How long do I have to file a storm damage claim in NC?

Most NC homeowner policies allow 12 months from the date of the storm to file a claim. Some policies are shorter — check your declarations page. Do not wait. Adjusters and contractors are harder to schedule after major events, and evidence degrades over time.

What if I already cleaned up or made repairs?

If you've already cleaned up, document what you have — receipts, before/after photos from neighbors, contractor assessments. Insurers understand that some cleanup is necessary to prevent further damage. What matters is that you documented before cleaning when possible.

Can I get emergency tarping covered by insurance?

Yes. Emergency tarping to prevent additional water intrusion is typically covered as part of the loss. Keep all receipts and document the installation with photos. We can provide the documentation needed when submitting to your insurer.

What if a tree fell on my roof?

Tree removal is often partially covered — typically the debris removal, not necessarily the full tree service. The roof damage caused by the fallen tree is covered under your dwelling coverage. Document before the tree is moved.

Should I call my insurance or my contractor first?

Call your contractor first if possible. A documented inspection before the adjuster arrives gives you independent evidence of the full damage scope. Then file the claim. Having both sets of documentation — yours and the adjuster's — protects you if there's a gap between the two estimates.

Storm Response — What To Do First

What to do after a storm hits your roof — the first 24 to 48 hours.

How you respond in the first two days after a storm can affect your claim, your repair timeline, and how much comes out of your pocket. Here's the sequence that matters.

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First Hours

Before you do anything else.

Safety First

Do not go on the roof yourself.

After a major storm, structural integrity is unknown. Wet surfaces, wind-loosened panels, and debris make rooftop access dangerous without equipment and experience.

Document First, Clean Later

Photograph everything before touching it.

Interior water intrusion, exterior shingle damage, fallen debris — all of it. Insurance adjusters need pre-cleanup documentation. Moving or removing debris before photos can complicate your claim.

24-Hour Checklist

Eight things to do in the first 24 hours after a storm.

Check your interior first

Walk every room and look for ceiling stains, bubbling paint, or active dripping. Mark the spots. Check the attic if you have safe access — wet insulation or daylight visible through the decking are immediate red flags.

Photograph all exterior damage from the ground

Walk the perimeter of your home. Use your phone at maximum zoom. Capture missing shingles, dented gutters, damaged soffits, and any debris that landed on the roof. Date-stamp the photos.

Check and clear gutters if safely reachable

Clogged gutters after a storm force water against the fascia and into the soffit. If you can safely reach gutters from the ground with a ladder, clear visible debris. Don't use a ladder on saturated ground.

Place buckets or towels for active leaks

If water is entering the home, contain it. Don't assume a small drip will stop on its own. A slow interior leak left overnight can cause significant secondary damage.

Call your roofing contractor

Get a professional inspection scheduled before the insurance adjuster arrives. Your contractor can document the full damage scope and be present at the adjuster visit.

Call your insurer and open a claim

File the claim as soon as you've completed basic documentation. In NC, most policies require filing within 12 months of the storm event. Don't wait.

Take notes on the storm

Record the date, approximate time, storm name if applicable, observed wind or hail conditions, and any NOAA alerts. This timeline supports the claim.

Do not authorize permanent repairs before the adjuster visits

Temporary tarping and emergency containment are appropriate. Full repairs before the adjuster documents the damage can reduce your settlement.

Temporary Protection

If there's open exposure — tarp it. Here's what that means.

A tarp over an open hole is not a repair — it's mitigation. Insurers expect and encourage it. Delaying temporary protection while waiting for the adjuster can result in 'secondary damage' exclusions, where interior damage caused by additional water intrusion after the storm is denied because you didn't take reasonable steps to prevent it.

Emergency tarping service

Important

Emergency tarping is typically covered under your homeowner policy as part of the loss. Keep all receipts. Document the tarp installation with photos.

Common Mistakes

What not to do in the first 48 hours.

Don't sign anything immediately

Door-to-door contractors appear fast after storms. Don't sign contracts or assignments of benefits on the spot. Get multiple opinions.

Don't accept the first settlement number as final

Insurance first estimates often miss items. You have the right to supplement with contractor documentation.

Don't make permanent repairs before the adjuster

Fixing the roof before the adjuster arrives removes evidence and can reduce your payout.

Don't assume no visible exterior damage means no claim

Hail damage is often invisible from the ground. Wind damage to flashing and seals can cause leaks months later. Get on the roof before concluding there's nothing to claim.

Common Questions

What homeowners ask us after a storm.

Storm hit recently? Get eyes on your roof before anything else moves.

We document the full damage scope, give you a straight assessment, and — if needed — attend the adjuster visit with you. The inspection is free.

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More on storm damage, claims, and emergency services.

Storm damage Insurance claims Emergency tarping Hurricane damage