The best time to file a roof insurance claim is after an inspection confirms there is real storm damage and the cost to fix it is above your deductible.
By the numbers
- Memphis-area severe weather peaks April through June: tornadoes in April, hail in May, damaging wind in June, with a second hail and tornado peak in November and December.
- Your deductible matters: if a repair costs less than your deductible, the insurer pays $0 on that claim.
Step 1: Get an inspection first
An inspection tells you whether the roof was actually damaged, how much, and roughly what it will cost to fix. That way you aren’t filing a claim for damage that isn’t there, or for a repair that costs less than your deductible.
Step 2: Don’t wait too long
Most homeowners policies set a time limit for reporting storm damage, and waiting can make it harder to show that damage came from a specific storm. Check your policy for its reporting deadline. Insurance companies also track storms, so they often already know a storm hit your area.
Step 3: Schedule the adjuster visit
When your insurer sends an adjuster, you can ask to schedule the visit at a time when your roofer can be there. A roofer can point out damage the adjuster might miss and answer technical questions on the spot.
Step 4: Review the estimate
Compare the insurance estimate with your roofer’s findings before work begins. We can help you understand it. Learn more about storm damage or schedule an inspection.
