Storm damage claims are confusing on purpose. This guide answers the questions Illinois homeowners actually ask — before filing, during the inspection, after approval, and when something goes wrong. Plain English. No sales pitch.
Pick the situation that matches yours. Each path walks you through what happens next, what to watch for, and what your options are.
Should you even file? How to check for hail and wind damage, whether your rates will go up, deadlines after a storm, and what to have ready before you call.
Start This Path → Stage 2 — Claim FiledWhat the adjuster looks for, whether your contractor should be on the roof with them, what to say (and not say), and what to do if you disagree with their findings.
Start This Path → Stage 3 — DeniedWhat "wear and tear" and "mechanical damage" really mean, how to appeal or reopen a claim, re-inspections, public adjusters, attorneys, and the Illinois DOI complaint process.
Start This Path → Stage 3 — ApprovedDecode your paperwork: ACV vs. RCV, recoverable depreciation, why you got two checks, why your mortgage company is on them, and paying your deductible.
Start This Path → Stage 4 — Approved, But ShortWhy the insurance estimate is lower than your contractor's, what a supplement is, who submits it, and the line items adjusters most often leave off.
Start This Path → Any StageHow to vet a roofing contractor, storm-chaser red flags, contingency agreements, deposits, deductibles, warranties, and what belongs in the contract.
Start This Path →Ten guides. Over one hundred questions, answered the way a neighbor would explain it — not the way an insurance policy reads.
Should I file? Will my rates go up? Deadlines, inspections before filing, estimates, and choosing your own contractor.
Hail, wind, leaks, old roofs, cosmetic damage, gutters, siding, windows, fences, sheds, interior damage, and solar panels.
What they look for, who should attend the inspection, disagreeing with findings, re-inspections, and requesting a different adjuster.
Why the insurance estimate is low, missing flashing, drip edge, ventilation and code items — and how supplements fix it.
Deductibles, ACV vs. RCV, recoverable depreciation, two checks, mortgage company endorsements, and upgrade costs.
Full roof vs. one slope, discontinued shingles, matching, repair vs. replace disputes, rotten decking, and code upgrades.
Whole-house vs. one wall, discontinued colors, matching problems, house wrap, window wraps, and detach-and-reset items.
Denial language decoded, appeals, reopening claims, second opinions, public adjusters, attorneys, and DOI complaints.
Vetting, storm chasers, contingency agreements, contracts, deposits, deductibles, and warranties that actually matter.
Building codes, matching, code-upgrade coverage, what contractors legally can and can't do, and your rights under Illinois law.
The situations homeowners hit over and over — each one explained with what it means and what to do next.
ACV, RCV, depreciation, O&P, scope of loss, supplement, appraisal — every claim term defined in one page.
"The estimate is thousands short." "I got two checks and don't know why." "My shingles are discontinued." We collected the 25 problems Illinois homeowners run into most — and what to do about each one.
See the 25 Common Problems