If a storm just hit your home and you’re staring at damaged shingles, a sagging section of roof, or water coming through your ceiling, your first instinct is probably to call a roofer. That’s the right move. But your second call should be to your insurance company — because in New Hampshire, most roof damage caused by wind, hail, ice dams, or falling trees is covered under a standard homeowner’s policy.
The problem? Many NH homeowners either don’t file a claim at all, or they file it wrong and get far less than they’re owed.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do, in the right order, so you protect your home and your wallet.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage in New Hampshire?
In most cases, yes but it depends on the cause of the damage.
Typically covered:
- Wind damage (including nor’easters and heavy storms)
- Hail damage
- Falling trees or branches
- Ice dam damage (in some policies)
- Fire or lightning damage
Typically not covered:
- General wear and tear or aging shingles
- Damage from lack of maintenance (moss buildup, rotting wood)
- Cosmetic damage only (surface scuffs with no functional impact)
New Hampshire weather is hard on roofs. Between ice storms in winter and coastal wind events in spring and fall, damage happens and most of it qualifies for a claim. The key is acting quickly and documenting everything properly.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Prevent Further Damage
Before anything else, make sure your home is safe to be in. If you see structural damage, sagging rafters, or active water intrusion near electrical fixtures, call a professional before re-entering the affected area.
Once it’s safe, your next priority is stopping the damage from getting worse. Your insurance policy likely includes a clause requiring you to take “reasonable steps” to prevent additional damage after a covered event. If you don’t, the insurer can reduce your payout.
Practical steps to take immediately:
- Place buckets under active leaks
- Move furniture and valuables away from water intrusion areas
- Cover exposed roof sections with a tarp if you can do so safely or call a contractor to do it for you
Keep any receipts for emergency materials (tarps, plastic sheeting) because these costs are often reimbursable under your policy.
Step 2: Document Everything Before Touching Anything
This is the step most homeowners skip, and it costs them money.
Before any cleanup or repairs begin, photograph and video every piece of damage you can see from inside and outside the home. The more documentation you have, the harder it is for an adjuster to undervalue your claim.
What to document:
- Damaged or missing shingles (wide shots and close-ups)
- Dents, cracks, or granule loss on shingles
- Damage to gutters, flashing, fascia, or soffits
- Any interior water stains, wet insulation, or damaged ceilings
- The surrounding area downed branches, debris, damage to neighbor’s property that confirms a storm event
Take photos with your phone’s timestamp feature on, or note the date and time manually. If you have photos of your roof from before the storm (from a previous inspection or Google Street View), save those too — they help establish what was pre-existing versus storm-related.
Step 3: Call a Local Roofing Contractor for a Professional Inspection
Do this before you call your insurance company if at all possible.
Here’s why: insurance adjusters work for the insurance company. A qualified local roofer works for you. Having a written contractor assessment in hand before the adjuster visits puts you in a much stronger position.
A licensed New Hampshire roofing contractor will:
- Inspect the full roof, not just the visible damage
- Identify damage that’s easy to miss from the ground (flashing failures, deck damage, ridge cap issues)
- Provide a written estimate that documents the scope and cost of repairs
- Help you distinguish between cosmetic and structural damage — which matters for how your claim is valued
At Nick Tracey Roofing, we offer free roof inspections and damage assessments for homeowners dealing with storm or weather damage. We’ll give you an honest, written evaluation you can bring directly to your insurer.
Step 4: File Your Claim Promptly
Most homeowner’s policies in New Hampshire have a time limit for reporting damage often 30 to 60 days from the date of the event, though some policies are shorter. Don’t wait.
How to file:
- Log into your insurer’s online portal or call their claims line
- Provide the date and general description of the event (storm, wind, hail, etc.)
- Describe the damage you observed and upload your photos
- Request a claim number write it down and keep it
You’ll then be assigned a claims adjuster who will schedule an on-site inspection of your roof.
A note on public adjusters: If your damage is significant (a full replacement or major structural repair), some homeowners hire a public adjuster a licensed professional who negotiates with the insurance company on your behalf. They typically take 10–15% of your settlement, but for large claims, they often recover more than enough to cover their fee. Ask your roofing contractor whether they’ve seen this work well in your specific situation.
Step 5: Be Present During the Adjuster’s Inspection
When the insurance adjuster comes out, be there and bring your contractor’s written estimate if you have one.
Walk the adjuster through every piece of damage you documented. Point out areas that might be easy to overlook from a quick visual scan. Be polite but thorough. Adjusters are often managing dozens of claims at once, especially after a major storm event in the region having everything laid out clearly helps ensure nothing gets missed.
If you feel the adjuster’s assessment is significantly lower than your contractor’s written estimate, you have the right to:
- Ask for a re-inspection
- File a supplemental claim if additional damage is found during repairs
- Request an appraisal or dispute process under your policy
You are not obligated to accept the first number an adjuster gives you.
Step 6: Understand Your Payout ACV vs. RCV
When your claim is approved, the amount you receive depends on how your policy values the damage.
Actual Cash Value (ACV): The insurer pays what your roof is currently worth, accounting for depreciation. If your 15-year-old roof would cost $18,000 to replace new, but depreciation reduces its value by 40%, you’d receive roughly $10,800.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): The insurer pays the full cost to replace the roof with like materials at today’s prices. This is the better coverage. Many NH homeowners have RCV policies without realizing it check your declarations page.
With RCV policies, insurers typically pay out in two stages: the ACV portion upfront, then the remaining “recoverable depreciation” once repairs are complete and you submit the final contractor invoice.
This is why it’s important to use a licensed, reputable contractor who can provide proper documentation the final invoice triggers the second payment.
Step 7: Schedule Repairs and Close Out the Claim
Once you have an approved claim amount, schedule your repairs promptly. Most policies require that work be completed within a reasonable timeframe (often 12 months from the claim date, though this varies).
Choose a licensed New Hampshire roofing contractor who:
- Carries proper liability insurance and workers’ comp
- Provides a written contract with materials, scope, and warranty terms
- Has verifiable local references and reviews
- Is familiar with insurance work and can provide the documentation your insurer requires
After work is complete, submit your final invoice to unlock any remaining depreciation holdback, and confirm in writing with your insurer that the claim is fully closed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting too long to file. Damage gets worse, policy deadlines pass, and adjusters have a harder time attributing damage to the original event.
Accepting the first offer without a second opinion. Always compare the adjuster’s scope against a contractor estimate. Gaps are common and often negotiable.
Hiring an out-of-state or storm-chasing contractor. After major NH weather events, contractors from other states show up offering quick fixes. Many are unlicensed in New Hampshire and disappear after payment. Always verify contractor licensing with the NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.
Not getting everything in writing. Your claim correspondence, your contractor estimate, your approval letter, and your final invoice should all be saved and organized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will filing a roof damage claim raise my homeowner’s insurance rates?
It depends on your insurer and your history. A single claim for a clear weather event is less likely to cause a significant rate increase than multiple claims. Ask your agent before filing if you’re unsure — for minor damage, you may choose to pay out of pocket.
What if my roof is old? Will insurance still cover it?
An older roof can still be covered for sudden damage events, but your payout will likely reflect depreciation. Some insurers may require a roof inspection before renewing coverage on roofs over 20 years old.
Can my contractor speak directly with my insurance adjuster?
Yes. Many homeowners find it helpful to have their contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection. A good contractor won’t make commitments on your behalf — but they can ensure the scope of damage is fully evaluated.
What if the claim is denied?
You can appeal a denial. Request a written explanation of the reason for denial, have your contractor document why the damage is storm-related (not wear and tear), and submit a formal appeal with supporting photos and estimates. If needed, your state’s insurance commissioner can be a resource the NH Insurance Department handles consumer complaints at nh.gov/insurance.
Get a Free Roof Inspection Before You File
If you’ve had recent storm damage in New Hampshire or Massachusetts, the best first step is an honest inspection from a licensed local contractor before you talk to your insurer, and definitely before you sign anything.
Nick Tracey Roofing offers free damage assessments for NH and MA homeowners. We’ll document what we find, give you a written estimate, and help you understand exactly what to bring to your insurance company.
Book your free inspection today →
Nick Tracey Roofing & Exteriors serves homeowners across New Hampshire and Massachusetts including Bedford, Manchester, Nashua, Derry, Merrimack, Concord, and the North Shore MA area. Licensed, insured, and locally owned.
