IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE STORM
Safety comes first. Don’t get on your roof or inspect any areas until the storm has fully passed and you’ve confirmed it’s safe to move around your property.
⚡ First 1–2 Hours: Safety Checks
- Wait until the storm has fully passed and there is no lightning, wind, or debris movement
- Do NOT get on your roof — even experienced contractors don’t inspect wet roofs
- Check for gas smells — if you detect gas, evacuate and call 911 before entering
- Look for downed power lines around your property — stay at least 30 feet away
- Check for structural damage to your home before entering — cracked foundation, shifted walls, or damaged roof structure
- Turn off electricity at the breaker if you have any flooding inside
- Document active water entry into your home with photos and video immediately
📸 First 24 Hours: Document Everything
- Photograph ALL visible exterior damage from ground level — gutters, siding, windows, AC unit, fencing
- Note the date and time of the storm event — check local news or weather service for official storm reports
- Photograph granules in gutters and at downspout outlets — this is early evidence of shingle impact
- Inspect metal surfaces visually: gutters, AC fins, metal vents, exterior railings — look for denting
- Check window screens for holes or punctures — hail size can be estimated from damage patterns
- Photograph any dented or damaged gutters, downspouts, fascia, or soffit
- Save all photos to a cloud backup with timestamps preserved
- Save the weather report or NOAA radar screenshot showing the storm track and hail size
Critical: Do NOT start any permanent repairs before filing your insurance claim and having an adjuster inspection. Permanent repairs can complicate claims and reduce your settlement. Temporary emergency tarping to prevent further water damage is acceptable and encouraged.
📞 First 48 Hours: Contact Goodlife Exteriors
- Call 402-899-9012 or submit a request for a free post-storm inspection
- We prioritize storm-related inspections — typically available within 2–5 days of a major event
- Schedule emergency tarping if you have active water intrusion (same-day availability)
- We will prepare a professional written damage report with photo documentation
- Our inspection report can be submitted directly to your insurance adjuster
FILING YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM
📋 Before Filing: Gather Your Documents
- Your homeowner’s insurance policy number and contact information
- Documentation of storm date and weather data (NOAA report, news article)
- Photos of exterior damage (taken before any repairs)
- Professional written inspection report from Goodlife Exteriors (we provide this free)
- Previous roof inspection reports or records if available
- Documentation of any temporary repairs (tarping) with receipts
📱 Filing the Claim
- Contact your insurance company by phone or online portal to file the claim
- Request a specific claim number — keep this for all future communications
- Ask about your deductible amount — standard vs. wind/hail specific deductible
- Ask if your policy is ACV (Actual Cash Value) or RCV (Replacement Cost Value)
- Request the name and direct contact information for your assigned adjuster
- Ask about the adjuster inspection timeline — typically 1–2 weeks
- Notify Goodlife Exteriors of your adjuster appointment — we’ll attend at no charge
🏠 Adjuster Inspection Day
- Have your contractor (Goodlife Exteriors) present during the adjuster inspection — this is your right
- Have your written contractor inspection report ready to share
- Point out ALL documented damage — don’t assume the adjuster will find everything
- Take your own photos during the adjuster visit
- Ask the adjuster to document every item they inspect
- Do NOT sign any document accepting the settlement on the day of inspection
- Ask for a copy of the adjuster’s inspection report before they leave or by email same day
Goodlife Exteriors Tip: The most common reason homeowners receive lower settlements than they deserve is insufficient documentation at the adjuster inspection. Having a professional contractor present who knows what hail damage looks like — and can point it out clearly — consistently improves settlement outcomes for our clients.
📄 After the Adjuster Visit
- Review the adjuster’s estimate carefully — compare to your contractor’s estimate
- If items are missing or undervalued, Goodlife Exteriors will prepare a supplement request
- Do not start permanent repairs until the claim is approved and funds are available
- Once approved, schedule your replacement with Goodlife Exteriors
- For RCV policies, keep the depreciation holdback documentation — you’ll receive this after work completion
- After replacement is complete, register your manufacturer warranty
- Update your insurance agent about the Class 4 shingle upgrade if applicable — request the premium discount
Need Storm Inspection Help in Nebraska?
Goodlife Exteriors handles the entire storm damage and insurance claim process for homeowners across Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, Gretna, Elkhorn & 37+ communities. Free inspection, full documentation, adjuster coordination — no upfront cost.
Related Resources:
Storm Damage Roofing → |
Nebraska Insurance Claim Guide → |
Nebraska Hail Damage Guide → |
Hail Damage Roofing →