A step-by-step guide from a GAF Certified contractor who has documented and managed hundreds of storm damage claims across PA, NJ & Delaware.
After a major storm — hail, high winds, or a fallen tree — many Pennsylvania and New Jersey homeowners are unsure whether they have a valid insurance claim, how to start one, or whether calling a roofer first is even the right move. This guide walks you through the entire process clearly.
Before anything else, take photos. Get every visible sign of damage — missing shingles, dented gutters, damaged flashing, debris on the roof. Date-stamp the photos if your phone doesn’t do it automatically. This becomes your baseline evidence.
If it’s safe to do so, look in your attic for water stains, wet insulation, or daylight. These are critical to capture before they dry out or fade.
This is the step most homeowners get backwards. Call a qualified contractor before you call your insurance company. Here’s why: a trained roofing inspector can document damage that a desk adjuster will never identify — hail hits on pipe boots, cracked ridge caps, damaged underlayment exposed by lifted shingles. This documentation becomes the basis for your entire claim.
We provide professional damage documentation at no cost as part of our storm damage service. We’ve worked with every major insurer operating in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Pennsylvania law generally gives homeowners two years from the date of loss to file a storm damage claim, but practically speaking — the sooner you file, the better. Insurers become skeptical about damage that’s reported months after a documented storm event.
When you file, have your policy number ready, the approximate date of the storm, and your initial documentation. Your claim will be assigned to an adjuster who will schedule an inspection.
Never let an adjuster inspect your property without a roofing contractor present. This is not adversarial — it’s practical. Your contractor knows what to look for and can point out damage the adjuster might otherwise miss, walk, or overlook.
We always accompany our clients during adjuster visits at no extra charge. Our documentation and the adjuster’s report should match closely — if they don’t, we can support a supplemental claim.
After the adjuster’s visit, you’ll receive a Scope of Loss document that details what the insurer will pay to repair or replace. Review this carefully:
If anything looks incomplete, your contractor can help you file a supplement — a common and legitimate process.
Once the claim is approved, select a licensed, insured contractor. Be very cautious of out-of-state contractors who appear after storms — storm chasers — who take your money, do substandard work, and leave before problems appear. Always choose a local, established contractor with a verifiable address and references.
Document and report within days of the storm event. Waiting weeks or months invites adjuster skepticism.
First scopes are often incomplete. Supplements are normal and should be expected when significant components were missed.
Never sign an Assignment of Benefits agreement. These transfer your insurance rights to a third party and are illegal in many states. A legitimate contractor will never ask you to sign one.
If you’ve experienced storm damage anywhere in PA, NJ, or Delaware, contact us immediately for a free inspection and documentation report.
Schedule a free, no-obligation roof evaluation. We serve Blue Bell, PA and all surrounding areas across PA, NJ & Delaware.