The First 24 Hours Matter More Than You Think
A hail storm just rolled through St. Louis. Your neighbors are already outside staring at their cars. But here is the thing most homeowners get wrong: the damage you can see from the ground is almost never the full story. And what you do in the next 24 hours determines whether your insurance claim goes smoothly or turns into a months-long headache.
We have handled hundreds of storm damage claims across the metro area. This is the exact playbook we walk our clients through.
Step 1: Document Everything Immediately
Before you touch anything, grab your phone. Walk around your entire property and take photos and video of:
- Your roof from every angle you can safely capture from the ground
- Gutters, downspouts, and any visible dents or dings
- Siding, window frames, and trim
- Your HVAC unit and any outdoor equipment
- Your car if it was parked outside
Do NOT get on your roof. We cannot stress this enough. A wet, damaged roof after a storm is one of the most dangerous places you can be. Leave that to professionals with the right equipment and insurance.
Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company
File your claim the same day if possible. Missouri law gives you a reasonable window, but the sooner you file, the better your documentation timeline looks. When you call, have your policy number ready and mention that you want an adjuster sent out for a roof inspection.
Important: do not let them talk you into a "desk adjustment" where they estimate damage from satellite photos. Hail damage requires a hands-on inspection. Period.
Step 3: Contact a Local Roofer -- Not a Storm Chaser
Within 24 hours of the storm, your doorbell is going to ring. Trucks with out-of-state plates will be cruising your neighborhood offering "free inspections." These are storm chasers, and while not all of them are scammers, the business model is built on volume, not quality.
Call a local roofing contractor who will still be here in five years when your warranty matters. Get a free inspection from Vulcan Construction -- we are St. Louis based and we are not going anywhere.
Step 4: Prevent Further Damage
If you have an active leak, your policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. That might mean:
- Placing buckets under active leaks
- Covering damaged areas with a tarp (if you can do it safely)
- Moving furniture and valuables away from leak areas
Keep receipts for any emergency supplies. Your insurance should reimburse these costs.
Step 5: Do NOT Sign Anything Yet
This is where homeowners get burned. Do not sign a contract with any roofing company before your adjuster has inspected the damage. Do not sign over your insurance check. Do not agree to any "contingency" deals with companies you have never heard of.
Take your time. A reputable roofer will not pressure you into signing anything on the spot. If they do, that is your sign to walk away.
The Bottom Line
Storm damage is stressful, but it is manageable if you follow the right steps in the right order. Document first, file fast, hire local, and do not let anyone rush you into a decision you are not ready for.
If you are in the St. Louis area and your roof just took a hit, reach out to us. We will get eyes on your roof within 24 hours and walk you through the entire claim process.