A bad storm rolls through, you find shingles in your yard, and now you’re wondering — does insurance cover this?
In most cases, yes. Homeowner’s insurance typically covers roof damage caused by storms, hail, wind, and fallen trees. But “typically covers” and “actually pays out” are two different things, and a lot of homeowners leave money on the table because they don’t know how the process works.
Here are the biggest mistakes we see:
Mistake #1: Waiting too long to file. Most insurance policies have a time limit for reporting damage — often 12-18 months, sometimes less. After a big hailstorm (and we get them regularly along the Wasatch Front), people sometimes don’t realize they have damage because it’s not visible from the ground. By the time they find out — maybe during a routine inspection or when a leak develops — they’ve missed the window. Don’t wait. If there’s been a major storm, get an inspection.
Mistake #2: Filing the claim before getting an independent inspection. Your insurance company will send their own adjuster, and that adjuster works for them, not for you. That doesn’t mean they’re dishonest, but they’re trained to assess conservatively. Having your own inspection done first gives you documentation and a point of comparison. If the adjuster’s assessment is significantly lower than what a licensed roofer found, you have grounds to push back.
Mistake #3: Not understanding your deductible. Utah uses a standard deductible (not a percentage-based one like some hurricane-prone states). But plenty of homeowners file a claim, get approved, and then are disappointed when the payout doesn’t seem like much — because they forgot to account for their $1,000 or $2,500 deductible. Know your numbers before you start the process.
Mistake #4: Trying to do it alone. We’ve helped homeowners navigate the claims process for over 11 years. We know how to document damage properly, what the adjusters are looking for, and how to supplement a claim if the initial offer is too low. We handle the back-and-forth so you don’t have to.
The bottom line: if you’ve had storm damage, you likely have coverage. But you need to move quickly, document thoroughly, and ideally have a roofer in your corner who understands the insurance side of things. That’s what we’re here for.
Ready to get your roof inspected? Call V3 Roofing at (385) 900-4618 for a FREE estimate.
