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What Should I Do When a Florida Storm Damages My Roof?

What Should I Do First After Storm Damage to My Roof?

Your priority is safety.

Once it’s safe to go outside:

  • Take photos and videos of all visible damage
  • Document storm conditions (wind, rain, fallen debris)
  • Cover openings or leaks with a tarp to prevent further damage
  • Save receipts for any temporary repairs

Avoid making permanent repairs until the insurance company inspects the damage.

Do I Have to Report the Roof Damage to My Insurance Company Right Away?

Yes. Florida requires homeowners to report property damage promptly. Delays may give the insurance company an excuse to deny or underpay your claim. However, you do not need to provide a detailed statement immediately; notify them of the loss and request an inspection.

What Evidence Should I Collect Before Filing the Claim?

Strong documentation is crucial.

Collect:

  • Photos/videos before and after the storm (if available)
  • Interior damage (ceiling stains, wet insulation, mold)
  • Damaged shingles, tiles, flashing, gutters, or debris
  • Contractor or roofing estimates
  • Weather reports from the date of the storm

The more proof you have, the harder it is for the insurer to dispute your claim.

Should I Call a Roofing Company Before Calling the Insurer?

You can contact a roofer for temporary repairs or a preliminary estimate, but do not authorize complete replacement work before the insurance inspection.

Some roofing companies may pressure you into signing contracts that assign your rights away. Always read the fine print or consult an attorney first.

What if the Insurance Adjuster Says the Roof Damage Is “Wear and Tear”?

This is one of the most common denial tactics in Florida.

Insurance companies often try to blame storm damage on:

  • Age
  • Maintenance issues
  • Deterioration
  • Prior damage

If the adjuster claims this, get a second opinion from a licensed roofer and contact an insurance claim attorney immediately. Disputing this early can prevent a complete denial later.

Will Insurance Cover a Full Roof Replacement or Just Repairs?

It depends on:

  • The age of your roof
  • Your policy (Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value)
  • The extent of the damage
  • Florida building codes

In many cases, if more than 25% of a roof section is damaged, the Florida building code requires complete replacement. Insurance companies often avoid mentioning this.

How Long Does a Florida Storm Roof Damage Claim Take?

By law, insurers must:

  • Acknowledge your claim within 14 days
  • Inspect in a “reasonable” time
  • Make a coverage decision within 60 days (in most cases after SB 2A reforms)

However, many carriers delay, lowball, or deny claims, especially after large storms when thousands of homeowners file at once.

What if the Insurance Company Denies My Roof Claim?

You still have options.

You can:

  • Request a reinspection
  • Submit additional documentation
  • Challenge the decision
  • Hire Williams Law Association, P.A.’s expert Florida storm damage insurance claim attorneys to dispute the denial

Many denied claims become paid claims after a lawyer gets involved.

Can I Re-open my Roof Damage Claim if the Payment Was Too Low?

Yes. In Florida, you can reopen an underpaid claim (also called a supplemental claim) if:

  • Additional damage is discovered
  • The original payment was insufficient
  • The insurance company undervalued roofing materials or labor

Underpayments are extremely common, especially with tile roofs or older homes.

Do I Need an Attorney for a Storm-Related Roof Claim?

While you’re not required to hire a lawyer, many homeowners choose to because:

  • Insurance adjusters may minimize storm damage
  • Carriers frequently deny roof claims
  • SB 2A has made the claims process tougher for policyholders
  • Roof repairs and replacements are expensive
  • Insurers may try to void coverage based on technicalities

Our expert Florida insurance claim attorneys protect your rights, handle communications, and fight for the full benefits you’re owed.

How Do I Know if the Damage is Enough to Justify a Claim?

Even “minor” roof damage can lead to:

  • Water intrusion
  • Mold growth
  • Structural weakening
  • Interior damage
  • Higher repair costs over time

If shingles are missing, tiles are cracked, or the roof is leaking, you should file a claim.

Need Help with a Storm-Damaged Roof? We’re Here for You.

If your roof was damaged by a hurricane, tropical storm, or severe weather, and your insurance company is delaying, denying, or underpaying your claim, you don’t have to face them alone.