When a major storm hits, it’s amazing how fast life can change. One minute you’re watching the weather report, and the next you’re staring at a damaged roof, broken windows, or a flooded living room. In the middle of all that stress, you’re suddenly faced with big questions:
- Who do I call first?
- How fast do I need to report this?
- What does my insurance actually cover?
- How much is this going to cost?
We sat down with restoration professional Jay Brooks to walk through some of the most common questions homeowners have after storm damage—and how a team like Paul Davis Restoration can help you navigate those first critical decisions.
Who should you call after storm damage?
After a storm, your first priority is safety—make sure everyone in your home is okay and stay away from downed power lines, broken glass, or unstable structures.
Once everyone is safe, Jay recommends calling a professional restoration company like Paul Davis Restoration right away. A restoration team can:
- Quickly assess the damage
- Help stop it from getting worse (for example, by tarping roofs or drying out wet areas)
- Begin the cleanup and restoration process
At the same time, it’s important to loop in your insurance agent or carrier. Restoration companies like Paul Davis work closely with insurance professionals, helping document damage and provide the information your adjuster needs. That coordination makes the claims process smoother and less stressful for you.
How long do you have to report storm damage to insurance?
The honest answer: it depends on your insurance company and your policy.
Jay explains that some insurance carriers expect you to report damage within just a few hours, while others may allow a few days. But in reality, you don’t want to cut it close.
Most insurance companies have 24/7 claim hotlines, which means you can call them day or night. The best move?
Report your storm damage as soon as possible—even if you’re still taking it all in.
Calling early helps:
- Start the claims process
- Get your loss on record while details are fresh
- Avoid any issues with missing a reporting deadline
How do storm damage insurance claims work?
According to Jay, a storm damage claim works a lot like any other home insurance claim:
- You contact your insurance company or agent
- Explain what happened
- Share when the storm occurred
- Describe the damage you can see
- Explain what happened
- They confirm your coverages
Your insurance company will let you know:
- What parts of the damage may be covered
- What your deductible is
- What next steps you should take
- What parts of the damage may be covered
- An adjuster and restoration company get involved
- The adjuster evaluates the damage
- A restoration company like Paul Davis documents and repairs the damage
- Together, they help you understand the scope of the loss and the work needed
- The adjuster evaluates the damage
Having a professional restoration team in your corner can make a big difference. They speak the same “language” as insurance professionals and can help ensure the damage is properly documented.
What does insurance typically cover in a storm?
Coverage can vary a lot from policy to policy, but Jay highlights a few common areas that are often covered in storm-related claims:
- Water damage (for example, from a roof damaged by wind)
- Fire damage caused by the storm (like lightning strikes)
- Falling trees or debris that damage your home
However, not everything outside is automatically covered. Some policies may handle trees, fences, sheds, or other structures differently. That’s why Jay recommends:
- Taking a look at what’s around your property—especially large trees
- Talking with your insurance agent ahead of storm season
- Asking specifically: “If this tree falls on my house or in my yard, what’s covered?”
Knowing this before a storm hits gives you fewer surprises later.
How much does storm damage restoration cost?
This is one of the biggest questions homeowners have—and also one of the hardest to answer with a simple number.
Jay explains that storm damage restoration can range from your deductible all the way up to the value of your home, depending on how severe the damage is.
A few factors that affect cost include:
- How much of your home was affected (one room vs. multiple floors)
- Whether there is structural damage
- The type of materials that need to be repaired or replaced
- How long water sat before cleanup began
Your out-of-pocket cost usually comes down to your deductible and what your policy covers. The good news is that companies like Paul Davis:
- Provide detailed estimates
- Work directly with your insurance carrier
- Help you understand what’s covered and what isn’t
Does homeowner’s insurance cover storm cleanup?
In many cases, homeowner’s insurance is designed to cover the home itself, and sometimes a portion of the surrounding property. That can include:
- Structural damage to the house
- Certain attached or nearby structures
- Some cleanup related to covered damage
However, whether your entire yard cleanup or every fallen tree is covered depends completely on your specific policy. Some policies may cover tree removal only if the tree caused damage to a covered structure (like your house or garage), for example.
Jay’s advice is simple:
Don’t assume everything outside is covered—check your policy or talk to your agent so you know where you stand.
Will your homeowner’s insurance go up after a storm damage claim?
Anytime you file an insurance claim, there’s a possibility that your:
- Premium (monthly or annual payment) may go up
- Deductible could change in the future
Whether that happens—and how much—depends on:
- Your insurance company
- Your claim history
- The type and size of the claim
This is another area where having an honest conversation with your insurance agent is crucial. Ask:
- “How might this storm claim affect my future premiums?”
- “Would it make sense to file a claim for this amount of damage?”
Jay emphasizes that working closely with your agent helps you make informed decisions, especially if the damage is on the borderline between paying out of pocket and filing a claim.
Paul Davis is here to help after the storm
Storms are unpredictable—but your response doesn’t have to be. If your home has been damaged by a storm:
- Make sure everyone is safe.
- Call a restoration company like Paul Davis Restoration right away to help protect your property and begin cleanup.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the loss.
From emergency response and cleanup to working hand-in-hand with your insurance company, your local Paul Davis team is here to guide you through every step of the recovery process.
When the storm passes, you don’t have to face the damage alone. Reach out to Paul Davis Restoration—and let experienced professionals help you restore not just your property, but your peace of mind.
