Storm Damage Repairs — Insurance Claims Made Simple

The surest way is a professional roof inspection after any storm with hail. From the ground, look for dents in gutters, downspouts, and metal flashing — these are reliable proxy indicators since aluminum dents from the same hail that damages shingles. Inside the attic, look for daylight or water staining. If you have a soft metal chimney cap, check it for pitting. But the definitive answer requires walking the roof and examining shingles for granule loss, bruising, and cracked tabs — something our free storm inspection covers.

Most homeowner policies require claims to be filed within one to two years of the damage event. Nebraska and Iowa both follow this general standard, though specific policy language varies. Don't let time pressure rush you into a bad decision, but don't wait either — storms are still occurring and a new weather event can complicate attributing damage to a specific storm date, which insurers sometimes use as grounds to contest claims.

Weather-related claims (hail, wind, tornado) are generally classified as 'acts of nature' by insurers and typically do not raise premiums the way at-fault auto claims do. That said, carriers differ and your policy terms govern. We recommend calling your agent to ask about the impact before filing a claim for minor damage — if the claim payment would be similar to your deductible, it may not be worth filing. For significant damage, the premium risk is almost always outweighed by the claim value.

Yes. We're experienced in the insurance process and can meet your adjuster on-site to ensure the inspection is thorough. We bring our own documentation — measured photos, impact density charts, and manufacturer storm damage identification guides — to support an accurate assessment. If a supplemental claim is needed after the initial payout, we handle that paperwork as well. You never pay us more than your insurance covers (less your deductible).