After a storm in Pennsylvania, report roof damage to your insurer promptly, photograph it before cleanup, make temporary repairs such as tarping, and keep every receipt. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department also warns against paying a contractor in full or signing a completion certificate before the work is done.
Key takeaways
- Report the damage to your insurer promptly.
- Photograph the damage before anything is cleaned up.
- Make temporary repairs, such as tarping, and keep the receipts.
- Be wary of contractors who promise to maximize an insurance payout or push immediate repairs.
- Do not pay in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is finished.
What should you do first after a storm?
Make the area safe, photograph the damage, and get temporary cover on any opening if it can be done safely. Then report the damage to your insurer promptly.
Stay off a damaged roof and keep people away from fallen debris. Photograph the roof, the ceilings and the walls inside before anything is moved or cleaned.
Temporary repairs are expected and protect the house from more damage. Keep the receipts, because the insurer will ask for them.
Who can help with the claim?
The Insurance Department reminds consumers that public adjusters are not employees of the insurer. A public adjuster works for you, and the Department advises checking any adjuster's credentials before you sign.
Read any agreement before you sign it, including how the adjuster is paid. Ask your insurer to explain what it will cover and what it needs from you.
The Department's guidance is the best starting point for questions about the process. Its contact details are on its site.
What do contractors after a storm promise?
The Insurance Department has warned that some contractors after storms promise to maximize an insurance payout, or push for immediate repairs. Consumers should take their time and get a written scope.
A contractor who offers to handle the insurance for you, or who asks for full payment up front, should be treated with caution. Get the scope in writing, check the contractor's registration, and compare at least two written quotes.
Never sign a completion certificate until the work is done and inspected where an inspection applies.
What records should you keep?
Keep photographs, the insurer's correspondence, the temporary repair receipts and the written scope and contract for the permanent repair. Those records support the claim and show what was done.
Date the photographs and keep the originals. A roofer's written findings, with photographs, are part of the same record.
Keep a single folder for the claim so nothing is lost when the adjuster and the roofer both ask for documents.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to report storm damage?
The Insurance Department advises reporting damage promptly. The exact deadline is set by your policy, so read it and report as soon as you can.
Should I let the roofer deal with the insurer?
You can ask a roofer to provide photographs and a written scope, but the claim itself runs between you and your insurer. Be cautious of anyone who promises to maximize the payout.
Can I make repairs before the adjuster visits?
Temporary repairs such as tarping are expected to stop further damage. Keep the receipts and photographs of the damage before the repair, and tell the insurer what you have done.
What if my roof leaks again after the repair?
Document the new leak with photographs and call (833) 751-2102 for a roofer to inspect. Tell your insurer as well, since a second leak may be part of the same claim.
Sources
This guide is general information for Philadelphia County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.