The storm has passed, the power might be out, and there’s a branch on the roof that wasn’t there an hour ago. Middle Tennessee gets its share of nights like this, from spring tornado warnings to summer hail and winter ice. What you do in the next few days can make your claim smoother. Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing a home insurance claim after storm damage.
Quick takeaway
- Make sure everyone is safe, then report the claim as soon as you reasonably can.
- Photograph damage before cleanup and keep receipts for emergency repairs.
- Know your deductible, including any separate percentage deductible for wind and hail.
- Check a contractor’s license at verify.tn.gov before you sign anything.
Step 1: Stay safe and prevent more damage
Before you think about paperwork, check on people. Stay away from downed power lines, and don’t go into a structure that looks unsafe. If anyone is hurt or there’s an emergency, call 911.
Once it’s safe, take reasonable steps to keep the damage from getting worse. That might mean tarping a roof, boarding a broken window, or shutting off water to a leaking line. Many policies expect you to protect the property from further damage, and the cost of reasonable temporary repairs is often part of the claim. Keep every receipt. Hold off on permanent repairs until your insurer has had a chance to see the damage.
Step 2: Document everything before you clean up
Photos and video are your best friends. Walk the outside and inside of the home and capture:
- The roof, siding, gutters, windows, and any fallen trees
- Interior ceilings, walls, and floors with water stains or damage
- Damaged belongings, with close-ups of brand names and model numbers where you can
- Detached structures like fences, sheds, and a detached garage
If you have to throw something away for health reasons, like soaked carpet, photograph it first. If you can, keep a small sample. A home inventory made before the storm makes this step much easier, so if you don’t have one, add it to your list for next season.
Step 3: Report the claim promptly
Call your agent or carrier, or use the carrier’s app, and have your policy number ready. In a news release after Winter Storm Fern, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) urged homeowners to file as soon as possible. TDCI noted that your policy may require notice within a certain time frame. TDCI also recommends that you:
- Ask what documents, forms, and information the company needs
- Keep notes of who you spoke with, plus the date, time, and what was said
- Give the insurer all the information it asks for, since partial information can delay a claim
After a widespread storm, adjusters may be busy. Getting in line early helps.
Step 4: Understand what’s usually covered
According to the same TDCI release, most standard homeowners policies cover damage caused by wind, wind-driven rain, trees or other falling objects, and the collapse of a structure due to the weight of ice or snow. TDCI also lists events that typically are not covered by a standard policy:
- Interior water damage from a storm when the roof or walls weren’t damaged
- Flood damage
- Removing fallen trees that didn’t land on and damage your home
- Food spoilage from a power outage
- Water damage from backed-up drains or sewers
Some carriers offer endorsements for a few of these, like water backup. Our guide to what homeowners insurance covers in Tennessee goes into the common gaps in more detail.
How wind and hail deductibles work
Many people know their “regular” deductible but don’t realize their policy may have a separate one for wind and hail. That deductible may be a flat dollar amount, or it may be a percentage.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) explains that a percentage deductible is based on your home’s insured value, not on the size of the claim. In III’s example, a home insured for $100,000 with a 2 percent deductible would have $2,000 subtracted from a covered claim. III notes that wind and hail deductibles are most often expressed as percentages, typically from 1 to 5 percent, and are most common where windstorms and hail are frequent.
Here’s why that matters: the higher your dwelling limit, the bigger a percentage deductible becomes in dollars. Pull out your declarations page now and look for the words “wind,” “hail,” or “windstorm” next to your deductible. If you see a percentage, do the math so it doesn’t surprise you after a storm.
Step 5: Meet the adjuster prepared
An adjuster will usually inspect the damage, either in person or through photos and video. To make that visit useful:
- Have your photos, receipts, and notes ready
- Point out everything you’ve found, including smaller items
- Ask how the estimate was built and what depreciation, if any, was applied
- Ask for an itemized explanation of the settlement
If your policy pays actual cash value on the roof or belongings, you may receive a lower first payment that accounts for depreciation. Some replacement cost policies pay the rest once repairs are completed. Ask how yours works.
Step 6: Hire a contractor carefully
Storms bring out good contractors and bad ones. TDCI’s advice after recent storms is practical:
- Check the contractor’s license status at verify.tn.gov
- Be cautious with door-to-door or phone solicitations offering roof repairs
- Ask whether the licensed contractor’s own employees will do the work or whether it will be subcontracted
- Don’t feel pressured to sign anything on the spot
TDCI also notes that for home improvement projects, state law limits deposits to no more than one-third of the contract price. Avoid paying in full before the work is done.
Step 7: If you disagree with the decision
Start by asking the adjuster to walk you through the estimate line by line. Mistakes and missed items happen, and a polite, documented conversation fixes many of them. Send additional photos or contractor estimates if something was left out.
If you still believe a claim was wrongly denied, TDCI says it can mediate between the company and the policyholder for policies written in Tennessee. You can reach TDCI’s consumer team at 615-741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029 or file a complaint online.
Storm season in Middle Tennessee
The National Weather Service in Nashville has documented how fast a quiet night can change here, from the March 3, 2020 tornado that tracked through North Nashville, Donelson, Hermitage, Mt. Juliet, and Lebanon to the December 9, 2023 tornadoes that hit Madison, Hendersonville, and Gallatin. A few habits can make your next claim easier:
- Keep a current photo or video inventory of every room, stored in the cloud.
- Save your policy and agent’s phone number somewhere you can reach without power.
- Review your deductibles every renewal, especially wind and hail.
- Trim trees that hang over the roof, and keep gutters clear.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a home insurance claim in Tennessee?
It depends on your policy. TDCI notes that your policy may require notice within a certain time frame, so check your policy conditions and report damage as soon as you reasonably can.
Will filing a storm claim raise my rates?
It can depend on the carrier, your claim history, and the type of claim. Ask your agent how a claim might affect your policy before you decide whether to file a small one.
Does homeowners insurance cover a tree that fell in my yard?
TDCI says removing fallen trees that don’t land on and damage your home is typically not covered. If the tree hits the house or another covered structure, the damage it causes is often covered, subject to your deductible.
Should I get my own roofer’s estimate?
It can help. A licensed roofer’s estimate gives you something to compare with the adjuster’s numbers. Just don’t sign a repair contract until you understand what the insurer will pay.
Next step
The best time to check your storm deductible is before the storm. Learn more about homeowners insurance with Eric Henry, Insurance Agent, and ask Eric to review your wind and hail deductible, your roof coverage, and your limits across several carriers.
Coverage descriptions are general information only; your policy documents determine actual coverage. Availability varies by carrier.
