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
Proper attic ventilation is commonly overlooked. 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. Read our contingency agreement guide, or browse all homeowner resources.
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
Many insurance carriers offer premium discounts for Class 4 roofs. Ask your agent what yours offers.
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.
Covering a deductible or an upgrade the carrier will not pay for? See our financing options.
Recent Utah storms
See storm damage information for your area.
Heber Valley storm, September 17, 2026
Davis and Morgan County storm, September 18, 2026
FAQ
Storm damage questions.
Should I file a claim if I'm not sure there's damage?
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.
My neighbor's contractor said they'll handle everything, should I just sign?
No. An 'Assignment of Benefits' or 'contingency agreement' signed on the spot hands over your insurance rights before you've seen a scope, a price, or proof the contractor is legitimate. Always get the inspection and the written estimate first, then decide.
What if my claim is denied?
Denials happen, but they're often the result of an under-prepared adjuster meeting or missing documentation. A reputable local contractor can request a reinspection with proper documentation. If that fails, a licensed public adjuster (not a contractor) can be engaged for an independent review.
How long do I have to use a storm claim?
Most carriers require work to be completed within 12-24 months of claim approval, and the depreciation (recoverable depreciation) is only paid out once the work is completed and invoiced. Don't let an approved claim expire.
Does using insurance raise my rates?
A single hail/wind claim in Utah typically does not raise your rate on its own, but multiple claims in a short period can, and non-impact-rated roofs are increasingly being non-renewed after even one claim. Installing a Class 4 system at replacement time is the best protection against future non-renewal.
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
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