What to Do After Hurricane Roof Damage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your duty to protect your property

Most homeowners policies include a "Duties After Loss" condition that requires you to protect the property from further damage and make reasonable and necessary repairs to protect it, to give your insurer prompt notice of the loss, and to keep records of what you spend. The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) puts it plainly: "You are required by your insurance contract to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage." [4] Florida's Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights also advises policyholders to "make and document emergency repairs that are necessary to prevent further damage." [2]

10 steps after hurricane roof damage

1. Safety first

   Stay away from downed power lines and assume they are live. Don't enter a structure that may be unsafe, and stay off the roof. Storm-damaged roofs can be weak, wet and slippery. If damage forces you to leave, secure the property, turn off gas, water and electricity, and give your insurer a phone number where you can be reached. [2]

2. Photograph and video everything before any work

   • The exterior from all sides, and the roof from the ground (or from a safe window). Don't climb up.
   • Interior ceilings, walls, stains, active leaks and wet flooring or belongings.
   • Use the date and time stamp on your phone, and take wide shots plus close-ups.

   DFS advises taking photos of the damage before and after any repairs. [2] [6]

3. Report the claim to your insurer promptly

   Report the damage to your insurance company or agent as soon as possible, and write down your claim number. [6]

   Florida deadlines: under § 627.70132, Florida Statutes, notice of a new or reopened property insurance claim must be given within 1 year after the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months. For hurricanes, the date of loss is the date the hurricane made landfall. Your policy may require notice sooner ("prompt notice"), so don't wait. [1]

   Under the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights, your insurer should acknowledge your reported claim within 7 days. [2] Citizens Property Insurance policyholders can report claims 24/7 at 866.411.2742. [10]

4. Mitigate: stop further damage

   • Get a professional emergency roof tarp or synthetic underlayment dry-in over the openings.
   • Stop interior water: move belongings out of wet areas, extract standing water, and run fans or dehumidifiers if it's safe to use electricity.

   Most policies require you to take reasonable steps to protect the property from further damage. DFS states that "whether your home is damaged by a hurricane or any other cause, you must make reasonable emergency repairs to prevent further damage." [5]

5. Keep every receipt and invoice

   Save receipts for tarps, materials, labor, water extraction, equipment rental and any other emergency repairs, plus additional living expenses if you have to leave home. These costs may be reimbursable under your policy. [4] [6]

6. Don't make permanent repairs or throw out damaged materials yet

   The adjuster must see the damage to evaluate your loss. Don't make permanent repairs or dispose of damaged property before the insurer inspects, unless it's necessary for safety. If something must go, photograph it first and keep samples (for example, a few damaged shingles or tiles). Contact your insurer before signing a repair contract to confirm any repair provisions in your policy. [2] [4] [5]

7. Get a professional roof inspection and written report

   Ask a licensed roofing contractor for written documentation: roof measurements, photos and video of each damaged area, and a written scope and estimate for the repair. Verify any contractor's license at MyFloridaLicense.com and ask for proof of insurance before work begins. [2] [11]

8. Meet the adjuster

   Be present if you can, and have your photos, videos, receipts, inspection report and communication log ready. Ask for the adjuster's report and estimate in writing. Under the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights, you have the right to receive a copy of any detailed estimate within 7 days after the insurer's adjuster generates it. [2]

9. Review the settlement and know your options

   Compare the insurer's estimate with your documentation. If you disagree, ask the insurer to explain its decision in writing. Your options may include:

   • Florida DFS Consumer Helpline: 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236) for help with a claim or questions about how it is being handled. [7] [8]
   • DFS mediation: free in most circumstances for residential property claim disputes after the insurer has made a claim determination. Mediation is nonbinding. If you reach a written settlement, you generally have 3 business days to rescind it unless you've cashed or deposited the check. [3] [7]
   • Appraisal, if your policy includes an appraisal provision.
   • A licensed public adjuster or an attorney. Public adjusters are licensed by DFS and charge a fee, usually a percentage of the claim. Read any contract carefully. [4]

   Rapid Roof Tarps documents damage and performs tarping and roofing work. We are not public adjusters and do not represent you in your insurance claim.

10. Keep a log of all communications

    Write down the date, time, name and what was said for every call, email and visit with your insurer, adjuster and contractors, and keep copies of anything you sign. DFS recommends keeping a phone log of the dates, times and names of everyone you speak with about your claim. [5]

Disclaimer: General information, not legal or insurance advice; read your policy. Policy terms vary. Contact your insurer, the Florida DFS Consumer Helpline, a licensed public adjuster or an attorney with questions about coverage or your claim.