On Friday morning, March 15th, 2025, many in our area experienced quite the rude awakening! EF1 tornadoes ripped through areas of Southern Indiana, and hailstones as large as 2” in diameter pummelled homes across the Kentuckiana region. Then, on Sunday, March 31st, there were at least 5 known tornadoes that touched down. And again, on Wednesday night, April 2nd, the night sky was unkind to many homes in our region. Rinse and repeat. Again and again, it seems.
The immediate aftermath can be overwhelming and confusing. Some property owners walk outside and see massive damage – holes in siding, dents in window sills and downspouts, and car windshields and sunroofs cracked; they know they need help fast!
For others, the damage may be so minor in comparison that they THINK they are unscathed.
Two separate lists here: 1 if you know you have damage, and 1 if you aren’t sure or think you don’t.
Let’s start with those who KNOW they have damage
- Take pictures of EVERYTHING – wet floors, ceiling spots, light fixtures hanging on by a thread. By the time an adjuster makes it on site, much of that will look different – and you need as much documentation as you can get.
Protect your home by whatever means available – install tarps, board windows, and remove trees and debris that are endangering your property. Make sure you do these IN ORDER, though – no going back to get photos after the fact!
Contact your carrier – this can go 2-3 or 3-2 or simultaneously. Let your insurance company know what is going on and that you will need an adjuster quickly.
Research companies to help. Understand that there is a LOT of damage out there, and reputable companies may require some patience. The backlog will continue to grow quickly, and doing your research now will help you to make a decision you can feel good about. Select a company (or two or three) to inspect damages and have a discussion with each – see who you feel confident in communicating with.
- Be patient but diligent. Stay on top of your claim status, have your adjuster and contractor begin the process of inspection and negotiation, and once you have your insurance paperwork, begin selecting materials and colors. Do you part while knowing that it is not a speedy process and it will take some time to work through correctly?
***Remember that cheaper isn’t always better. With insurance work, you will have the same deductible regardless of who you use. If you find a company to complete repairs for $500 less than your insurance company is willing to pay, then the insurance company keeps that difference! All you got was cheaper work!
Now, if you are not sure whether or not you have damage, here are some things you can inspect yourself from the safety of the ground to see if a professional inspection seems warranted.
Keep in mind that not all damage is storm damage (some of those dings may be human-made).
Roof:
- Missing or loose shingles
- Dark spots that look like freckles (especially if these appear on only one face of the roof)
Soft Metals:
- Gutters/Downspouts/Gutter Guards
- Window wrap, screens, storm doors
- Columns/Posts
- Garage Doors/Wraps
- Fascia and Frieze board wraps
Wood Surfaces:
- Fence
- Deck/Railing/steps
Siding:
- Look for cracks, chips, or holes
- Exterior light fixtures
- shutters
Personal Items:
- Playsets/toys/etc
- Flower pots, hose reels, decor
- patio furniture
- Landscape lighting
- Grills and covers
AC units:
- Dents
- Damage to housing/fan cover
If you see damage that seems out of the ordinary, get a professional inspection. We can never guarantee that your insurance carrier will extend coverage, but we are happy to show you the damages and help you determine if the cost of repairs would be above the deductible on your policy. If you decide to file a claim, we are with you every step of the way.