If a hail or wind event hits Collins MO and you suspect roof damage: photograph everything immediately, get a written roofer inspection within 7-14 days, file the claim with your carrier, and let the roofer meet the adjuster on site. Most MO carriers cover hail and wind damage with a separate higher deductible. Don't wait past 12 months; many policies cap claim filing windows.
The 24-Hour Window After a Storm
The first 24 hours after a Collins storm matter more than people realize. Photograph any damage you can see from the ground: dented gutters, dented downspouts, dented soft metal (mailbox, AC fins, vehicle hoods), shingle granules in the driveway gutter pan, broken branches in the yard, dimples on window screens. The mailbox dent and the AC fin damage are especially valuable because they're soft metal that records hail size precisely. We use those when we walk an adjuster through later. Don't climb the roof; that's how people get hurt and that's the part the roofer is bringing.
Hail Damage vs Wear and Tear (Adjuster Logic)
Insurance pays for storm damage. They don't pay for wear-and-tear or for hail bruises that don't affect functional shingle life. Adjuster looks for: shingle bruises with shattered fiberglass mat (functional damage); collateral soft-metal damage proving hail size; punctures or torn shingles from wind; lifted/missing tabs from wind; granular loss in concentrated splatter patterns. They will not pay for: aged worn shingles, cosmetic dents only on the metal, scattered single granules, or claims older than 12 months on most MO policies. Knowing what they look for is half the battle; we walk the roof with you and them, marking damage in chalk.
What MO Wind and Hail Coverage Actually Pays
Most Collins homeowner policies have a separate wind/hail deductible that's higher than the standard deductible. Common in MO: $1,000 standard, $2,500-5,000 wind/hail (often expressed as 1-2 percent of dwelling coverage). On a $250,000 dwelling, that's $2,500-5,000 out of pocket before insurance starts paying. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies pay full new-roof cost minus deductible; Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies depreciate based on age. Check which one you have before filing; on a 14-year-old roof an ACV policy may not pay enough to be worth claim filing.
How to Run the Claim with the Roofer
Order of operations that works: 1) photograph immediately; 2) call us for a no-cost storm inspection (we walk the roof, document, give you written findings); 3) if findings warrant, file the claim with your carrier and request the adjuster meet us at the property; 4) we meet the adjuster on the scheduled date, walk the roof together, mark damage; 5) adjuster issues a scope of work and a check (or two checks: depreciation released after work complete on RCV policies); 6) we replace the roof, submit final invoice and photos for depreciation release. Total timeline 6-10 weeks from storm to new roof in most Collins claims.
Common Pitfalls and Storm-Chaser Warning
Out-of-state storm-chaser companies show up in Collins after every named event. They knock doors, offer "free roofs" (paid by your insurance), and disappear back to Texas after the install with a 90-day warranty that nobody honors. Two ways to spot one: 1) they're uninsured/unbonded in MO and won't produce a contractor's license; 2) they pressure you to sign a contract before the adjuster has been on site. Ask for an MO contractor registration. Ask for proof of MO general liability and workers comp. Ask the BBB for ratings. We're local, family-owned, BBB Accredited, and headquartered in Collins. We don't leave after the install.
Collins Roofing FAQ
How long do I have to file a storm damage claim in Collins MO?
Most MO policies require filing within 12 months of the loss event. Some carriers shorter (180 days). Check your policy now, before a storm. File as soon as you can after a storm; older claims face more pushback.
Is the storm inspection free?
Yes. Storm damage inspection is no-cost; we're documenting whether you have a valid claim. (Pre-purchase inspections for buyers are different and run $200-450 for the written report.)
What is a wind/hail deductible?
A separate, higher deductible that applies only to wind and hail claims. Common in MO at 1-2 percent of dwelling coverage ($2,500-5,000 on a $250k home). Comes out before insurance pays for the rest.
Should I let the adjuster on the roof alone?
No. We meet the adjuster on site to walk the roof together. Adjusters miss damage when they walk alone (they have 50 claims that week, you have one). Joint walkthrough produces fairer scope and reduces re-inspections.
How do I avoid storm-chaser scams?
Three checks: MO contractor registration, MO general liability + workers comp insurance, local BBB rating. We're family-owned and headquartered in Collins; we're still here after every storm.
Storm Hit Collins?
Free storm damage inspection. We meet your adjuster. Local, BBB Accredited, family-owned.
Insurance Claims services · Storm Damage Repair · Free estimate