.
3. Call Your Insurance Provider ASAP (Speed = Success)
- Time limits apply! File your claim fast to avoid missing the deadline.
- Schedule the adjuster’s visit—this is where they assess how much they’ll pay.
4. Get a Pro Roof Inspection (Before the Adjuster Arrives)
- Your adjuster works for the insurance company—NOT for you.
- Not sure when to schedule an inspection? Here’s when to call in the pros.
- At Apex, we offer free storm damage inspections to make sure you get a fair payout.
5. Work with a Legit Roofing Contractor (No Storm-Chasing Scammers)
- Choose a licensed, insured pro—fly-by-night roofers vanish after a storm.
- Get detailed, written estimates—confirm coverage before signing anything!
Storm Damage Claim: What’s Covered & What’s Not
Covered (AKA “Yes, They’ll Pay”):
- Wind & Hail Damage: If a storm tears through, your roof should be covered.
- Fallen Trees & Debris: If a tree lands on your house, insurance picks up the tab.
- Storm-Related Leaks: Rain sneaking in through storm damage? You’re good.
- Structural Roof Failure: If the storm literally takes your roof away, that’s on them.
Not Covered (AKA “Nice Try, But No”):
- Old or Neglected Roofs: If your roof was on its last leg before the storm, they won’t pay.
- Flood Damage: That’s a whole other policy (and a different headache).
- Regular Wear & Tear: Insurance covers sudden damage, not aging roofs.
- Pests or Mold: If raccoons threw a party in your attic, you’re on your own.
ACV vs. RCV: Will You Get the Full Payout?
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) = Depreciated payout (Older roof? You’ll get less.)
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV) = Full cost to replace at today’s market rates.
- Knowing your policy type = Knowing your $$$ expectations.
Denied Insurance Claims: Why It Happens (And How to Fight Back)
Why Insurance May Say “No”
- Missed Deadlines: Insurance has strict claim deadlines (usually 6-12 months). Miss it, and you’re out of luck.
- Weak Evidence: No photos, videos, or reports? Your claim is toast.
- “Pre-Existing” Excuse: Insurers love blaming old damage so they don’t have to pay.
- No Temporary Fixes: If you didn’t cover up leaks, they may say you made it worse.
How to Avoid Getting Denied
- File ASAP! Don’t wait—get the ball rolling right after the storm.
- Get a pro inspection. (At Apex, we do this for free!) The stronger your report, the better your case.
- Document EVERYTHING. Photos, videos, repair receipts—keep a record of it all.
- Know your rights! Appealing a denial is an option—you don’t have to accept “no” without a fight.
Lock In Your Insurance Claim & Protect Your Home
Your roof protects everything under it—so don’t let a storm (or tricky insurance process) leave you hanging.
Recap of the Game Plan:
- Document damage ASAP—photos, videos, and notes are your best defense.
- Know your policy—ACV vs. RCV makes a BIG difference in your payout.
- Call in the pros—trusted roofing experts (like us!) make the process easy and stress-free.
The right moves = maximum payout = zero headaches. You’ve got this!
Apex Makes Insurance Claims Easy (So You Don’t Have To Sweat It)
Filing an insurance claim can be a headache. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. At Apex, we handle the hard stuff so you can focus on what matters—getting your roof (and your life) back to normal.
Here’s How We Help:
- Free Storm Damage Inspections: We spot hidden damage before you even file your claim.
- Insurance Claim Assistance: We deal with adjusters to make sure you get what you deserve.
- Top-Tier Repairs: We use high-quality materials so your roof is built to last.
Storm damage? Insurance claim confusion? We’ll walk you through it. Call us at (303) 691-5035 for a free roof inspection today! Or schedule one online!
Let’s make this easy—because you’ve got better things to do than fight with insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How soon should I file a claim after storm damage occurs?
ASAP. Most insurance policies have tight deadlines (usually 6-12 months), and delaying can get your claim denied. Plus, the longer you wait, the worse the damage gets—and insurance companies love blaming that on you instead of the storm. Snap photos, call a pro, and start the claim ASAP.
What should I do immediately after finding roof damage from a storm?
- Step one? Whip out your phone and start snapping. Get time-stamped photos and videos of missing shingles, dents, leaks—everything. Save weather reports, too.
- Step two? Cover up any leaks with tarps to stop further damage (but don’t go full DIY mode).
- Step three? Call your insurance company and book a pro inspection—because a strong claim starts with solid proof.
What if my insurance claim is denied or the payout is less than expected?
A denied claim isn’t game over—just halftime. If your payout is too low (or full-out rejected), fight back. Gather more photos, expert reports, and repair estimates to make your case. If needed, request a reassessment or appeal.
Do I need a roofing contractor to assist with the insurance claim process?
Do you need coffee in the morning? Technically no, but it sure makes life easier. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not you—which means they may miss things. A roofing contractor makes sure every bit of storm damage is documented so you get the full payout you need.
At Apex, we offer free storm damage consultation and work directly with adjusters to make sure homeowners don’t get shortchanged.
What is the difference between Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV) in insurance policies?
- ACV is the “used car” version of payouts—your insurance company factors in depreciation, so older roofs get smaller checks.
- RCV is the “brand-new car” version—it covers full replacement costs at today’s prices.
If you want a bigger payout that covers the actual cost of replacing your roof, RCV is the way to go. ACV? You may be stuck paying the difference out of pocket.
