After the Storm: What Homeowners Should Do Before the Insurance Adjuster Arrives

A hail or windstorm can leave a property owner with more questions than answers. Is the roof damaged? Did water enter the attic? Should you call a contractor, the insurance company, or both? What should you do before the insurance adjuster arrives?

Start with three priorities: safety, documentation, and preventing further damage.

The National Weather Service explains that severe thunderstorms can produce hail at least one inch in diameter and wind gusts above 58 mph: conditions capable of damaging roofs, siding, trees, and other property. Your immediate response should protect people first, then preserve clear evidence of what happened.

This guide provides practical steps for homeowners dealing with hail or wind storm damage. It is not a substitute for reviewing your policy or getting professional advice about your specific loss.

1. Put safety before the claim

Do not climb onto your roof or enter an unsafe structure to look for damage. A storm may create hazards that are not obvious from the ground, including:

• Downed power lines

• Gas leaks or damaged utility connections

• Unstable trees or structural components

• Broken glass, exposed nails, or sharp debris

• Standing water near electrical systems

• Ceiling or wall sections at risk of collapse

If you smell gas, see a downed line, or suspect major structural damage, leave the area and contact the appropriate emergency professionals. Follow guidance from local authorities and the National Weather Service severe thunderstorm safety guidance.

Once the property is safe to enter, use gloves, sturdy footwear, and a flashlight when inspecting interior areas. If conditions remain unsafe, wait for a qualified professional to assess the property.

2. Document the damage before cleanup

Your first inspection should create a visual record of the property’s condition before repairs or extensive cleanup begin.

Use your phone to take both photographs and video. Begin with wide images that show the location and context of the damage. Then take close-ups that show individual impacts, openings, stains, and damaged materials.

Photograph the exterior

From the ground, document:

• Roof edges, visible shingles, and roofing materials

• Gutters, downspouts, flashing, vents, and metal surfaces

• Siding, fascia, soffits, windows, and doors

• Fences, decks, sheds, detached structures, and landscaping

• Fallen trees or limbs that affected buildings

• Debris, displaced materials, and broken fixtures

For hail, photograph hailstones next to a ruler or another common object if you can do so safely. The NWS uses familiar comparisons: such as a quarter for approximately one-inch hail: to help describe hail size. Do not risk injury by searching for hail in unsafe areas or delaying emergency protection.

For wind, document missing or lifted shingles, torn siding, broken windows, displaced gutters, and other visible effects. Do not assume damage is limited to the area that looks worst from the ground.

Photograph the interior

Walk through every affected room and document:

• Water stains on ceilings and walls

• Wet insulation or attic materials

• Buckled flooring or damaged baseboards

• Water around windows, doors, or roof penetrations

• Damaged furniture, electronics, clothing, and other belongings

• Standing water or areas that required drying

Keep the original photographs and videos. Back them up to cloud storage or another secure location. If your phone records the date and time, preserve that information.

3. Create a written damage inventory

Photos are important, but a written inventory gives the claim file additional structure.

Create a room-by-room list of damaged building components and personal property. For each item, note:

• What was damaged

• Where it was located

• The approximate age or purchase date

• The estimated replacement cost, if known

• Whether a receipt, photograph, or other record is available

Include damaged items in garages, attics, sheds, and other structures. Review older family photographs or home videos to identify property that may no longer be in place after the storm.

Do not throw away damaged belongings unless they create a health or safety hazard. If an item must be discarded, photograph it thoroughly first and retain receipts, repair records, or samples of damaged materials when practical.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ post-disaster claims guide also recommends gathering pre-loss photographs, inventories, receipts, and written estimates before meeting with the adjuster.

4. Make temporary repairs: but avoid permanent repairs

Most property policies place responsibilities on the policyholder to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. This does not mean you should complete permanent repairs before the insurance inspection.

Temporary protective measures may include:

• Covering a roof opening with a properly secured tarp

• Boarding up a broken window or door

• Covering exposed areas with waterproof material

• Moving undamaged belongings away from water

• Removing standing water when it is safe

• Using fans or dehumidifiers to begin drying affected areas

If you are not equipped to perform emergency work safely, contact a qualified restoration or repair professional. Do not place yourself on a roof or attempt structural work simply to save time.

Take photographs before and after temporary repairs. Keep all receipts, invoices, equipment rental records, and notes showing what was done, when it was done, and why it was necessary.

Avoid permanent work: such as replacing the entire roof, siding, or interior finishes: until the damage has been documented and the insurance company has had a reasonable opportunity to inspect it, unless immediate work is required for safety or mitigation. If emergency removal is necessary, preserve samples or detailed photographs whenever possible.

For water intrusion, the IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration addresses inspection, documentation, drying technology, safety, and restoration procedures for residential and commercial buildings. A qualified restoration professional can help identify moisture that is not visible and establish an appropriate drying plan.

5. Report the loss and organize your policy information

Once it is safe and you have confirmed that damage exists, notify your insurance company or agent according to the policy’s reporting requirements. Keep the conversation factual:

• State when the storm occurred

• Describe the type of damage you observed

• Explain whether emergency measures were taken

• Ask when the insurance adjuster is expected to inspect

• Ask what documents the company wants before the inspection

Before the call, locate your policy and declarations page. Review the information relating to:

• Wind and hail coverage

• Applicable deductibles

• Roof payment provisions

• Additional Living Expense coverage

• Coverage limits and sublimits

• Notice requirements

• Duties after loss

• Any relevant exclusions or endorsements

Coverage differs from policy to policy and from state to state. Do not assume that a neighbor’s coverage, deductible, or claim process is the same as yours.

6. Keep a claim file and communication log

Create one physical or digital folder for the entire claim. Include:

• Photos and videos

• Your written damage inventory

• Pre-loss property photographs

• Emergency repair receipts

• Mitigation invoices and moisture documentation

• Contractor estimates

• Emails and letters

• Notes from phone calls and inspections

For every conversation, record the date, the person’s name, the company, and the main points discussed. If someone says an item is excluded, limited, or not related to the storm, ask where that conclusion appears in the policy or estimate. Request important decisions in writing.

If you obtain a contractor’s estimate, look for a clear scope of work, quantities, materials, labor, and assumptions. A roofing company or other contractor can provide valuable construction expertise. A licensed Public Adjuster can assist with policy review, claim documentation, scope development, and negotiation. These roles can work collaboratively while keeping each professional focused on their area of expertise.

7. Know who represents whom

The insurance company’s adjuster evaluates the loss for the insurer. A Public Adjuster works for the property owner.

At NPA Adjusting, we work exclusively for policyholders: not the insurance company. We help residential and commercial property owners organize facts, understand claim issues, document damage, and advocate for a complete and supportable presentation of the loss.

We do not promise a particular outcome. We do provide focused claim guidance designed to protect your investment and help you make informed decisions.

Our forthcoming book, The Public Adjuster's Complete Guide and Standard of Practice, 2026 Edition, is intended as an educational resource for the public adjusting profession. It is forthcoming and is not a substitute for advice about your individual claim.

A simple before-the-adjuster checklist

Before the insurance adjuster arrives, confirm that you have:

• Made sure the property is safe to enter

• Photographed and recorded visible damage

• Created a room-by-room inventory

• Taken reasonable steps to prevent additional damage

• Saved receipts and emergency repair records

• Avoided unnecessary permanent repairs

• Located your policy and declarations page

• Reported the loss according to your policy requirements

• Started a communication log

• Prepared questions for the inspection

If you need help understanding the next steps in your property claim, contact NPA Adjusting at claims@nationspa.com or review our initial consultation information. Let’s Chat!

We represent policyholders only. Never the insurance company.

Educational only. Not legal advice.