Hard agree on the spreadsheet—even if it’s a pain, it’s the only way I’ve managed to get even close to what I was owed after a storm. Insurance companies will pick apart every little thing, and landscaping is where they really get stingy. I’ve seen policies that’ll cover roof replacement at full value but cap tree removal at $500 like you said, which barely covers the cost of getting a crew out, let alone actually hauling anything away.
Here’s how I usually break it down for folks who ask me what to expect:
1. **Debris removal**: This is always the sneaky budget killer. Even just having one big oak come down can run anywhere from $700 to $2,000 depending on where you live and how accessible your yard is. If you’ve got a fence or shed in the way? Add more.
2. **Repairs**: Roof patches and siding fixes are all over the place. Last spring, I paid $1,400 for a 10-foot section of vinyl siding (labor was two-thirds of that). Roofers charged me $450 just to replace a handful of shingles after hail.
3. **Insurance wrangling**: If you’ve got pre-existing wear and tear, insurers will try to blame everything on that. I’ve had them point at sun-faded paint and say “Well, that’s not storm damage...” Photos before AND after the storm help, but they’ll still argue.
4. **Hidden extras**: Stuff like re-grading soil where roots pulled up, or fixing sprinkler lines—those add up fast and are rarely covered.
If you want my two cents: document everything (before and after), keep every receipt, and expect to pay out-of-pocket for landscaping unless your policy specifically spells it out. And don’t be afraid to push back when adjusters try to lowball you—sometimes just having organized numbers makes them less likely to argue.
Funny enough, my neighbor tried DIY debris removal once... ended up with a sprained ankle and a bigger bill when he had to call in the pros anyway. Sometimes paying for labor hurts less than dealing with the aftermath yourself.
It’s never cheap, but being prepared (and maybe a little stubborn) helps soften the blow.
Roofers charged me $450 just to replace a handful of shingles after hail.
That price seems a bit steep for just a few shingles, unless there were access issues or it was a steep pitch. In my experience, minor shingle repairs usually run lower unless you’re dealing with specialty materials or emergency rates. Also, not every insurance adjuster is out to lowball—sometimes they just don’t have the technical background to spot hidden damage. If you can get a contractor’s detailed report with photos, it often helps move things along faster and gets you closer to fair value.
I’m with you—the cost for a few shingles can feel high, but I’ve noticed that after storms, prices seem to jump. My place is a low-slope roof, and I paid about $300 for five shingles last spring, so it’s not unheard of. If they had to bring extra safety gear or deal with a steep pitch, that could explain the extra. I learned the hard way that detailed photos and a write-up from the contractor made my insurance claim go way smoother... definitely worth asking for those up front.
Yeah, the price swings after storms are wild. I manage a few properties and every time there’s a big wind event, it feels like the quotes double overnight. I’ve had contractors charge a “storm premium” just because they’re so busy. And you’re spot on about the photos—insurance adjusters seem way happier when you hand them a folder with everything documented. One thing I’d add: if your roof’s older, sometimes they’ll push for more repairs than you actually need. Always helps to get a second opinion, especially when you’re already stressed from storm damage.
Storm recovery costs really do swing all over the place, and I’ve seen it firsthand. After a big hailstorm last year, I inspected three houses in the same neighborhood—identical layouts, similar roof ages—and the repair quotes ranged from $7,000 to almost $18,000. The only real difference was how quickly the owners called for estimates. The folks who waited a week or two got hit with those “storm premiums” you mentioned. It’s frustrating, but supply and demand really does drive prices up when everyone’s desperate for repairs at once.
I completely agree about documentation. I always tell people: take photos before you even call your insurance company or a contractor. Not just of the obvious stuff like missing shingles, but also gutters, siding, even landscaping if there’s debris. Adjusters seem to appreciate thoroughness—it makes their job easier and speeds things up.
One thing I’d add: sometimes contractors will recommend full roof replacements when only a section is damaged, especially if your roof is older. In my experience, unless there’s widespread shingle failure or underlying deck damage, spot repairs can be just as effective and way less expensive. I’ve had clients save thousands by getting a second opinion from someone who wasn’t swamped with post-storm work.
On the flip side, I’ve also seen people try to patch things themselves or ignore minor leaks after a storm... which usually leads to bigger headaches down the line (mold in attics is no joke). If you’re not sure about the extent of damage, it’s worth paying for an independent inspection—sometimes that $200-300 upfront can save you from unnecessary repairs or missed issues.
And yeah, older roofs are tricky. Insurance companies sometimes use age as an excuse to deny claims or push for partial payouts. Having maintenance records and photos from before the storm can help make your case if they start nitpicking.
It’s never fun dealing with storm aftermath, but being organized—and maybe a little skeptical—goes a long way toward keeping costs in check.
