If a storm just damaged your roof, here is exactly what to do: Stay off the roof, photograph all damage immediately, make temporary repairs to stop leaks, then call a licensed local roofer before contacting your insurance company. Your roofer's inspection report is your strongest tool in the claims process. Do not sign anything with a door-to-door contractor.
Indiana averages 20-30 severe thunderstorm warnings per year, and the Wabash Valley sits squarely in the crosshairs. Hail, straight-line winds, and tornado-spawning supercells regularly damage roofs across Terre Haute, Brazil, Sullivan, and surrounding communities. What you do in the first 48 hours after storm damage determines whether you get a fair insurance settlement or get stuck paying out of pocket.
What Does Storm Damage Look Like on a Roof?
Not all storm damage is obvious. Wind damage and hail damage leave different signatures, and some of the most costly damage is invisible from the ground.
Wind damage signs:
- Missing or lifted shingles, especially along ridges and eaves
- Creased or folded-back shingles
- Exposed underlayment or bare decking
- Ridge caps peeled away or missing entirely
Hail damage signs:
- Dark circular bruises or dents on shingles (often only visible up close)
- Cracked or fractured shingles
- Dents in metal flashing, gutters, and downspouts
- Excessive granule loss (check gutters for black grit buildup)
Interior warning signs:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Damp spots in the attic
- Musty smell indicating trapped moisture
- Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
Even if your roof looks fine from the driveway, hail can cause granule loss that shortens your roof's lifespan by years. A professional inspection catches what your eyes cannot.
What Are the 7 Steps to Take After Roof Storm Damage?
Follow this action plan in order. Each step builds on the previous one to protect your home, your claim, and your money.
-
Stay safe and stay off the roof. A storm-damaged roof may have weakened decking, loose shingles, or hidden structural damage. Inspect from the ground only. If you see sagging, holes, or a tree on your roof, evacuate the area directly below it inside the house.
-
Document everything with photos and video. Walk around the entire exterior and photograph damage from multiple angles. Inside, photograph any ceiling stains, drips, or wall damage. Make sure your phone's date and time stamp is enabled. This timestamped evidence is critical for your insurance claim.
-
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Indiana insurance policies include a "duty to mitigate" clause. You are required to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. Tarp exposed areas (weigh tarps down rather than nailing through undamaged shingles), catch interior leaks in buckets, and board up any broken windows. Save all receipts for materials. Your insurance should reimburse these costs.
-
Call a licensed local roofer for a free inspection. This is the most important step most homeowners skip. A professional inspection identifies hidden damage (cracked flashing, bruised shingles, compromised decking) that strengthens your claim. Elite Roofing provides free storm damage inspections across Terre Haute and 14 surrounding cities. Call (812) 234-7285 any time, including evenings and weekends.
-
File your insurance claim with documentation in hand. Call your insurer with your policy number, your photos, and your roofer's inspection report. Having professional documentation before you file puts you in a much stronger position than filing with just photos from the ground.
-
Have your roofer present at the adjuster inspection. When the insurance adjuster visits, your roofer should walk the roof alongside them. Adjusters are generalists. Roofers catch damage adjusters miss. If your roofer identifies additional damage, they can file a supplement to increase the claim amount. This is standard practice.
-
Avoid storm chasers at all costs. This step deserves its own section below, because storm chasers are the single biggest financial threat to Indiana homeowners after a storm.
Why Are Storm Chasers Dangerous After Indiana Storms?
Storm chasers are out-of-state roofing crews that follow severe weather across the country, knock on doors, and pressure homeowners into quick contracts. They are not here to help you. They are here to collect insurance payouts and leave.
Red flags that identify storm chasers:
- They knock on your door within hours of a storm
- They pressure you to sign a contract on the spot
- They offer to "waive your deductible" (this is insurance fraud in Indiana)
- They demand large upfront deposits before any work begins
- They have out-of-state license plates and no local office
- They cannot provide an Indiana business address, references, or proof of insurance
What happens when you hire a storm chaser:
- Poor workmanship that fails within 1-3 years
- Voided manufacturer warranties due to improper installation
- No one to call for warranty work because they have moved to the next storm zone
- Potential liability if an unlicensed, uninsured worker is injured on your property
A local contractor like Elite Roofing has a physical presence in Terre Haute, employs trained and background-checked crews, carries full insurance, and will be here for warranty service for decades. Storm chasers will not.
What Are Indiana's Insurance Deadlines for Storm Damage Claims?
Indiana does not have a single statewide deadline written into law. Instead, your filing window depends on your specific policy. Most Indiana homeowner policies require you to:
- Report damage promptly (usually within 60-180 days of the event)
- File a proof of loss within the timeframe your insurer specifies after the adjuster visit
- Complete repairs within the timeline outlined in your policy (typically 12-18 months)
The practical rule: File within 48-72 hours. The sooner you file, the stronger your claim. Delays give insurers grounds to argue the damage is not storm-related or that your failure to mitigate caused additional damage.
If you are reading this weeks after a storm, you likely still have time. But call your insurer today and schedule a professional inspection immediately.
How Much Does Storm Damage Roof Repair Cost in Indiana?
Storm damage repair costs in Indiana vary widely depending on severity:
| Damage Level | Typical Repairs | Estimated Cost (Before Insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | Replace a few missing shingles, reseal flashing | $300 - $800 |
| Moderate | Replace a roof section, repair underlayment | $1,000 - $4,000 |
| Severe | Full roof replacement (asphalt shingles) | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Catastrophic | Structural repair + full replacement | $15,000 - $30,000+ |
Most storm damage is covered by homeowner's insurance after your deductible. The key is getting a thorough inspection so the full scope of damage is documented before the adjuster makes their estimate.
For a free damage assessment, call Elite Roofing at (812) 234-7285 or request an inspection online.
Should I Repair or Replace My Roof After Storm Damage?
This depends on the extent of the damage, the age of your roof, and your insurance coverage. General guidelines:
- Repair if damage is localized to one area, your roof is under 15 years old, and the rest of the roof is in good condition
- Replace if damage is widespread, your roof is over 20 years old, or you are already seeing signs of general wear (curling, granule loss, multiple prior patches)
Read our full guide: Roof Repair vs. Replacement: How to Decide for a detailed decision framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a storm damage claim if I didn't report it right away?
Yes, in most cases. Indiana policies typically allow 60-180 days to report damage. However, the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove the damage was storm-related. If weeks have passed, get a professional inspection immediately and file your claim the same day.
Does my homeowner's insurance cover storm damage in Indiana?
Most standard Indiana homeowner's policies cover wind, hail, and storm damage under the dwelling coverage section. You will be responsible for your deductible (typically $1,000-$2,500). Flood damage requires separate flood insurance. Review your policy's "perils covered" section or call your agent to confirm.
How do I know if my roof damage is bad enough for an insurance claim?
If the cost to repair exceeds your deductible, it is worth filing. A professional roofer can assess the damage and estimate repair costs for free. Even if the damage looks minor from the ground, hidden damage (bruised shingles, compromised underlayment) often pushes the total above the deductible threshold.
Will my insurance rates increase if I file a storm damage claim?
Storm damage is classified as a "no-fault" claim since you did not cause the damage. Most Indiana insurers do not raise rates for a single weather-related claim. However, filing multiple claims within a 3-5 year period may impact your rates or renewal eligibility.
How long does a storm damage roof repair take?
Minor repairs take 1-2 days. A full replacement typically takes 2-5 days depending on roof size and weather. The biggest variable is insurance processing time, which usually takes 2-4 weeks from initial claim to approval. Emergency tarping can be done the same day.
What if the insurance adjuster's estimate is too low?
This is common. Your roofer can submit a supplement with additional documentation of missed damage. If the supplement is denied, you can request a re-inspection, file a complaint with the Indiana Department of Insurance, or hire a public adjuster. Having your roofer at the initial adjuster visit significantly reduces low estimates.
Does Elite Roofing offer emergency storm damage services?
Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency tarping and board-up services across Terre Haute and western Indiana. Call (812) 234-7285 any time. For homes in Vigo County, we typically respond within one hour. Surrounding areas like Clinton, Brazil, Sullivan, and Rockville are 1-2 hours.
Get a Free Storm Damage Inspection
If your roof was hit by a recent storm, the clock is ticking on your insurance claim. Call Elite Roofing at (812) 234-7285 for a free, no-pressure inspection. As a veteran-owned company with IICRC certification and an A+ BBB rating, we have helped hundreds of western Indiana homeowners navigate the storm damage process from inspection through final repair.
Schedule your free inspection or call us for emergency roofing services.