Should You File a Storm Damage Claim

If you’re a homeowner, you likely have insurance on your home. You probably don’t think much about it month after month, but there’s a reason you pay those premiums. When a storm hits, don’t forget to use your coverage.

In Maryland, we experience a wide variety of weather events that can cause damage to your home’s siding or roof. We see rain, wind, hail, and snow on a regular basis. Filing a storm damage claim is essential to your repair process after the storm passes. Not only can you get your home repaired in record time, you may also be eligible for upgrades. Here are a few reasons why filing your insurance claim in a timely manner is a smart decision.

There’s Damage

If there is damage to your home that exceeds your deductible, this is the perfect time to file your insurance claim. Damage may seem minimal to the untrained eye, but a professional can see far beyond what the average person can. There may be damage underneath your structure or invisible hazards that you aren’t aware of. We can provide an estimate to determine the approximate cost of the necessary repairs.

Act Fast

If you have your home exposed to the elements for any period of time, you are inviting in a wide array of problems. Water contact for any length of time can lead to foundation disrepair and even mold. There is also a time limit for filing a claim on most policies and you don’t want to fall outside that window. If you wait when you should be acting, you could be in breach of your policy’s timeline limits. Check with your individual insurance company for more information on the window of time you have to file a claim after storm damage.

Know Your Policy

The only way to know if your storm damage claim will be fairly covered is to be familiar with your policy. No two policies are the same. It’s important to know the particulars of what will and will not be covered during a claim. We recommend that you contact your insurer for any questions regarding your policy as we are unable to advise you on your policy. Some of the more important sections to understand are the declaration page, changes and renewals, coverage levels, policy terms, the sample declaration page, and the insuring agreement. Each of these sections details specific guidelines that can affect your storm damage coverage.

Know What Your Costs are Going to Be with Cost Vs. Value’s Estimates

Emergency Roof Repairs and Tarping: Protecting Your Home Immediately After a Storm

If your roof has been damaged by wind, hail, or fallen debris, the first priority is to prevent additional water intrusion. That’s where emergency roof tarping comes in. A professional emergency tarp can stop leaks in their tracks and buy you valuable time while your insurance claim is processed.

Our experienced team at RoofPRO provides emergency roof repair and tarping services throughout Maryland. Whether it’s a small section of damaged shingles or a major breach caused by a fallen branch, we’ll secure your roof to keep your home dry and safe until permanent repairs can be made.

For a more detailed guide on when and how tarp repairs are used, visit our article on Emergency Tarp Roofs — it explains the step-by-step process and what homeowners can expect during temporary roof protection.

Understanding the Impact of Hail on Your Roof

Not all storm damage is obvious — and hail damage, in particular, can be tricky to spot without a trained eye. Even small hailstones can bruise shingles, dent metal flashing, or crack vent boots. Left unaddressed, these issues may lead to leaks and shorten your roof’s lifespan.

If your neighborhood experienced hail recently, it’s worth scheduling a roof inspection. You can learn more about the warning signs and size of hail that typically causes damage in our guide: What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof?.

Catching these problems early can make a big difference in the success of your insurance claim and in preventing long-term roof deterioration.

What Counts as Storm Damage?

From wind-lifted shingles and flashing tears to tree impacts and hail dents, storm damage can take many forms. Some issues appear immediately, while others may only become visible weeks later as moisture builds beneath the surface.

If you’re unsure what type of damage qualifies for a claim, our post on Roof Storm Damage covers the most common scenarios Maryland homeowners face — and when it’s best to bring in a professional inspection.

Even if the damage looks minor, RoofPRO can help you assess whether it’s worth filing a claim or if repairs might be more cost-effective.

RoofPRO’s Restoration Team

After reviewing your policy, you still may be concerned about whether or not a storm damage claim is necessary. RoofPRO understands that storm claims processes can be intimidating and stressful. To help ease stress, we have a team in place that specializes in providing our customers with a helping hand throughout the repair process. We have the experience to deploy emergency tarping and emergency temporary repairs that will satisfy your needs and the insurance company’s requirements. Our number one goal is to provide what they need to repair their home in a safe and timely manner.

Our storm restoration team can be used with any weather event and is available 24/7 by calling 410-862-3717.

Learn More: FAQs About Storm Restoration

Your Insurance Doesn’t Cover the Repairs

In some cases, there may be an extenuating circumstance that leaves you footing a portion of the bill after your insurance coverage. And if that is your story, it may be worth looking into RoofPro’s financing options.

We offer affordable roof replacements starting at just $89 per month or 0% financing. The approval process is fast and simple and can typically be done in less than 20 minutes. No down payment is necessary. We know that you need to get your storm damage repairs taken care of as soon as possible and we want to make that an affordable option for our Maryland and Washington area customers.

What to Do in the First 24–48 Hours After a Storm

Quick action keeps small problems from becoming big (and expensive). If the roof is open to weather, start with temporary protection and a pro assessment.

• Protect the opening. If you can do so safely, arrange a temporary cover to stop active leaks and prevent additional water damage. See our step-by-step guide: Emergency Tarp Roof.

• Call RoofPRO for rapid response. Our team handles Emergency Roof Repair & Tarping across Maryland—stabilizing the area, documenting damage, and prepping you for the insurance conversation.

• Document everything. Take wide and close-up photos/videos of shingles, flashing, gutters, interior ceilings, and any contents affected. Save receipts for temporary fixes—many policies reimburse reasonable emergency mitigation.

Tip: Don’t climb on a wet or unstable roof. If you suspect structural issues, call us and your insurer—let the pros handle the inspection.

Let’s Chat

If you find yourself with any amount of storm damage, it is never too early to start the repair process. Our restoration team is here to help you every step of the way. We are experts in navigating the restoration process and can help you with everything from tarping to upgrades. RoofPRO is a partner in your storm damage restoration. Give us a call today at 410-862-3717 or complete our simple online contact form and someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible.