What To Do When My Home is Damaged From A Storm

When a bad storm damages your home, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. But don't panic! There's a clear process to follow that can make things much smoother. Filing a home insurance claim for storm damage can seem complicated, but with the right steps, you can navigate it successfully.

🚨 Key Steps to Follow

• Assess the Damage: Carefully inspect your entire home for any signs of damage, big or small.
• Review Your Policy: Understand your coverage limits and what types of damage your policy covers.
• Contact Your Agent: Notify your AHI Agent as soon as possible to start the claims process.
• Document Everything: Take detailed photos, videos, and notes of all damages. Document everything!
• File Your Claim Promptly: File your claim quickly to meet your insurer's deadlines and avoid problems.

🏠 Step 1: Check for Damage

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Before you even look at your insurance policy, your first job is to figure out how much damage the storm caused. A complete and careful assessment is the best thing for your entire claim and ensures you don’t miss anything that could cause problems later. Approach this with a calm and collected mindset.

Look for Damage Everywhere:

Start by doing a walk-around of your property. This is a focused search for any signs of damage. Pay close attention to signs of roof damage, like missing or broken shingles. Also check your windows and siding for cracks or holes. A flashlight will be helpful for checking poorly lit areas like the attic or basement, where water damage might be hiding.

Be Safe

If you see areas that look dangerous, like a sagging roof or cracked walls, stay away until a professional can check them out. Don't risk getting hurt by trying to inspect or fix dangerous situations on your own.

Identifying Areas of Damage

After your first walk-through, make a detailed list of every single area that was affected. Explicitly listing types of damage like roof damage and wind damage will help organize your claim.

Common Types of Storm Damage to Look For

After a severe storm, certain types of damage are very common. Wind damage is a major one, often causing harm to siding, windows, and gutters. The most frequent and often most expensive issue is roof damage. High winds can lift, curl, or tear off shingles, leaving your home exposed to leaks. When you inspect your property, pay special attention to these areas, as they will likely be a major part of your home insurance claim.

📘 Step 2: Read Your Home Insurance Policy

Knowing what's in your home insurance policy is a critical step. Your policy is the rulebook that explains what is and isn't covered, giving you a roadmap for the claim you're about to file.

Know What It Covers:

Your policy documents state the maximum amount of money your insurance company will pay for different types of damage. These are your coverage limits.

You also need to know your deductible. This is the amount of money you have to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance starts to cover the costs. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and $10,000 in damage, you would pay the first $1,000, and the insurance company would cover the remaining $9,000 (up to your coverage limit).

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📞 Step 3: Contact Your AHI Agent

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Once you have assessed the damage and reviewed your policy, it’s time to contact your agent. This is when the official claims process begins. Acting quickly can make a big difference.

Call Right Away:

Call your AHI insurance agent or the company's claims hotline as soon as you can. The faster you report the damage, the faster we can start working on your claim. Your AHI agent will guide you through the next steps and tell you what documents you need to provide.

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Be Ready

Before you call, get your information ready. Have your policy number handy, along with your detailed list of damages and any photos or videos you’ve taken. Being prepared makes the call go more smoothly and shows your insurer you are serious about getting the situation resolved.

Tip: If you already have repair estimates, that can help move things along faster.

📸 Step 4: Document the Damage

Proper documentation is the foundation of a strong insurance claim. Without good evidence, it's difficult to prove your losses.

Take Lots of Photos and Videos:

Visual proof is powerful. Take clear photos and videos of all damaged areas from multiple angles.

For example, if you have roof damage, take pictures from the ground showing the missing shingles, and if it's safe, get closer shots. Do the same for any visible wind damage to your siding or windows. If your phone or camera can add a timestamp to the images, that’s even better.

Keep Notes and Receipts:

In addition to photos, keep a log of all your communications. Write down the date, time, and name of every person you speak with at the insurance company, as well as what you discussed. Keep all receipts for temporary repairs, emails, and any other documents related to your claim in an organized folder.

🔨 Step 5: Make Temporary Repairs

Prevent More Damage:

Cover a broken window or a hole in the roof with a tarp to prevent more water from getting in. Your insurance company will appreciate you taking steps to prevent the damage from getting worse. Keep all receipts for these repairs.

Save Receipts:

If you spend money on temporary repairs, keep the receipts. Your insurance might pay you back.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting Too Long: Most policies have deadlines. Don’t delay—file your claim fast.
• Not Knowing Your Limits: You could end up with unexpected costs if you don’t know your coverage.
• Throwing Away Evidence: Always keep proof—photos, notes, receipts. You might need them if there’s a dispute.

📝 Step 6: File Your Claim

Fill Out Forms Carefully

Make sure everything is correct—mistakes can delay or even deny your claim.

Send All Proof Quickly

Submit your photos, videos, and receipts with your claim. The faster you submit, the faster your claim is handled.

🤝 Step 7: Work With Adjusters and Contractors

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Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

They’ll visit your home to inspect the damage. Be there to show them everything. Give them your list, photos, and receipts.

Hire Good Contractors

Choose licensed, insured companies to do the repairs. Check reviews and get a clear estimate before work begins.

⏱ Understanding the Process

How Long Will It Take?

Claims don’t get paid overnight. Most take a few weeks. Ask your insurance company for a timeline so you know what to expect.

Stay in Touch:

Keep in contact with your insurer. Call for updates if you haven’t heard anything in a while. Good communication can help things go more smoothly.

💰 Step 8: Settle the Claim the Right Way

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Read the Offer Carefully

Make sure the settlement offer covers all your damage and repairs. If it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Need to Appeal?

If your claim is denied or the offer is too low, you can appeal. Gather more evidence and ask for a second look. You can also get help from a public adjuster if needed.

📚 FAQ: Storm Damage Claims Made Simple