how much does fixing up after a big storm usually set you back?

Title: How Much Does Fixing Up After a Big Storm Usually Set You Back?

I get where you’re coming from on the insurance headaches. It’s wild how two houses on the same street can get such different treatment. I’ve been through the appeal process once, and while it wasn’t exactly a win, I did manage to get a partial adjustment after pushing back with more documentation. My roof’s about 18 years old—original asphalt shingles—and the adjuster tried to write off most of the damage as “wear and tear.” I ended up digging out every inspection report and maintenance receipt I had, plus photos from before and after the storm. It took weeks, but they bumped up the payout just enough to make repairs possible.

I wouldn’t say it’s always a lost cause if your roof’s over 15 years, but you definitely have to be persistent and organized. The age clause is real—most policies depreciate coverage after 10-15 years, so you’re fighting an uphill battle. Still, if you can show consistent upkeep or that the storm caused sudden, specific damage (not just gradual aging), there’s at least a shot.

As for costs, last year’s hailstorm set me back around $7,200 for a mid-sized roof (about 2,000 sq ft). Insurance covered maybe half after depreciation. Metal roofs are tempting since they hold up better long-term, but initial quotes were double what I paid for shingles. Plus, like you said, even metal isn’t invincible—my neighbor had dents all over his panels after that same storm.

I’ve heard mixed things about drone inspections too. They’re supposed to be objective, but if the photos aren’t crystal clear or don’t match what you see on the ground, adjusters seem quick to call them “inconclusive.” Sometimes I wonder if it’s just another way for them to stall or lowball claims.

Long story short: appeals aren’t hopeless, but they’re rarely straightforward. Keep records of everything—maintenance logs, receipts, even emails with contractors. It makes a difference when you need leverage with your insurer. And yeah... sometimes it feels like you need a law degree just to read your own policy.

Yeah, the insurance runaround is real. I’ve managed a few properties through storms and it’s always a toss-up—sometimes you get a fair adjuster, sometimes not. I’ve noticed older roofs get hit hardest by depreciation, even if you’ve kept up with maintenance. One place I look after had a 17-year-old roof and the payout barely covered half the repairs. Metal roofs are great for longevity, but like you said, they’re pricey upfront and not immune to hail. Drone inspections sound high-tech, but I’ve seen adjusters dismiss them if the images aren’t perfect. Keeping every scrap of paperwork is the only way I’ve ever gotten anywhere with claims.

Keeping every scrap of paperwork is the only way I’ve ever gotten anywhere with claims.

That’s been my experience too—insurance seems to want proof for every nail and shingle. Did you ever try pushing back when they lowballed you on depreciation? I’ve heard mixed things about appeals. Also, curious if you’ve found any roof type that actually holds up better in storms, or is it just luck?

I’ve pushed back a couple times, but unless you’ve got receipts for literally everything, they’ll drag it out forever. As for roof types, I’m a big fan of metal—yeah, it’s pricier up front, but after the last hailstorm, mine barely had a scratch while my neighbor’s asphalt shingles looked like Swiss cheese. Some folks say it’s just luck, but honestly, materials matter. That said, installation is a huge factor too... seen plenty of “premium” roofs fail because someone cut corners.

Not sure I’d call it all luck either, but I’ve seen metal roofs dent like crazy from hail—depends on the gauge and finish.

“installation is a huge factor too... seen plenty of “premium” roofs fail because someone cut corners.”