After every major storm in Chicagoland, roofing companies flood the area — many from out of state — promising to "handle everything" with your insurance company. Some are legitimate. Many are not. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself and get fair coverage for your storm-damaged roof.
Beware of Storm Chasers
Contractors who show up uninvited at your door after a storm are called "storm chasers." Many travel from state to state following weather events, collect deposits, do subpar work (or no work at all), and leave town before you realize there's a problem. Warning signs: out-of-state license plates, pressure to sign immediately, offers to "cover your deductible" (this is insurance fraud), no local business address, and crews that are clearly not local employees.
How a Legitimate Insurance Claim Works
Step 1: Contact your insurance company first. File a claim and get a claim number. Your insurer will send an adjuster to assess damage.
Step 2: Get an independent inspection from a local contractor. Before the adjuster arrives, have a trusted local roofing contractor inspect your roof and document all damage with photos. This gives you leverage if the adjuster underestimates the damage.
Step 3: Be present for the adjuster visit. Have your contractor meet the adjuster at your property. An experienced contractor can point out damage that adjusters sometimes miss — particularly hail bruises on shingles that aren't obvious to untrained eyes.
Step 4: Review the scope of work. Your insurance company will provide a scope of work and dollar amount. If it doesn't cover the full replacement cost, your contractor can submit a supplement with additional documentation.
What Insurance Typically Covers
Standard Illinois homeowner's policies cover sudden storm damage (hail, wind, fallen trees) but generally don't cover wear and tear or age-related deterioration. Most policies are "replacement cost value" (RCV), meaning they cover the cost of a new roof minus your deductible. Some older or lower-cost policies are "actual cash value" (ACV), which deducts depreciation.
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Document before anything else
Insurance decisions are made on evidence. Note the date of the storm, photograph dents in gutters, vents and the air conditioner, and keep any hailstones in the freezer or photograph them next to a coin. Save weather alerts from that day. If something needs a temporary repair to prevent more damage, keep the receipts. Then get a professional inspection with photos of every slope before the adjuster comes.
Know what you are signing
After a big storm, crews from out of state go door to door. Some are fine; many leave when the work dries up, and their warranties leave with them. Before signing anything, read it. A contingency agreement can commit you to that contractor if the claim is approved. Check that the company has a local address, references nearby and insurance, and never sign over your claim payment. In Illinois a contractor cannot lawfully offer to pay or waive your deductible.
What an inspection should include
A real roof inspection covers more than a look from the driveway. It should include every slope, the flashing at chimneys and walls, pipe boots, valleys, the condition of the decking at the eaves, the gutters and, where there is access, the attic: daylight, staining, damp insulation and ventilation. You should get photos and a plain statement of whether the roof needs nothing, a repair or replacement. Ours is free.
Common questions
Should I get an inspection before calling my insurer? +
Yes. A free inspection tells you whether there is enough damage to justify a claim, so you do not open one for nothing.
How long do I have to file a storm damage claim? +
Your policy sets the deadline. Many allow one year from the storm date, some less. Check the policy or call your agent soon after the storm.
What does the adjuster look for? +
A pattern of hail strikes or wind-creased and missing shingles within a test area on each slope, plus collateral damage to gutters, vents and siding.
What if my claim is denied? +
Ask for the reason in writing. You can request a re-inspection with your contractor present and submit additional photos. Many denials are reversed on a second look.
Will you replace rotted decking? +
Yes. Bad decking is replaced before underlayment goes on, and you are shown what was found.
