What to Do After Storm Damage: A Spokane Homeowner's Insurance Claims Guide

Assess Safety and Secure Your Home

Before touching anything: Check for gas leaks, electrical hazards, structural damage, or hazardous debris. If you smell gas, see downed power lines, or suspect structural damage, evacuate and call 911. Don't attempt roof access if it's unsafe.

Temporary protection: If you have active leaks, broken windows, or exposed areas, place tarps or plywood to prevent further water damage. This is considered emergency mitigation and is typically covered by insurance. Keep receipts for these temporary repairs.

Document Damage Immediately with Photos and Video

This is critical. Take clear photos and video of ALL damage before making any repairs, moving debris, or touching anything. Document:

• Wide shots showing overall property damage
• Close-ups of specific damage (missing shingles, broken windows, dented gutters, torn siding)
• Wide shots showing damage patterns across your roof
• Interior water damage, stains, or wet areas
• Fallen trees or branches
• Damage to neighboring properties (shows storm severity)

Timestamp your photos if possible, or write down the date and time. Store photos in multiple locations (cloud storage, email, external drive). These photos are your evidence.

Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly

Call your homeowner's insurance company within 24-72 hours of the storm. Many policies require prompt notification. Be ready to provide:

• Your policy number
• A description of the damage
• Photos (though you may email these later)
• A list of damaged areas (roof, siding, windows, gutters, etc.)

Take notes of the call: who you spoke with, their name/ID, time, and what was discussed. Your insurer will schedule an adjuster to inspect damage.

Prepare for the Adjuster Inspection

The insurance company will send an adjuster to assess damage. Prepare by:

• Gathering all your documentation (photos, video, receipts for temporary repairs)
• Scheduling the inspection at a convenient time
• Being present during the inspection to point out damage
• Staying calm and factual in your descriptions

You have the right to be present during the inspection. Many Spokane homeowners request a contractor representative to be there as well (though this may require a separate visit).

Thoroughly Walk the Adjuster Through Damage

Don't assume the adjuster will see everything. Point out:

• Every visible roof damage area
• Water stains or leaks you've noticed
• Interior water damage in attics, walls, or ceilings
• Secondary damage (mold, soft wood, compromised structure)
• How the damage connects to the storm event

Ask the adjuster to explain what they're documenting and which items they're covering. This isn't confrontational—it's ensuring clarity. If you disagree with what's noted, speak up respectfully.

Obtain Detailed Contractor Estimates

Get at least two to three contractor estimates for repairs. Estimates should include:

• Complete scope of work
• Material specifications (type, grade, color)
• Labor costs
• Removal of damaged materials
• Permits and inspections
• Timeline for completion
• Total project cost

Provide these estimates to your insurance company. They'll review them against the adjuster's findings to determine your settlement amount.

Why Choose Signature Exteriors?

Signature Exteriors has extensive experience working with insurance companies on storm damage claims. We provide detailed estimates, coordinate directly with adjusters, document damage thoroughly, and handle supplemental claims if additional damage is discovered during repairs.

Understand Deductibles and Coverage Limits

Your insurance settlement will account for:

• Deductible: You pay this amount; insurance covers the rest (typically $500-$2,500 for storm damage)
• Coverage limits: Your policy has maximum limits (often $250K-$500K for dwelling coverage)
• Actual Cash Value (ACV): Depreciation is subtracted from repair cost (especially for older roofs)
• Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Some policies pay full replacement cost without depreciation deduction

Review your policy documents to understand your specific coverage. Ask your agent to explain anything unclear.

Receive Your Initial Settlement

The insurance company will send you an estimate (sometimes called a "proof of loss") showing what they'll cover. This typically arrives 2-4 weeks after the adjuster's inspection. The settlement includes:

• Items covered and amount per item
• Deductible amount
• Total settlement offer

Review this carefully against contractor estimates. If contractor costs exceed the settlement, you may file a supplemental claim.

File Supplemental Claims if Additional Damage is Found

During actual repairs, contractors often discover hidden damage the adjuster missed—rotted wood under shingles, structural damage behind walls, or mold growth. This is common after severe storms.

When additional damage is discovered:

• Stop work and photograph the hidden damage
• Get a written estimate from your contractor for the additional repairs
• Submit this to your insurance company as a supplemental claim
• The company may send an adjuster again to inspect
• They typically approve additional coverage for storm-related damage discovered during repair

This is where working with an experienced contractor is invaluable. We document hidden damage professionally and handle supplemental claims on your behalf.

Appeal if You Disagree with the Settlement

If you believe the insurance company underestimated damage or left out covered items:

• Review the adjuster's report for items you believe are undervalued
• Get contractor estimates showing higher repair costs
• Submit a formal appeal with supporting documentation
• Consider hiring a public adjuster if the claim is large and complex (they take a percentage of additional recovery)

Many claims are successfully appealed. Insurance companies know most homeowners will accept their first offer. Don't be afraid to push back respectfully with documentation.

Select a Licensed, Insured Contractor

When selecting a contractor for repairs:

Avoid contractors who appear immediately after storms, pressure you to sign contracts, or offer to bypass insurance. These are red flags.

Coordinate Payment and Inspection

Typically, insurance companies handle payment in one of two ways:

• Single check: Insurance pays you; you pay the contractor
• Joint check: Check is made out to you and the contractor; both must endorse it

Once repairs are complete, request a final inspection from your insurance company or local building department to verify work meets code and is satisfactory. This protects you and the contractor.