Storm Damage Guide
Before You Sign, Read This.
A homeowner's guide to hail and wind damage, insurance claims, and how to spot a storm-chaser. Built for Utah homeowners.
Why this guide exists
After a storm, the wrong contractor can cost you more than the storm did.
Every hail event brings out-of-state crews knocking on doors across Utah promising free roofs and easy insurance claims. Some are legitimate. Many are not. This guide walks you through what to look for on your roof, how to handle your insurance claim, and how to choose a contractor who will still be here in five years when you need them.
Step 1 — Spot the damage
What hail and wind damage actually look like.
Hail bruising
Round, dark indentations where granules have been knocked off the shingle mat. Often hard to see from the ground — look for granules collected at downspouts.
Wind lift & creasing
Shingles that look raised, curled, or have a horizontal crease near the top. The seal strip is broken, even if the shingle is still in place.
Soft metal dents
Check gutters, downspouts, vent caps, AC fins, and metal flashing for dents — the most reliable proof of hail size and direction.
Interior signs
Water staining on ceilings, attic light leaks, or musty smells weeks after a storm often trace back to roof damage you can't see from outside.
Step 2 — The right order of operations
Do these things in this order.
Step 01
Document before you touch anything
Take wide and close-up photos of any visible damage, soft metals, and interior staining. Save the date and ZIP code — hail reports for your address will be referenced by adjusters.
Step 02
Get an independent inspection first
Have a local, licensed contractor (not the one knocking on your door) inspect the roof and give you a written report. Free with Rime, no obligation either way.
Step 03
File your insurance claim
Call your carrier and open a claim. Share the contractor's report if you have one, but don't sign any contractor agreement before the adjuster has come out.
Step 04
Meet the adjuster with your contractor present
A reputable local contractor will meet the adjuster on the roof to walk through findings together. This is the single biggest factor in a fair claim outcome.
Step 05
Review the scope before any work starts
Make sure the approved scope covers a full Class 4 impact-rated system, code-required upgrades, ventilation, and proper flashings — not just the bare minimum.
Step 3 — Red flags checklist
Storm-chaser warning signs.
Storm season brings a wave of out-of-state crews going door to door, pressuring homeowners to sign a "contingency agreement" on the spot — before you've even seen an estimate. You don't have to.
Door-knocking right after a storm
Especially crews with out-of-state plates, no local office, and pressure to sign today.
"We'll waive your deductible"
In Utah this is insurance fraud — and a guarantee the contractor will cut corners elsewhere to cover it.
Asks you to sign a contingency agreement or AOB on the spot
Never sign anything that hands over your insurance rights before you've seen a written, itemized scope and proof the contractor is local.
No physical local address or local references
If they can't show you three local Utah jobs you can drive past, they probably won't be here for your warranty.
Cash-only or large up-front deposit demands
Reputable roofers progress-bill against milestones, not 50% up front before materials are ordered.
No manufacturer certification
Without an AtlasPRO+ Gold (or equivalent) certification, you cannot get the full transferable manufacturer warranty — no matter what the salesperson promises.
Vague on Class 4 impact-rated shingles
If the rep can't name the exact shingle line and confirm UL 2218 Class 4 rating in writing, you won't qualify for the insurance premium discount.
No mention of ventilation
Roughly 90% of homes are vented wrong. A reputable contractor inspects attic airflow as part of the replacement scope — not as an upsell after the fact.
Already signed one? You may have a short window to cancel.
Most door-to-door contracts in Utah carry a 3-day right-of-rescission window under state home-solicitation laws. Call us and we'll walk you through your options before you commit to work.
Step 4 — Insurance basics
What's actually in your policy.
RCV vs. ACV
Replacement Cost Value pays to replace the roof new. Actual Cash Value pays the depreciated value of the old roof. Many older roofs have been quietly moved to ACV — check your policy.
Claim time limits
Most policies require notice of a storm claim within 12 months of the storm date. Don't wait — damage gets harder to attribute to a specific event over time.
Class 4 discount
Once you install a Class 4 impact-rated roof, ask your carrier in writing for the impact-resistant discount — typically 5%–30% off your dwelling premium.
Insurance details vary by carrier, policy, and ZIP. Rime is not a public adjuster — but we'll provide the documentation, photos, and manufacturer specs your carrier needs to process the claim fairly.
FAQ
Storm damage questions.
Get an independent inspection first. Filing a claim that is then denied or closed without payment still goes on your CLUE report and can affect future premiums or renewability. A free Rime inspection will tell you whether there's enough damage to justify opening a claim.
Storm hit your neighborhood? Start with a free inspection.
We'll come out, document everything, and tell you honestly whether you have a claim — before you sign anything with anyone.
While We're There
Complete your exterior in one visit.
Most homeowners save time and money by bundling roofing with related exterior services. Ask us about combining services in a single project.
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