Should I File an Insurance Claim on My Roof?

by Legacy Construction | May 23, 2025 | Insured Roofers, Roof Storm Damage, Storm Damage

Minnesota storms don’t mess around. One minute, it’s sunny skies. The next? Golf ball-sized hail, 60-mph winds, and heavy rain. If you’ve just weathered a storm and noticed signs of roof damage, your first question is probably:

“Should I file an insurance claim?”

It’s a fair question. And the answer isn’t always a simple yes or no. Regardless, Minnesota homeowners are looking for one thing after a storm: honest advice. At Legacy Construction, we’ve helped countless Minnesota homeowners through this exact process. We to give you straightforward, honest advice about when it makes sense to file a claim, and when it might be better to hold off.

What Kind of Damage Can Minnesota Storms Cause?

Our weather can go from calm to chaotic in an instant. And when it does, your roof often takes the hit. What kind of damage can this do to your home? Some of the most common types of storm-related roof damage we see include:

Hail Damage: hail can bruise or crack shingles and dent flashing or vents. It may look minor but can shorten your roof’s life or cause leaks later.
Wind Damage: strong winds can lift shingles, break seals, or blow them off entirely, exposing your roof deck to rain and more.
Falling Debris: branches and trees can puncture shingles, damage gutters, or cause structural issues.
Water Intrusion: once the surface of your roof is compromised, water can seep into your attic, insulation, and walls—leading to mold, rot, and costly repairs.

This damage isn’t always obvious from the ground, which is why it’s important to get up on the roof and really get a close look before making any big decisions.

What Does Insurance Typically Cover?

We truly cannot say what your individual homeowner’s insurance plan does and does not cover. Plus, many variables go into determining whether an insurance company will accept a claim and cover damage. We can only say one thing for certain: if a storm has damaged your home, we will help you work through the process and aid in communication with your insurance company.

In general, most standard homeowners’ insurance policies will cover storm damage when it’s sudden and accidental. That includes:

Hail and wind damage
Fallen trees or limbs
Roof leaks directly caused by a storm
Broken or missing shingles due to high winds

What’s not usually covered includes:

General wear and tear
Old age or lack of maintenance
Pre-existing issues
Damage that’s purely cosmetic (depending on your policy)

It’s important to know that insurance is designed to help restore your home to its pre-storm condition, not necessarily to upgrade or completely replace an aging roof that was already in bad shape.

When Is It a Good Idea to File a Claim?

Filing a claim makes sense when the damage is legitimate, well-documented, and clearly storm-related. You should consider filing if:

A recent storm caused visible or confirmed damage, including cracked shingles, exposed underlayment, or clear hail impact marks.
The cost of repair or replacement exceeds your deductible. For example, if your deductible is $1,000 and your repairs will cost $7,000? File the claim. But if the damage is minor and the repair estimate is $1,200, you might be better off paying out of pocket to avoid potential premium increases.
You plan to keep the home long-term, as roof damage left unrepaired only gets worse. Filing now can prevent larger issues (and costs) down the road.

The Pros and Cons of Filing a Roof Insurance Claim

The Pros

You can save thousands on repairs or replacement
Your home is protected from further damage
A successful claim brings peace of mind
We will guide you through the process

The Cons

Your premiums could increase (depending on your provider and claim history)
If your claim is denied, you’re still responsible for repair costs
Filing for small damage might not be worth it after the deductible

Be Wary of Storm Chasing Roofing Contractors!

After a big storm, there’s another kind of weather system that rolls into town: storm chasers. These out-of-town contractors are looking to make a quick buck on roof claims. They often go door to door, promising a “free roof” or pressuring you to sign something on the spot. They may even offer to “cover your deductible”.

Storm chasers are bad news for multiple reasons:

They don’t stick around. If you have issues later, good luck finding them.
They often use subpar materials or rush the job.
They may cut corners to maximize their own payout.
They can leave you in hot water with your insurance company.

Bottom line: Only work with licensed, local contractors who have a reputation you can verify.

Should You File a Claim?

Not every roof needs a claim. But when it does, filing quickly with the right documentation and the right roofing contractor, can save you thousands. Our advice? Don’t guess. Don’t gamble. Get a free inspection. Let our professionals walk on your roof, evaluate the damage, and guide you through the process.

At Legacy Construction, we’ll give you honest feedback. If your roof looks fine? We’ll tell you if the damage is serious, and we’ll help you take the right next steps, whether that’s filing a claim or planning out repairs.