Inspect within 30 days of any storm with hail, sustained winds over 50 mph, or significant debris. Most insurance claim windows are short — between 30 days and a year — and they start ticking the moment the storm passes.
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After any storm strong enough to worry you, schedule a professional inspection within 30 days. That timeline is short for a reason: most insurance carriers require storm damage to be reported within 30 to 365 days from the date of loss, and many in the lower end of that range. Beyond the deadline, the insurer can deny the claim outright, even if the damage is clearly storm-related.
The 30-day target also matters because storm damage gets worse fast. A loose shingle the wind broke loose today is a leak the next time it rains. The longer the gap between the storm and the inspection, the harder it is to prove the damage came from that specific event.
Not every storm needs an inspection, but the threshold is lower than most homeowners think. Here's the rule of thumb:
| Storm condition | Inspection needed? |
|---|---|
| Hail under 1 inch (pea size) | Probably not, unless winds were extreme |
| Hail 1 inch (quarter size) or larger | Yes — schedule within 30 days |
| Hail 1.75 inches (golf ball) or larger | Yes — schedule within 1 week |
| Sustained winds 50–60 mph | Yes if you see any visible debris |
| Sustained winds 60+ mph or gusts 75+ mph | Yes — always |
| Tornado, hurricane, or named storm | Yes — within 1 week |
| Heavy snow load or ice damming | Yes — once it melts off |
| Visible debris on roof (branches, tiles) | Yes — always, regardless of storm size |
Most of it isn't visible from the ground. That's why you need a professional.
Missing, lifted, or creased shingles. Even shingles still in place may have lost their seal — invisible from below but a future leak waiting to happen.
Small round bruises on shingles, exposed black asphalt mat, dented metal flashing, dented gutters, and granules washed out in unusual quantity.
Punctures, broken shingles, or torn flashing from branches and flying objects. Often visible on the ground around the house, but the actual hit may not be.
New ceiling stains, attic moisture after a rain, or damp insulation. These typically appear days to weeks after the storm — the first sign water is getting in.
A sudden surge of granules after a storm means hail or wind has been wearing the protective layer off your shingles in patches.
Lifted, dented, or torn flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Most leaks after a storm trace back to flashing failure.
Insurance claim deadlines vary widely by carrier and state. The most common range is 6 to 12 months from the date of loss, but some policies require notice within 30 days, and a few allow up to 2 years. Florida has its own evolving rules around roof age and the "25% rule" for replacement coverage. Read your policy carefully or call your agent before a storm hits.
Even within your claim window, two things can hurt your case: a delayed inspection that makes the damage look pre-existing, and a roofing contractor who tries to advocate for the claim on your behalf. Get an independent inspection report first, then file the claim with your insurer.
Take dated photos from the ground showing your roof, gutters, and any visible debris or damage. Note the storm date and conditions.
Within the first week, ideally. Use an independent inspector or a roofer with no claim conflict. Free quote-based inspections are fine if you trust the company.
Photos of every damaged area, written description, and recommended repair scope. This is your insurance evidence.
Submit the report to your insurance carrier within their stated window. Don't sign anything from a roofer that grants them claim authority on your behalf.
The single most useful thing you can do after a major storm is set a reminder for the inspection — that day, while you're thinking about it. Pick a date 5 to 10 days out, get the email notification, and keep your insurance window safely open. For your regular annual cadence, see how often you should inspect your roof.
And if you're starting fresh on roof maintenance, the main roof inspection reminder covers the full annual schedule that catches problems before they need an emergency claim.
Within 30 days of any major storm — sustained winds over 50 mph, hail of any size, or significant debris. Sooner is better. Damage you can't see from the ground starts the leak clock immediately, and most insurance carriers require storm damage to be reported within 30 to 365 days depending on your policy.
Most policies allow 6 to 12 months from the date of loss, but the range is wide — some insurers require notice within 30 days, others give up to 2 years. Florida and a few other states have specific statutes. Read your policy or call your agent. The shorter the window, the more important a fast inspection is.
Hail roughly 1 inch in diameter (the size of a quarter) or larger can damage asphalt shingles. Golf-ball size hail (1.75 inches) almost always causes some damage. Even smaller hail can cause issues if winds are high enough to drive it sideways.
Wind damage shows up as missing, lifted, or creased shingles, often with the seal broken even if the shingle is still in place. Hail damage looks like small round bruises, exposed black asphalt mat, or granules suddenly washed out into your gutters. Most damage isn't visible from the ground — that's why you need a professional to walk the roof.
Usually yes. An independent inspection report gives you documented evidence before the adjuster arrives. Avoid using a roofing contractor who only gets paid if the claim approves — that creates a conflict of interest. A neutral inspector or a roofer with no skin in the claim outcome is more credible.
You'll likely have to pay for the repair out of pocket. Some insurers will deny claims even within the window if they decide the damage was old or pre-existing. Documenting the date and condition of your roof before storms (with regular inspections) is the best protection. After a storm, set a reminder for the inspection within the first week.
Free post-storm reminder. No account, no app. Set a date for your inspection right after the storm — the email shows up in time to keep your insurance claim alive.
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