Storm damage? Here's what to do next.
Northwest Arkansas storms can bring hail, high winds, falling trees and tornadoes with little warning. Once the storm passes, this guide walks you through what to do, one step at a time.
Get safe first
Storms leave hazards that aren't always obvious. Check on people first, then the house.
- Make sure everyone is accounted for, including pets, and get medical help for anyone hurt.
- Stay out of a home with serious structural damage.Sagging roofs, cracked or leaning walls, or a tree resting on the house are signs to wait for a professional or the fire department.
- Don't try to remove a tree from your roof yourself.A tree on a structure can shift without warning. Leave it to tree and construction professionals working together.
- Stay off the roof.Wet, damaged roofs are dangerous, and storm damage is often hard to judge from up close anyway. A qualified inspector can check it safely.
- Call your insurance company to report the damage and get a claim number.Write down the date and time of the storm, and the name of everyone you speak with. Many policies have time limits for reporting storm damage, so don't wait.
Storm damage isn't always easy to see
Some damage is obvious. Some, especially hail damage, can be hard to spot from the ground but still shorten the life of your roof or let water in later.
Hail
Bruised or cracked shingles, loss of granules, dents in gutters, vents, siding and outdoor AC units.
Dents on soft metals and cars are helpful evidence. Photograph them.
Wind
Missing, lifted or creased shingles, damaged flashing, torn siding, broken windows and damaged fences.
Lifted shingles can leak in the next rain even if they lie back down.
Trees and debris
Impact damage to roofs, walls, framing and gutters, often with water getting in through the opening.
Interior water damage needs fast drying. See our water damage guide.
Protect your home and document everything
Keep the weather out, and record the damage before anything is repaired.
- Photograph and video the damage before temporary repairs.The roof from the ground, siding, windows, gutters, fences, outdoor units, vehicles and any interior leaks. Include close-ups and wide shots.
- Cover openings to stop more damage.Roof tarps and window board-ups keep rain out. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, so keep the receipts.
- Check inside for leaks.Look at ceilings, the attic, around windows and in closets on exterior walls. Water stains can show up hours or days later.
- Note the storm's date and time.Insurers often check weather records, so the date on your claim should match the storm.
- Don't throw away damaged items yet.Keep them until they've been documented and your insurance company tells you it's OK to dispose of them.
- Keep every receipt for tarps, board-up, tree removal and emergency repairs.
Make a plan
Before big decisions get made, take time to understand your coverage and your options.
- Ask your insurance company for a complete copy of your policy, including the declarations page.That's the document that lists your coverages and limits, so you know exactly what you bought.
- Ask how your deductible works for wind and hail.Some policies use a separate wind or hail deductible, sometimes a percentage of your home's coverage instead of a flat dollar amount. Knowing it up front avoids surprises.
- Ask about every coverage you may have.The house itself, other structures like fences and sheds, damaged belongings, debris and tree removal, and living expenses if your home isn't livable. Ask about any limits and deadlines.
- Start a claim journal.Date, name, what was said and what was promised, for every call and visit. Follow up important conversations by email.
- Choose your own contractor.Many homeowner policies let you choose who repairs your home. If your insurer recommends a company, you can usually still pick your own; ask to confirm what your policy says.
- Read anything before you sign it.Be especially careful with any form that gives a contractor control over your insurance claim or your insurance payments. Ask questions until you understand it.
Repair and rebuild
Storm recovery happens in stages. Knowing what's coming makes each one easier.
Stabilizing the home
Tarps, board-up, tree removal and drying any water that got inside, so the damage stops spreading.
The adjuster's inspection
Your insurer's adjuster inspects the roof and the rest of the home. It helps to be there, with your photos and your contractor, so nothing is missed.
Reviewing the estimate
Compare the estimate with what the repairs will really take. Ask how it handles details like flashing, gutters, vents and materials that need to match what's already there.
Repairs and rebuilding
Roofing, siding, windows, framing and interior finishes. Hidden damage found during repairs should be documented and added to the claim.
For a deeper look at how claims, estimates and supplements work, read our Insurance Claims Guide.
Protecting your family's interests
Your insurance company has its own team working on your claim. It's important that someone is looking out for your family too, and that starts with understanding the process.
Know who works for whom
The adjuster assigned to your claim works for your insurance company. Most are professional and fair, but their job is to represent the insurer. Your job is to understand your policy and make sure the damage is fully documented.
Hail damage can be easy to miss
Bruised shingles and damaged roof components aren't always visible from the ground. Ask that the whole roof be inspected, including vents, flashing and gutters.
The first estimate is rarely the whole picture
Water can travel inside walls and ceilings, and some damage only shows up once repairs begin. Ask how additional damage found later will be handled.
You don't have to decide on the spot
Take time to read any estimate or settlement offer, ask questions, and understand what's included before you sign. Ask for estimates in writing, line by line.
Hire local and licensed
A contractor who's here after the storm passes will be here for warranty work too. Verify licensing, insurance and references before you sign.
If you disagree, you have options
Ask your insurer to explain its decision in writing and to reinspect. The Arkansas Insurance Department's Consumer Services Division (501-371-2640) can help, and you may want to talk with an attorney. In Arkansas, public adjusters can't represent homeowners.
As soon as it's safe
The sooner your home is covered and dried, the less the storm can keep damaging it. A quick call can also help you sort out what needs attention now and what can wait.
Bear is a locally owned Northwest Arkansas builder, and we'll be here long after the storm. Our team includes former insurance adjusters who know how storm claims work, and because we're builders, the same team that secures your home can repair and rebuild it. We can help you:
- Tarp, board up and stabilize your home, day or night
- Inspect the roof and exterior and document the damage
- Dry out any water that got inside
- Understand the insurance process and meet your adjuster with you
- Repair and rebuild, with one team from start to finish
A call is simply a conversation. There's no obligation, and you're never pressured to sign anything.
Answered day or night by a real person.
Read the Insurance Claims Guide
After water damage
Our restoration services
Who else can help
501-371-2640
More storm damage services.
Storm Damage CleanupPrompt help to secure and restore after a storm.
Emergency Board-Up & TarpingSame-day roof tarps and board-up to keep weather out until repairs begin.
Wind & Hail Roof DamageInspection, documentation and repair of hail bruising, lifted shingles and leaks.
Tornado Damage CleanupDebris removal, structural stabilization and full rebuild after a tornado.Storm Damage overviewEvery storm damage service Bear offers, and how they fit together.