How do I start an insurance claim for storm damage?

Most insurers want a contractor's inspection report and photos before or alongside your claim. Contact your insurer to open the claim, then have a roofer document the damage for the adjuster.

Do I need my own roof inspection or can I rely on the adjuster's?

An independent inspection from a roofer protects you if the adjuster's initial assessment misses damage, which happens especially with hail bruising that isn't visible from a ladder glance.

Will filing a storm damage claim raise my home insurance rate?

That depends on your insurer and policy. It's a reasonable question to ask them directly before filing, since storm and weather claims are sometimes treated differently than other claim types.

A contractor offered to waive my deductible, is that legitimate?

Be cautious. Waiving or covering a deductible is against most insurance contracts and is a common red flag for storm-chasing contractors who aren't planning to be around for a warranty.

Storm and hail damage roof repair with insurance claims help

Wind gusts, hail, and downed branches are a regular cause of roof damage across Ontario, and the damage isn't always obvious from the ground. Bruised or missing shingle granules, lifted flashing, and cracked vents can all lead to leaks weeks or months after the storm that caused them.

A contractor who handles storm damage work will climb up and photograph the damage, write up a report you can hand to your insurance adjuster, and in many cases meet the adjuster on site to walk the roof together. That documentation is often what determines whether a claim is approved and for how much. If the roof isn't safe to leave exposed, the same contractor can put on an emergency tarp while the claim is being processed and before permanent repairs start.

Be cautious of contractors who go door to door after a storm offering to "handle everything with your insurance" or asking you to sign over your claim before an inspection. A legitimate roofer will inspect first, document what they actually find, and work from that.

What it costs

Cost depends on how much of the roof is affected, whether the damage is limited to a section or the full slope needs new material to match, and how much of the job your insurer covers after your deductible. Get an independent inspection before assuming a repair will be fully covered, since not every storm mark meets an insurer's damage threshold.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for roof repair.

1. Prime Roof Repairs Company Toronto
5.0★ · 210 reviews

95
2. The Roof Technician Toronto - Roof Repairs - Flat Roofing - Skylights
5.0★ · 149 reviews

93
3. GTA Roofing Pros
5.0★ · 273 reviews

95

Browse all providers

FAQ

How do I start an insurance claim for storm damage?: Most insurers want a contractor's inspection report and photos before or alongside your claim. Contact your insurer to open the claim, then have a roofer document the damage for the adjuster.
Do I need my own roof inspection or can I rely on the adjuster's?: An independent inspection from a roofer protects you if the adjuster's initial assessment misses damage, which happens especially with hail bruising that isn't visible from a ladder glance.
Will filing a storm damage claim raise my home insurance rate?: That depends on your insurer and policy. It's a reasonable question to ask them directly before filing, since storm and weather claims are sometimes treated differently than other claim types.
A contractor offered to waive my deductible, is that legitimate?: Be cautious. Waiving or covering a deductible is against most insurance contracts and is a common red flag for storm-chasing contractors who aren't planning to be around for a warranty.

When you submit a quote or contact form through this site, your enquiry may be shared with partner providers who can do the work. We may earn a referral fee from these partners, but our rankings and scores are determined solely by our published method and are never affected by referral fees.