Hail and Wind Damage Insurance Claims in Pennsylvania
Storm claims are our specialty. Literally thousands of hail and wind damage claims have come to us denied or below the deductible, and the overwhelming majority have been resolved for full roof and siding replacements. If your insurance company is offering less than your storm damage is worth, we know what to do.
Real Storm Claim Results
Jeff in Abbottstown came to us after his insurance company offered him $4,000 for wind- and water-damaged roof and interior. We recovered $52,000.
Loren in Mount Wolf was offered $698 for hail damage to her roof, siding, and personal property. We recovered $46,000.
These are not exceptions. They represent the pattern we see repeatedly in storm claims across Pennsylvania.
The First Step After Hail or Wind Damage
Call a contractor and mitigate the damage.
There are countless roofing and siding contractors who respond quickly to storm events and help communities get restored. We work closely with many of them. Choosing a knowledgeable and trustworthy contractor is an important first step. Getting any potential leaks or ongoing damage addressed immediately, through tarping missing roof shingles or boarding up blown siding, protects the claim and fulfills your duties after a loss under your policy. Expert opinions and reports from vendors like roofing and siding contractors can also help settle your claim.
The Mistake That Can Hurt Your Storm Claim
Temporary repairs to prevent ongoing damage are required; that is a duty under most policies. But making permanent or even semi-permanent repairs before the insurance company has had the opportunity to inspect the damage can be detrimental to your claim.
Permanent repairs can spoil evidence. They can also signal to the insurance company that repair was feasible, which may undermine your claim for full replacement when replacement is what the policy actually owes for.
Mitigate. Document everything. Then let us manage the rest, before any permanent work begins.
Why Storm Claims Are Frequently Disputed
Carriers often acknowledge visible hail impact while disputing whether it constitutes functional damage requiring replacement.
Storm date attribution:
Insurance companies may argue that damage predates the reported storm event.
Most policies call for a reduction in payment based on the age and condition of the property, and most policies pay the depreciation amount once repairs have been completed. Some policies do not allow you to recover that depreciation. Identifying what kind of policy you have, and ensuring that a reasonable and fair amount of depreciation is applied, is crucial to your claim.
Missed components:
Detached structures, important parts of the roof assembly, gutters and downspouts, HVAC units and utilities, and even interior damage caused by leaking roofs are commonly excluded from initial carrier estimates.
What Our Clients Say
“He refuses to give up. He will send letter after letter or email after email to the insurance company, fighting for what he believes is rightfully due to the homeowner.”
— Pamela & Stephen R., York PA
Their hail and wind claim on a rental property was denied as “normal wear and tear.” We got the roof covered in full. They came back for their personal home, also initially denied. We got that covered too.
Frequently Asked Questions
My claim was denied for "normal wear and tear." Is that the end?
Not necessarily. Insurance companies frequently point to wear and tear as a reason to deny storm claims, but wear and tear and storm damage are not the same thing, and conflating the two is a common tactic. We document the storm damage clearly and separately from any pre-existing conditions. Many initially denied storm claims have been successfully reopened and ultimately covered.
The insurance company said my roof only needs repairs, not full replacement. Can I dispute that?
Yes. The determination of repair versus replacement depends on the extent of damage and the applicable policy provisions. We assess independently and submit documentation that supports the correct outcome, which in many cases is full replacement.
Do I need to file anything official after storm damage?
No police report is necessary for storm damage. You do need to file a claim with your insurance company and take steps to mitigate ongoing damage. Call us first. We can help with that, and having us represent your interests from the beginning will ensure that your claim is properly documented and handled.
Explore Our Services
Our Locations
Wherever you’re located, you’ll have an experienced advocate on your side. Our local teams understand the unique challenges property owners face after a loss and are committed to helping you secure the full and fair settlement you deserve.
Every inquiry receives a direct response. Initial claim consultations are always free and carry no obligation to proceed. All information shared is treated with complete confidentiality.
Not sure if you need a public adjuster? Reach out anyway. We will give you an honest answer.
- (717) 894-4944
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5 Ivy Circle,
Hanover, PA 17331 - Monday–Friday, 7 AM–5 PM
High volume, personal attention. Every claim is managed with the same standard of thoroughness.
We recover tens of millions of dollars in claims every year for policyholders across Pennsylvania and beyond.
PA, MD, NJ, VA, NC, GA, and TX. We handle claims remotely across all seven.
Contingency-based representation. Our interests are perfectly aligned with yours.