Filing a storm damage claim can feel overwhelming — especially when you've never done it before.

We'll help you understand the process, document the damage thoroughly, and make sure you're in the best position to work with your insurance company confidently. We're not a public adjuster and we don't manage your claim. What we do is make sure you have the documentation, information, and support you need to navigate it on your own terms.

No pressure no obligation Zero sales pressure, zero obligation
Licensed and insured Licensed & insured in MN
Free inspection Free inspection & photo report
Owens Corning Preferred
GAF Certified
GAF Certified & Owens Corning Preferred Contractor

How Honest Exteriors Supports You Through the Process

Free Inspection & Photo Documentation

We perform a thorough inspection of your roof and all exterior surfaces, documenting every finding with detailed photos. You'll receive a complete report — the same kind of evidence your insurance company needs to evaluate your claim accurately.

Help Understanding Your Scope of Loss

Insurance estimates can be difficult to read and easy to misunderstand. We help you make sense of your scope of loss — what's included, what might be missing, and what questions to ask your insurance provider before you sign anything.

On-Site During Your Adjuster Visit

If you'd like us there when your adjuster comes out, we'll be there. Having a licensed contractor present means damage can be pointed out in real time and nothing gets overlooked. You stay in control of the conversation — we're just there to support.

Walk You Through Repair & Replacement Options

Once your claim is approved, we'll walk you through your repair or full replacement options — materials, timelines, and what the process looks like — with no pressure and full transparency on cost.

Start With a Free Inspection

Before you call your insurance company, get a professional inspection. You'll know exactly what you're dealing with — and you'll have the documentation to back it up.

  • Full roof and exterior assessment at no cost
  • Detailed photo report you can share with your insurer
  • We'll walk you through every finding — no jargon
  • Zero obligation — you decide what to do next
  • Same or next-day response available after storm events

Request Your Free Inspection

Takes 60 seconds. No obligation, ever.

Your info is private. We never sell or share your data.

Documentation You Can Actually Use

When we inspect your property, we document everything — surface by surface, photo by photo — so you have a clear, factual record to reference throughout the claims process.

Hail-dented gutter cover documented during Honest Exteriors storm inspection

Full roof and exterior assessment — every surface, every angle

Dented vent cap — hail impact documented during Honest Exteriors roof inspection

Detailed close-up photos of every impact and damage point

Missing shingles after hailstorm — documented during Honest Exteriors storm inspection

A complete photo report you can share directly with your insurer

How the Insurance Claim Process Works in Minnesota

Most homeowners have never filed a roof damage claim before. Here's the typical sequence from storm to completed repair — so you know what to expect at every stage.

1

Get a Free Inspection First

Before calling your insurer, get a professional inspection. You'll know whether you have claim-worthy damage — and you'll have documentation to support it.

2

File Your Claim

Contact your insurance company to report the damage. Have the storm date, your inspection report, and photos ready. They'll assign a claims adjuster.

3

Adjuster Visits Your Home

The adjuster evaluates the damage and prepares a scope of loss. You can have your contractor present — we recommend it so nothing gets missed.

4

Review Your Scope of Loss

You'll receive an estimate from your insurer. Review it carefully — we can help you understand what's included and whether it reflects the full damage.

5

Repair & Final Payment

Once approved, work begins. After completion you submit the final invoice to collect any remaining depreciation payout if you have an RCV policy.

Don't Wait to File Claim timeframes vary by policy and provider. Contact your insurer as soon as possible after a storm — the sooner you file, the smoother the process tends to go.

Key Terms Minnesota Homeowners Should Understand

Every policy is different. These are common terms and concepts you may encounter — always refer to your own policy documents and speak with your insurance provider for guidance specific to your situation.

ACV vs. RCV

Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies pay out depreciated value. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies cover full replacement cost after the work is complete, typically in two payments. Check your declarations page to confirm which type you have.

Your Deductible

You pay your deductible out of pocket before coverage applies. Deductibles can be flat amounts or percentage-based. Know yours before you file — and be cautious of any contractor who offers to "cover" it. That practice is often illegal in Minnesota.

Ordinance or Law Coverage

Minnesota building code may require a full tear-off if a significant portion of your roof needs replacement. If your policy includes Ordinance or Law coverage, required code upgrades may be covered. Not all policies include this — check yours.

What to have ready when you call your insurer:

  • The date of the storm event
  • Your policy number and declarations page
  • Photos and inspection report documenting the damage
  • Local storm data — NOAA Storm Events or NWS Minneapolis records can confirm storm date, hail size, and wind speed for your zip code
  • A list of all affected areas — roof, siding, gutters, windows
  • Notes on any interior water damage or leaks that appeared after the storm
Don't Wait to File Claim timeframes vary by policy and provider. Contact your insurer as soon as possible after a storm — the sooner you file, the smoother the process tends to go.

What to Watch Out For After a Storm

After a major storm, out-of-state contractors flood affected neighborhoods. Here's what to watch for when choosing who to work with.

Deductible Waiver Offers

Any contractor who offers to waive, cover, or absorb your deductible is asking you to participate in insurance fraud. It's illegal in Minnesota and can result in your claim being denied entirely. A reputable contractor will never offer this.

Unlicensed Storm Chasers

Out-of-state contractors often appear after major storms and disappear just as fast. In Minnesota, roofing contractors must be licensed through the Department of Labor & Industry. Always verify a license at doli.state.mn.us before signing anything.

Signing Before Approval

Never sign a contract with a contractor before your insurance claim is approved and you've reviewed the full scope of loss. Reputable contractors will wait. Anyone pressuring you to sign before approval is a red flag.

Honest Exteriors is licensed, local, and here after the job is done. License #BC784168. We've been serving the Twin Cities metro for years and we're not going anywhere. Every job comes with full documentation, clear communication, and zero pressure.

Insurance Claims FAQ

Answers to the questions we hear most from Minnesota homeowners going through the claims process.

Yes — and we'd strongly recommend it. A pre-claim inspection tells you whether you have damage worth filing for. Filing a claim for damage that doesn't exceed your deductible still appears on your claims history and can affect your premiums. Knowing what you're dealing with before you call puts you in a much better position.
Many standard homeowner's insurance policies include coverage for sudden storm damage — including hail and wind. Coverage varies significantly by policy, insurer, and the age and condition of your roof. Review your policy documents or contact your provider directly to understand your specific coverage terms.
Timeframes for filing claims vary by policy and insurance provider. Contact your insurer as soon as possible after a storm rather than waiting — your provider can confirm the specific deadlines that apply to your policy.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies factor in depreciation — so an older roof will receive a lower payout than a new one. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies are designed to cover the full cost of replacement after the work is completed, typically paid in two installments: the ACV check upfront and the depreciation released after completion. Check your declarations page to confirm which type you have.
We recommend being present if at all possible — or having your contractor there on your behalf. Having a licensed contractor on-site during the adjuster visit means damage can be walked through in real time and nothing gets overlooked. It's your claim and your home — the more informed eyes on it, the better.
It's not uncommon for initial estimates to miss items or undervalue the scope of damage. Review the estimate carefully against your inspection report. If there are discrepancies, contact your insurer directly to ask questions and request a re-evaluation if warranted. We can help you understand what's in the estimate and what questions to ask — the decision on how to proceed is always yours.
Nothing. Our inspections are always free, come with a detailed photo report, and carry zero obligation. We believe every homeowner deserves to know the actual condition of their roof before making any decisions.

Start With a Free Inspection — Before You Call Your Insurer

We'll document your damage thoroughly, walk you through what we find, and make sure you're fully informed and prepared to work with your insurance company.