Summer storms can roll in quickly—and sometimes leave behind more questions than answers.
A tree branch crashes onto your roof. Hail dents your siding. Strong winds pull shingles from your home. Water finds its way into your basement.
Your first thought is often:
“Should I file an insurance claim?”
The answer may surprise you.
Before You File a Claim… Make One Call
At Aspire, one of the most important pieces of advice we give our clients is this:
Call your insurance agent before you call the insurance company.
Why?
Because once a claim is filed, it’s part of your insurance history—even if no payment is ultimately made, it can count against you.
Sometimes a situation is clearly claim-worthy.
Other times, it may make more sense to pay for the repairs yourself.
Having a conversation first can help you make an informed decision and make a plan that is right for your situation.
Start by Assessing the Damage
After a storm, your safety always comes first.
If it’s safe to do so:
- Take photos of any visible damage.
- Prevent further damage if possible (such as placing a tarp over a damaged roof).
- Keep receipts for any emergency repairs.
- Don’t throw damaged items away until you’ve spoken with your insurance company or adjuster.
Documentation is one of the most valuable things you can have if a claim becomes necessary.
Consider Your Deductible
Many homeowners don’t know what their deductible is until after a storm.
Ask yourself:
- How much is my deductible?
- Does the estimated damage exceed that amount?
If repairs cost only slightly more than your deductible, filing a claim may not always be the best financial decision.
This is another reason why speaking with your agent first is so important.
Not Every Storm Means a Claim
Just because a storm caused damage doesn’t automatically mean you should file a claim.
Every situation is different.
Factors that may influence the decision include:
- The extent of the damage
- Your deductible
- Whether the damage is covered by your policy
- Whether additional damage could develop if repairs are delayed
That’s why having someone review your situation before filing can be incredibly valuable.
Let Your Agent Be Your Advocate
One of the biggest misconceptions about insurance is that your only option is to call the carrier directly.
At Aspire, we see ourselves as your advocate.
We’ll help you:
- Review what happened.
- Explain your coverage.
- Discuss your deductible.
- Help determine whether filing a claim makes sense.
- Walk alongside you if a claim is needed.
Our goal isn’t simply to submit claims.
Our goal is to help you make the best decision for your situation.
Summer Storm Preparedness Checklist
Before the next storm rolls through, take a few minutes to:
✔️ Know your deductible.
✔️ Review your homeowners policy.
✔️ Take photos of your home’s exterior.
✔️ Trim dead tree branches near your home.
✔️ Save your insurance agent’s phone number.
A little preparation today can make the recovery process much smoother tomorrow.
Have questions after a storm? Before filing a claim, reach out to our team. We’re here to help you understand your coverage, discuss your options, and advocate for you every step of the way.
You can reach us at:
📞 (651) 760-8369
📞 (715) 781-8217
📞 (218) 741-0000
📞 (608) 755-1027
📱 Text Line: (651) 273-1143
📧 Email: hi@aspireinsurancegroup.com