A serious storm just rolled through Connecticut. Trees down, power out, and you can see damage on your home from the ground. The first 24 hours after storm damage are critical — both for protecting your property from further damage and for documenting everything you'll need for an insurance claim. Here's exactly what to do, in order.
Make Sure Everyone Is Safe First
Before anything else, check that your family and pets are safe. Don't go outside if power lines are down or trees are still unstable. Don't enter rooms with visible ceiling damage or active leaks. Safety first, property second. The insurance claim and the repair work can wait. People can't.
Document the Damage with Photos
Once it's safe, start taking photos. Lots of photos. Different angles, close-ups, wide shots, before any cleanup. Take photos of damaged shingles, gutters, siding, fallen branches, broken windows, anything visible. Get pictures of the interior if water has gotten in. Time stamps on phones are automatic, which is great for insurance documentation.
Call Your Insurance Company
Report the damage to your homeowner's insurance company as soon as possible. They'll open a claim, give you a claim number, and explain next steps. They'll also schedule an adjuster to visit your home. Get the adjuster's name and the timeline for their visit. Write everything down.
Prevent Further Damage with Emergency Repairs
Insurance companies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. If your roof is leaking, you need temporary protection. This usually means emergency roof tarping. MFC offers 24/7 emergency response in Connecticut for exactly this situation. Same day tarping prevents interior water damage from spreading.
Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or temporary fixes. These costs are usually reimbursable through your insurance claim. Don't throw anything away until the claim is settled.
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Don't Sign with the First Storm Chaser
After major Connecticut storms, out-of-state contractors flood the area. They knock on doors, offer to inspect roofs for free, and pressure homeowners to sign contracts immediately. Many are legitimate. Some are not. Storm chasers can disappear before warranties matter and may do substandard work to get the insurance check quickly.
Stick with established Connecticut roofing contractors. Ask for license verification, insurance certificates, and local references. A real Connecticut contractor isn't going anywhere and will stand behind their work years after the project.
Get a Detailed Damage Assessment
Schedule a free damage inspection with a licensed Connecticut roofing contractor. MFC documents everything we find with photos and a written report. This documentation goes directly to your insurance adjuster and supports your claim. Detailed contractor input often results in higher approved coverage amounts.
Meet the Adjuster on Site
When the insurance adjuster comes to inspect, make sure your contractor is there too. Marcelo personally meets adjusters on Connecticut storm damage claims. Having an experienced roofer walk through the damage with the adjuster ensures nothing gets missed. The adjuster sees the damage from the contractor's perspective, not just from the ground.
Review the Insurance Estimate Carefully
Once the insurance company sends their estimate, review it carefully with your contractor. Sometimes adjusters miss damage. Sometimes the scope of work is undervalued. Your contractor can submit a supplemental claim with additional documentation if needed. Don't accept the first estimate if it doesn't cover the actual scope of damage.
Schedule Permanent Repairs
With the claim approved and scope agreed upon, schedule permanent repairs with your contractor. Most insurance claims pay in two parts: actual cash value first, then recoverable depreciation after the work is complete. Your contractor handles the paperwork and certifications needed for the depreciation payment release.
Keep All Documentation
Save every email, photo, receipt, and document related to the storm damage and repair. Insurance claims sometimes have issues come up months later. Having complete documentation protects you. A simple folder on your computer or a binder with paperwork is enough.
What to Do Next
If you've just experienced storm damage in Connecticut and you're not sure what to do first, call MFC. We respond 24/7 for emergency situations. Free damage inspection. Insurance claims help. And direct contractor involvement that often makes the difference between a partial claim payout and full approved coverage.