Don’t File an Insurance Claim After a Storm Until You Do This First
When a major storm rolls through town, the first instinct many homeowners have is to immediately call their insurance company and file a claim. After all, that’s what insurance is for—right?
Not so fast. Filing a claim too quickly can actually hurt you in the long run. Before you pick up the phone to your insurance agent, there’s a critical step you should take first: have a trusted roofing contractor inspect your home.
Why You Shouldn’t File a Claim Immediately
Every time you file a claim—whether it results in a payout or not—it goes on your record. Insurance companies look at your claims history when setting your rates. Too many claims, especially ones that didn’t result in repairs or a replacement, can:
Raise your premiums when you renew your policy.
Make it harder to switch providers if you sell your home and need new coverage.
Cost you more out-of-pocket if the damage doesn’t exceed your deductible.
In other words, filing a claim without knowing if it’s truly necessary can end up costing you more than it helps.
Step One: Call a Roofing Contractor You Trust
Before involving your insurance company, bring in a professional roofer to assess the situation. A qualified contractor will:
Look for visible storm damage such as missing shingles, dents, or punctures.
Check for less obvious issues like lifted shingles, granule loss, or minor leaks that could become bigger problems later.
Give you an honest evaluation of whether the damage is significant enough to involve insurance.
Sometimes, the roof may have no real damage at all. Other times, there may be minor issues that can be repaired for less than your deductible. And in more serious cases, a roofer can confirm that filing a claim is the right move.
How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor
Not all contractors are created equal. After a storm, “storm chasers” and unreliable handymen often flood neighborhoods, trying to sign homeowners into contracts. To protect yourself, make sure you choose a roofer who:
Comes recommended by people you know and trust.
Has a proven track record, with legitimate reviews on Google.
Operates as a legitimate, insured business, not just someone with a ladder and a truck.
An experienced, reputable roofing contractor will give you the truth about your roof—whether that means confirming you’re in the clear, recommending a simple repair, or advising that it’s time to file a claim.
When It’s Time to File a Claim
If your roofer confirms significant storm damage, that’s when it makes sense to involve your insurance company. Your contractor can even help guide you through the process by:
Meeting the insurance adjuster on-site.
Showing them the specific damage found during inspection.
Ensuring that all repair or replacement needs are documented correctly.
This gives you a much better chance of having your roof replacement approved and covered by insurance.
Protect Your Record, Protect Your Home
The bottom line: don’t rush to file a claim after a storm. Take the smart approach—get your roof inspected first so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
At Community Roofing Texas, we offer free storm damage inspections to homeowners in Houston and surrounding areas. Our team provides honest, professional assessments so you know whether filing a claim makes sense—or if your roof is still in good shape.
👉 Call us today at 713-364-4525 or visit CommunityRoofingTexas.com to schedule your free inspection.
✅ Protect your insurance record. Save money. And get peace of mind knowing the true condition of your roof before taking the next step.