Spring Storm Season: Your Roof's About to Get Tested
West Virginia spring storms don't mess around. Here's how to make sure your roof — and your policy — are ready.
Jon Parrack
March through June in West Virginia means wind, hail, heavy rain, and the occasional straight-line wind event that takes down trees like dominoes. Your roof is about to take a beating.
The question isn't whether a storm is coming. It's whether you're ready for what happens after.
What Your Homeowners Policy Covers (And Doesn't)
Most homeowners policies cover wind and hail damage to your roof. That's the good news. But here's where people get caught off guard:
- Your deductible matters — if you have a $2,500 deductible and the damage comes in at $3,000, you're getting a $500 check. Know your number before storm season.
- Maintenance issues aren't covered — if your roof was already in bad shape and a storm finishes it off, the insurance company will argue the damage was pre-existing. They're not wrong.
- Cosmetic damage policies — some carriers have endorsements that exclude cosmetic hail damage. Your roof might look beat up but still function fine. Under those policies, that's not a covered claim.
Before the Storm
Right now — before anything happens — is the time to act:
- Look at your roof. If you can see missing shingles, curling edges, or worn spots from the ground, an adjuster will see them too.
- Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters cause water to back up under shingles and into your home. That's water damage, and it gets complicated fast.
- Trim branches that hang over your roof. A falling limb is one of the most common storm claims we see.
- Check your dec page. What's your wind/hail deductible? Is it a flat dollar amount or a percentage? Percentage deductibles on a $200,000 home can mean a $4,000-$10,000 out-of-pocket surprise.
After the Storm
If you think you have damage:
- Document everything — photos from the ground, photos of the interior if you see water stains
- Don't climb on the roof yourself
- Call your agent before you call a contractor — we'll help you understand what's covered before you start signing contracts
- Be cautious with storm chasers — roofing companies that show up unsolicited after a storm aren't always looking out for your best interest
Want to make sure your policy is ready for storm season? Give us a call at our Point Pleasant office. A five-minute review now beats a nasty surprise in April.
*This is general information, not specific advice for your situation. Every policy is different.*
