Storm damage, 7 min read
Storm damage and roof insurance claims in Arizona
A monsoon can lift tiles, tear shingles and drive rain under a roof in minutes. This guide walks through what to do in the hours and weeks after a storm, from safe photos to the adjuster visit.
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The short answer
After storm damage, stay off the roof, photograph what you can see from the ground and inside, and limit further water damage with buckets and tarps on belongings. Call your insurance company to report the loss and ask how they handle roof claims, then have a licensed Arizona roofer inspect and document the damage. This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice; your policy and your insurer decide what is covered.
First, a note on what this guide is
Every insurance policy is different, and only your insurer can tell you what your policy covers, what your deductible is and how their claim process works. This guide shares general guidance we have learned from years of repairing storm-damaged roofs in the Valley. It is not legal or insurance advice.
If you have questions about your rights as a policyholder, the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions has consumer resources, and a licensed insurance agent or attorney can answer questions about your specific situation.
Stay safe right after the storm
Monsoon season in Arizona runs June 15–September 30, and the worst storms often bring high wind, dust, lightning and sudden heavy rain. Wait until the storm has fully passed before you go outside. Watch for downed power lines, broken branches hanging in trees and loose tiles or debris that could still fall from the roof edge.
Do not climb onto the roof. Wet tile, loose granules and storm debris make roofs slick, and a damaged deck may not hold your weight. A fall from a single-story roof can cause serious injury. Everything you need to document can be done from the ground and from inside the house.
Document the damage from the ground and inside
Good records make the rest of the process easier. Start as soon as it is safe and keep everything in one folder on your phone or computer.
- Take wide photos of each side of the house, then closer shots of any damage you can see from the yard.
- Photograph tiles, shingle pieces or flashing that landed in the yard before you move them, then set them aside.
- Use binoculars or your phone's zoom to capture missing tiles, lifted shingles, bent drip edge or torn coating.
- Inside, photograph ceiling stains, drips, wet insulation in the attic and any damaged belongings.
- Write down the date and approximate time of the storm and anything you noticed, such as a loud bang or when the leak started.
- Keep receipts for buckets, tarps, fans, a hotel stay or anything else you buy because of the damage.
Prevent more damage while you wait
Most homeowner policies expect you to take reasonable steps to keep damage from getting worse. Inside the house, that can mean moving furniture and electronics, catching drips in buckets, laying towels down and running fans. If a ceiling is bulging with water, keep people away from it and call a professional; do not poke it while standing under it.
On the roof itself, temporary protection such as a tarp is best done by a roofer. Tarping a tile roof is tricky because walking on tile breaks it and a tarp that is weighted or nailed the wrong way can cause new leaks. Call us at 602-548-3770 to schedule an inspection. If we don't answer, leave a message and we'll return your call within 24 hours.
Call your insurance company
Report the loss to your insurer as soon as you reasonably can. Many policies have time limits for reporting damage, so do not wait weeks to see if the leak goes away. When you call, have your policy number, the date of the storm and your photos ready.
Ask questions and write down the answers, along with the name of each person you speak with:
- Is the claim number assigned, and who is my adjuster?
- What is my deductible for wind or storm damage?
- Will an adjuster inspect the roof in person, and how soon?
- Do you want a roofer's inspection report or repair estimate before the adjuster visit?
- Are temporary repairs covered, and what documentation do you need for them?
What to expect at the adjuster visit
The adjuster works for the insurance company and is there to look at the damage and decide what the policy covers. Many adjusters will walk the roof, measure it and photograph damaged areas. Some homeowners like to have their roofer present so both people are looking at the same tiles, shingles and flashing at the same time.
Share your photos, your timeline and your roofer's report. Afterward, the insurer will usually send a written estimate or a letter explaining their decision. Read it closely. If something seems missing, such as underlayment damage the adjuster did not see, ask your insurer how to request a review and provide any supporting documentation.
What a roofer's inspection report should include
A clear inspection report gives you and your insurer a shared record of the roof's condition. When we inspect a storm-damaged roof, we look at the whole system, not just the obvious broken pieces. A useful report typically covers:
- The roof type, approximate age if known, and overall condition before the storm, where it can be judged.
- Labeled photos of each area of damage, with notes on where it is on the roof.
- Broken, slipped or missing tile; creased, torn or missing shingles; lifted or damaged flashing; damaged coating on flat roofs.
- Signs of water getting past the top layer, such as wet or torn underlayment and stained decking.
- Interior and attic observations that line up with the roof damage.
- Recommended repairs or replacement, and what can wait versus what needs attention now.
How to spot and avoid storm chasers
After a big monsoon, crews sometimes arrive from out of town, knock on doors and push homeowners to sign on the spot. Some do poor work and leave before problems show up. Take your time, even when water is coming in.
- Look up any contractor's license on the Arizona Registrar of Contractors website before you sign anything.
- Be wary of anyone who asks you to sign a contract or an assignment of your insurance benefits at the door.
- Be cautious if someone offers to waive or cover your deductible; that is a red flag, and your deductible is part of your agreement with your insurer.
- Ask for a local office address and phone number, and confirm they are real.
- Avoid paying a large amount up front in cash.
- Get the scope of work, materials and timeline in writing.
Repair, replacement and cost
Some storm damage is a straightforward repair, such as replacing a handful of broken tiles. Other times the wind has damaged the underlayment across a large area, or an older roof cannot be repaired cleanly, and replacement makes more sense. A good roofer will explain the difference and show you why.
Every roof is different, so we do not quote prices without seeing it. For a general sense of what affects cost, read our Roofing Cost Guide, and see our storm damage repair and roof inspection pages for more on how we help.
More guides
How to hire a roofer in Arizona
A roof is one of the largest purchases most homeowners make, and the contractor matters as much as the materials. Here is how to check a roofer out before you sign anything.
Tile roofsTile roof underlayment in Arizona: what it is and when to replace it
Concrete and clay tile can last for generations, but the layer underneath does the real waterproofing, and Arizona heat wears it out much sooner.
MonsoonMonsoon roof prep checklist for Arizona homeowners
Arizona's monsoon brings dust, wind, sudden downpours and hail. A little preparation before the season and a careful look after each storm can keep small problems from becoming leaks.
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Call the office at 602-548-3770, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm.
Does homeowners insurance cover monsoon roof damage in Arizona?
Many policies cover sudden damage from wind, hail or falling objects, but coverage depends on your specific policy. Wear and tear, old age and long-term leaks are often excluded. Call your insurer and ask them to explain your coverage and deductible for storm damage.
Should I call my roofer or my insurance company first?
You can do both on the same day. Reporting the loss promptly to your insurer starts the claim, and a roofer's inspection gives you a clear picture of the damage. Ask your insurer whether they want a roofer's report before or after the adjuster visit.
Can I put a tarp on my roof myself?
We do not recommend it, especially on tile. Walking on tile breaks it, and ladders and wet surfaces after a storm are dangerous. Focus on protecting the inside of your home and have a roofer handle temporary protection on the roof.
How do I know if a roofer is licensed in Arizona?
Search the contractor's name or license number on the Arizona Registrar of Contractors website. The listing shows whether the license is active and the type of work it covers. Integrity Roofing's license is ROC #096629.
What if the adjuster misses some of the damage?
Read the insurer's estimate carefully and compare it with your photos and your roofer's report. If something looks missing, contact your insurer, ask how they handle a review or supplement, and send any supporting documentation they request.
How long do I have to file a roof damage claim?
Time limits vary by policy and insurer, so check your policy or ask your agent. In general, report damage as soon as you reasonably can. Waiting can make it harder to show the damage came from a specific storm.
Is a leak after a storm always storm damage?
Not always. A storm can expose an older problem, such as underlayment that was already worn out under the tile. A careful inspection helps separate new storm damage from long-term wear, which matters because insurers often treat them differently.
Do you work directly with insurance companies?
We inspect the roof, document the damage with photos and notes, and can share that report with you to provide to your insurer. Decisions about coverage are made by your insurance company. Call us at 602-548-3770, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm, to schedule an inspection.
Let's take a look at your roof.
Call the office at 602-548-3770 to schedule an estimate, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm. If we don't answer, leave a message and we'll return your call within 24 hours.