Your roof is damaged after a storm. Here's exactly what to do, what insurance covers, and how to get your claim approved without delays.
Home insurance policies in Australia generally cover sudden, accidental damage from storms. This includes:
**Typically covered:** • Roof tiles or sheets displaced or broken by wind • Ridge capping dislodged by storm • Hail damage to metal roofing (dents, punctures) • Fallen tree branches damaging the roof • Water damage to interiors resulting from storm-caused roof damage • Temporary make-safe repairs (tarping, emergency patching) • Gutter and downpipe damage from storm impact
**Typically NOT covered:** • Gradual deterioration or wear and tear • Pre-existing damage that worsened during a storm • Damage from lack of maintenance (blocked gutters causing overflow) • Cosmetic damage that doesn't affect function (minor dents on metal roofing) • Damage to structures not attached to the main dwelling (some policies)
The critical distinction: insurance covers damage from a specific event, not ongoing deterioration. If your roof was already in poor condition and a storm made it worse, the insurer may only cover the incremental storm damage — not the full repair or replacement.
Follow this sequence to protect your property and your claim:
**1. Safety first** • Do not climb onto a damaged roof • If water is entering the home, move valuables and place containers to catch drips • If structural damage is severe (sagging ceiling, large holes), evacuate and call SES on 132 500
**2. Document everything** • Photograph all visible damage from ground level (use zoom) • Photograph interior water damage (stains, drips, wet carpet) • Note the date and time of the storm • Keep any debris that fell (tiles, branches) for the assessor
**3. Emergency make-safe** • You are entitled to arrange emergency make-safe work without waiting for insurer approval • This includes tarping exposed areas to prevent further water ingress • Keep receipts — these costs are typically reimbursable • Do not undertake permanent repairs before the assessor visits
**4. Contact your insurer** • Lodge a claim as soon as possible (most insurers have 24/7 claim lines) • Provide photos and a description of damage • Ask about their process — some send their own assessor, others accept a roofer's report
**5. Get a professional roof report** • A detailed roof report from a licensed roofer strengthens your claim • The report should document: damage location, cause, extent, and recommended repairs with costs • We provide insurance-standard roof reports with photos and scope of works
Claims are rejected or reduced for these common reasons:
**Maintenance neglect:** If the insurer determines damage resulted from lack of maintenance rather than the storm event, they may deny the claim. Example: gutters blocked with years of debris that caused water backup and ceiling damage during rain.
**Pre-existing damage:** If your roof had visible deterioration before the storm, the insurer may argue the storm didn't cause the damage. Solution: maintain your roof and keep records of any maintenance or inspections.
**Insufficient documentation:** Vague claims without photos or professional reports are harder to assess and more likely to be disputed. Always provide comprehensive documentation.
**Delayed reporting:** Report damage promptly. Delays can make it difficult to link damage to a specific storm event.
**Unauthorised permanent repairs:** If you complete permanent repairs before the assessor visits, the insurer cannot verify the damage. Emergency make-safe is fine; full repairs should wait for approval.
**Our recommendation:** Get a professional roof inspection annually and after every major storm. A documented maintenance history makes insurance claims significantly smoother.
A professional roof report is the single most important document in a storm damage claim. It provides the insurer with independent, expert evidence of:
• What damage exists and where it is located • Whether the damage is consistent with storm impact (vs. wear and tear) • The scope of repairs required • Estimated repair costs • Photographic evidence with annotations
**What our roof reports include:** • Full roof inspection (external and internal roof space where accessible) • High-resolution photographs of all damage • Annotated diagrams showing damage locations • Assessment of damage cause (storm vs. pre-existing) • Detailed scope of works for repair • Itemised cost estimate • Roofer's licence details and qualifications
Cost: $250–$450 depending on roof size and complexity. This cost is often reimbursable as part of your claim.
We provide roof reports within 3–5 business days of inspection, formatted for direct submission to your insurer.
The Central Coast experiences specific storm patterns that cause predictable roof damage:
**East Coast Lows (autumn/winter):** • Sustained high winds dislodge ridge capping and lift sheet roofing • Heavy prolonged rain exposes any existing weakness in valleys and flashings • Flooding in low-lying areas (Woy Woy, Ettalong, Toukley) can cause rising damp to roof timbers
**Summer thunderstorms:** • Hail damage to metal roofing and skylights • Lightning strikes causing electrical damage and occasionally fire • Sudden downpours overwhelming undersized gutters and downpipes
**Coastal storms:** • Salt spray corrosion accelerated by storm winds • Sand abrasion on coastal properties (Terrigal, Wamberal, Avoca Beach) • Wind-driven rain penetrating normally weatherproof joints
After any significant weather event, we recommend a ground-level visual inspection of your roof. Look for displaced tiles, lifted metal sheets, damaged ridge capping, or overflowing gutters. If you see anything concerning, call us for a professional assessment before water damage compounds the problem.
Yes, most policies have an excess (typically $500–$1,000 for storm claims). Some policies have a separate, higher excess for storm and flood events. Check your policy schedule for the specific amount.
Yes. You have the right to choose your own repairer. Some insurers will suggest their panel repairers, but you are not obligated to use them. We work directly with all major insurers and can manage the claim process on your behalf.
Simple claims (a few displaced tiles) can be approved within days. Complex claims involving structural damage or large repair scopes typically take 2–6 weeks for assessment and approval. After major storm events affecting many properties, delays of 4–8 weeks are common.
If you disagree with the insurer's assessment, you can request an internal review, provide additional evidence (such as a professional roof report showing storm-consistent damage patterns), or escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) if the dispute is not resolved.
Storm Damage? We Can Help
Emergency make-safe, professional roof reports, and full repairs. We work with all major insurers across the Central Coast, Sydney, and Newcastle.