Storm and hail damage: what an independent expert charges

What the fee covers on a weather claim

An expert acting for you on a storm or hail claim usually checks the policy definitions of storm and any wind or hail conditions, reviews exclusions for wear and tear, gradual deterioration or cosmetic damage, inspects the roof, gutters, siding, windows and interiors, documents damage with photographs and measurements, prepares a detailed estimate and negotiates with the insurer's adjuster.

On larger claims, they may also coordinate roofers and engineers, document consequential water damage inside the property, claim temporary repairs and, where relevant, alternative accommodation. The most valuable work is often proving that damage is recent and storm-related rather than age-related.

The roof dispute in detail

Insurers frequently propose spot repairs where a policyholder believes the whole roof should be replaced. Arguments revolve around how many tiles, slates or shingles are damaged, whether replacements can be matched, whether undamaged sections must be replaced for a uniform result, and whether hail bruising has shortened the life of the roof covering. Some policies, particularly in North America, limit cover for cosmetic hail damage or settle roofs on an actual cash value basis that deducts depreciation. Evidence of the roof's age and condition before the storm is therefore central.

Indicative amounts, to be checked with each expert.

Indicative fees by claim size

The table gives an order of magnitude observed on the market for contingency fees on storm and hail claims, in local currency. It is indicative, non-official and degressive. Many residential storm claims fall below 50,000, so percentages in the 10 % to 15 % range are frequently encountered.

In the US, several states cap public adjuster fees and some apply lower caps for claims after declared emergencies, which can include major hurricanes or severe storms. Check your state insurance department for current rules.

Bases and structures to compare

Where the insurer pays in stages, such as an initial actual cash value payment followed by recoverable depreciation, clarify whether the fee applies to each payment.

• Percentage of the full settlement, including depreciation later recovered.
• Percentage of the increase over the insurer's initial estimate.
• Fixed fee for a single roof claim with clear evidence.
• Hourly fees for a review of a denial or a contested estimate.
• Minimum fee to cover inspection and reporting on small claims.
• Taxes and expenses such as VAT, GST or HST, and roof inspection equipment or drone surveys.

Is the expert's fee covered by the policy?

Generally not on household policies. Insurers pay their own adjusters and the cost of repairs, which may include professional fees for reinstatement on larger works, but not the fees of the expert you hire. Commercial policies may provide a claims preparation costs extension within a limit.

Some contractors offer to handle the claim for you. Contractors are generally not allowed to act as public adjusters in many US states unless licensed, and an arrangement where a builder negotiates the claim can create conflicts of interest. In other markets, check carefully who is representing you and on what terms.

Three storm claims, three outcomes

Lost ridge tiles and a damaged fence, insurer offers 2,500: an expert's minimum fee would absorb most of any gain, so it is usually better to deal with the insurer directly.

Hail damage to a roof, insurer offers repairs worth 9,000, expert secures full replacement at 26,000 after documenting widespread bruising and matching problems. At 12 % of the total the fee is 3,120; at 20 % of the 17,000 increase it is 3,400.

Severe windstorm damaging the roof, gutters and interiors of a large house, settled at 140,000. At 7 % the fee is 9,800. Figures are illustrative only.

Contract checklist after a storm

Storms bring a wave of solicitation. Before signing anything, check these points and keep a copy of the signed document.

• The person's licence or registration, where required.
• The percentage, the base and the treatment of depreciation holdbacks.
• Whether advances already paid are excluded.
• Cancellation rights and any fee due on cancellation.
• Links between the expert and a roofing contractor.
• How and when payment is made.

Spotting reliable help

Choose an expert with documented experience in storm and hail claims, ideally including roof assessments in your region and familiarity with local building materials. Ask for references, check reviews and confirm licensing. Avoid anyone who offers to waive your excess, suggests damaging a roof further or promises a new roof before inspection. These practices can expose you to fraud allegations. A credible expert explains what the evidence supports and what it does not.

Finally, keep your own file: dated photos of the roof before and after the storm, weather reports for the date of loss, copies of every estimate and all correspondence. Whichever expert you choose, that record protects you if the claim or the fee is later questioned.

Storm and hail claims are often won or lost on roof evidence, so an expert's value depends on the strength of that evidence. expertdassure.com recommends comparing the potential gain with the fee before signing any contract.