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⚠ Do not make permanent repairs before your adjuster inspects. Emergency tarping is fine — keep all receipts and photograph the damage before and after. Permanent repairs prior to the adjuster visit can void your claim.
Step 1
Immediate Actions (Within 24 Hours)
Before you document anything, confirm it is safe to be outside. Do not go on the roof in wet or unstable conditions. Ground-level and ladder-at-the-eave photography is sufficient — PeakShield will complete the full roof-level inspection for you.
Timing & Safety
4 items
Note the exact date and time of the storm
Your insurer will verify storm records — your date must align with weather data for the claim to proceed.
Search for the storm name or NWS advisory number
Go to weather.gov or search "[your city] storm [date]" — screenshot the NWS advisory or local weather report for your records.
Confirm it is safe before going outside
Check for downed power lines, standing water, and structural instability before approaching the property exterior.
Call PeakShield for a same-day inspection
Our inspector creates adjuster-ready documentation at no charge. This is the single most impactful step you can take.
Step 2
Exterior Documentation
Take photos with your phone. Enable location services so GPS coordinates are embedded in the image metadata — adjusters can verify location and timestamp. Shoot in landscape orientation and take multiple angles of each damage area.
Roof & Exterior Photos
7 items
Photograph all four sides of the home from ground level
Wide establishing shots help adjusters understand the full scope before they see detail photos.
Photo of any missing, cracked, or lifted shingles
Include a wide shot showing location on the roof, then a close-up. A coin or ruler in frame provides scale.
Photo of gutters — granule accumulation, dents, or detachment
Granule loss in gutters is one of the clearest signs of shingle impact damage and is often overlooked.
Photo of flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents
Lifted or bent flashing is a common claim item that adjusters miss without documentation.
Photo of any fallen debris on or near the roof
Tree limbs, branches, and wind-carried objects — photograph in place before removing anything.
Photo of siding, fascia, or soffit damage
These are often covered under the same storm claim as the roof. Document them even if you plan to address the roof first.
Photo of any HVAC units, skylights, or vents on the roof
Hail and wind damage to roof-mounted equipment is often reimbursable but only if documented separately.
Step 3
Interior Documentation
Interior damage is often the most compelling evidence in a claim because it demonstrates consequential loss — not just surface damage. Document everything before cleaning up.
Interior & Structural
5 items
Photo of any water stains on ceilings or walls
Photograph before drying or painting. Note which room and which direction (toward exterior wall or centered).
Photo of any active leaks or wet insulation in attic
If safe to enter, photograph the attic interior showing wet decking, insulation, or daylight through the roof deck.
List any damaged personal property with estimated values
Electronics, furniture, flooring, or artwork damaged by water ingress may be covered under your contents coverage.
Photo of any emergency tarps or temporary repairs you made
Keep all receipts for emergency materials. These costs are often reimbursable as a mitigation expense.
Note any mold or musty smell in the attic or upper rooms
Mold that develops as a direct result of storm water intrusion is generally a covered loss. Document it early.
Step 4
Policy & Paperwork
Having this information ready speeds up the claim process and prevents delays from your insurer requesting documents you can’t locate under stress. Gather these before you call your carrier.
Documents to Locate
5 items
Your homeowner’s insurance policy number
Found on your declarations page, insurance ID card, or your carrier’s mobile app.
Your policy declarations page (deductible amount, coverage limits)
Knowing your deductible before the adjuster arrives prevents surprises about your out-of-pocket cost.
Any previous claim numbers for prior roof damage
Carriers track claim history. Having prior claim numbers ready prevents them from conflating current and past damage.
Date and contractor of your last roof installation or repair
If permits were pulled, the building department has a record. This helps establish roof age and pre-storm condition.
Receipt or warranty from your current roofer (if available)
Workmanship warranties from previous contractors may cover installation-related damage separately from the insurance claim.
Florida homeowners tip: If you have Citizens Insurance, the process has specific requirements and stricter timelines than private carriers. See our Citizens Insurance guide →
Important
What Not to Do Before Your Adjuster Arrives
Avoid These Mistakes
3 items
✕ Do not make permanent repairs before the adjuster visits
This is the most common reason claims are denied or underpaid. Even repairs that seem minor can obscure storm damage evidence.
✕ Do not dispose of damaged materials
Fallen shingles, debris, and broken components are physical evidence. Keep them on-site or photograph them extensively before disposal.
✕ Do not accept the first settlement offer without review
Initial adjuster estimates are frequently below actual replacement cost. PeakShield reviews every settlement for accuracy before you sign.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start documenting storm damage?
Start documenting as soon as it is safe to do so — ideally within 24 hours of the storm. The sooner you photograph and note damage, the stronger your claim will be. Do not make any permanent repairs before your adjuster inspects the roof.
Can I go on my roof to take photos?
Only if it is safe. For most homeowners, photographing from ground level and from ladders at the eaves is sufficient. PeakShield will conduct a full roof-level inspection and provide adjuster-ready documentation at no charge.
Should I make emergency repairs before the adjuster comes?
You can and should take emergency protective measures — such as tarping active leaks — to prevent further interior damage. Keep receipts and photograph everything before and after. Do not make permanent repairs until your claim is approved.
What if I don’t have photos of my roof before the storm?
That is very common. PeakShield uses aerial imagery, permit records, and material aging analysis to establish pre-storm roof condition. A lack of before photos does not prevent you from filing a successful claim.
How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim in Florida?
Under Florida law, you generally have one year from the date of the storm to file a new claim, and 18 months to reopen or supplement an existing claim. Filing quickly improves your outcome — evidence degrades and adjusters’ schedules fill fast.