Frequently ASked questions when filing a claim

Not all hail and wind events cause damage worth claiming, and filing a claim that does not hold up can affect your insurance history. The honest answer is that you need a contractor on your roof before you call your insurance company, not after. At Timber Exteriors, we inspect every surface component including shingles, flashings, gutters, and pipe boots and document what we find with photos before we discuss next steps. If the damage does not meet the threshold for a valid claim, we will tell you that directly. If it does, we will walk you through what to expect before you make the call.

In most cases, yes, if the damage is documented properly and the claim is filed correctly. Minnesota homeowners with standard HO3 policies typically have wind and hail coverage, though deductibles and depreciation schedules vary by policy. The scope of loss document your adjuster issues is not always complete on the first pass. We review every scope of loss and supplement the claim if items were missed or undervalued. The goal is a fair settlement, not a fast one.

Storm chasers are out-of-state contractors who follow hail and wind events into affected neighborhoods, knock on doors, pressure homeowners into signing contingency agreements, and have developed a reputation of collecting insurance money before the work is properly completed. They tend to show up fast, offer numbers that seem too good, and have no permanent local presence or verifiable review history. A legitimate local contractor has a physical address, verifiable licensing, insurance you can confirm, and references from jobs in your actual neighborhood. For more information on selecting the right contractor for your home, check out our Top 5 Roofing Contractors in Coon Rapids MN: 2026 Guide.

Not necessarily. A single weather-related claim is generally treated differently than an at-fault claim by most carriers. Your rates are more likely influenced by your zip code's broader claim history than by one individual storm event. That said, every policy is different and it is worth a conversation with your agent before filing.

Our inspections, storm damage evaluations, and adjuster meeting assistance are complimentary. If your claim is approved and you choose Timber Exteriors for the work, we will finalize the project agreement and complete the approved restoration scope using the insurance proceeds, less your deductible.

Most policies require you to report damage 'promptly' — and many set a window of 1–2 years from the date of the storm. However, waiting too long can hurt your claim. Insurance companies may argue that newer damage or deterioration happened after the storm.

A single weather-related claim generally has less impact on your premium than other claim types, since it's not considered your fault. That said, multiple claims within a few years can lead to rate increases or policy non-renewal. Your agent is the best person to weigh whether a specific claim makes financial sense.

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest. Some policies have a separate, higher deductible specifically for wind and hail claims — this is often listed as a percentage of your home's insured value (e.g., 1–2%) rather than a flat dollar amount. Always check your declarations page.

You have the right to dispute the adjuster's findings. Getting an independent inspection from a qualified contractor is one of the most effective ways to support your case. If there's still a disagreement, your policy likely includes an appraisal or dispute process, and you can also request a re-inspection.

Yes — and some can actually save you money going forward. Impact-resistant shingles (Class 3 or Class 4 rated) may qualify your home for a 10–20% discount on your homeowners insurance premium. Some upgrades can be added during the insurance repair process, with only the cost difference coming out of pocket.