What to Do If a Storm Damaged Your Roof — A Step-by-Step Guide - from Covered Exteriors

Has your roof taken a beating from a recent storm? Not sure what to do next?

The first thing we want to tell you is: don’t panic. Unless your roof has a gaping hole in it, most storm-related damage won’t lead to immediate leaking or disaster—but it still needs to be addressed.

At Covered Exteriors, we’ve been involved in the roofing industry for over 25 years and have helped countless homeowners in New Jersey navigate the insurance claim process with confidence. If you're not sure where to start, this guide will walk you through what to do—step by step.

Step 1: Review Your Insurance Coverage

Before making any calls, take a few minutes to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. You want to confirm that storm-related roof damage—such as from wind, hail, or falling debris—is actually covered.

Most standard policies do include this kind of damage, but exclusions and limitations are common, especially for older roofs. If you’re not sure what your policy includes, contact your agent for clarification.

Step 2: Determine Whether You Have ACV or RCV Coverage

Not all insurance policies are created equal.

There are two main types of policies when it comes to roofing claims:

• Actual Cash Value (ACV) means your payout will reflect the depreciated value of your roof—so if your roof is 15 years old, the payout will be significantly lower than the cost to replace it.

• Replacement Cost Value (RCV) means your insurance should pay out what it actually costs to install a new roof—minus your deductible.

Understanding which policy you have is critical to making the right decision moving forward.

Step 3: Factor In Your Deductible

No matter what kind of policy you have, you are responsible for paying your deductible.

Let’s say your deductible is $1,000 and your roof replacement is $15,000. Whether you have ACV or RCV, you’ll need to budget for that deductible out-of-pocket. In some cases, homeowners may owe more if their coverage falls short.

Make sure you’re comfortable with the potential financial commitment before moving forward.

Step 4: Call Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve reviewed your coverage and decided to explore a claim, the next move is to contact your insurance provider.

Some insurers prefer to send an adjuster first, while others may recommend having a roofing contractor inspect the damage and submit documentation. Either route is fine, but we strongly suggest having Covered Exteriors on-site during the adjuster’s visit to ensure nothing is overlooked.

It’s your home—we’re here to represent your best interests.

Step 5: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Before or after your conversation with your insurance company, have your roof professionally inspected. At Covered Exteriors, we offer free storm damage inspections that include:

• A full walk-around and on-roof inspection

• Detailed photos of visible damage

• Markings and documentation of missing shingles, hail strikes, flashing issues, and more

Our certified technicians know what adjusters look for—and what they might miss. That way, you’re not flying blind when it’s time to move forward.

Step 6: Choose a Contractor Who Specializes in Insurance Claims

Insurance roofing work is not the same as retail roofing. You want a contractor who understands how to read Xactimate estimates, supplement missing line items, and ensure the insurance scope matches what’s actually needed to restore your roof correctly.

At Covered Exteriors, we don’t just install roofs—we handle the entire process from claim to completion. We’ll help you:

• Compare insurance estimates vs. real-world needs

• Submit supplements when line items are missing

• Make sure you get the roof you’re entitled to—not just the one they want to pay for

This last step is where many homeowners either get shortchanged or stuck. Our job is to make sure neither happens to you.

What Happens After Your Claim Gets Approved?

If your claim is approved, what happens next depends on your policy:

If You Have ACV Coverage:

You’ll receive a single check for the depreciated value of your roof. You’ll then pay your deductible and the remaining balance out of pocket, and we’ll move forward with installation.

If You Have RCV Coverage:

You’ll receive an initial ACV payment, which typically covers the deposit to get started. Once the work is done and we submit documentation showing completion, the insurance company releases the recoverable depreciation (the remaining balance). That gets applied to your final payment.

Covered Exteriors will guide you through each stage—no guesswork, no surprises.

Why Homeowners in NJ Trust Covered Exteriors

Storm damage claims can feel overwhelming. Insurance companies speak in terms most homeowners don’t deal with daily—and unfortunately, some roofers take advantage of that.

We do things differently.

• We’re experienced – Over 25 years in the business

• We’re local – Proudly serving NJ homeowners

• We’re thorough – From inspection to install to documentation

• We’re transparent – You’ll never be in the dark about what’s next

If your roof has been hit by wind or hail, let’s start with a free inspection and walk you through the process.

Call Covered Exteriors today at (929) 888-7374 or visit CoveredExteriors.com to schedule your storm damage evaluation.

You don’t need to do this alone—we’ve got you covered.