Making a Flat Roof Insurance Claim After Storm Damage

Storm damage to a flat roof is often covered by home insurance, but making a successful claim requires getting the right documentation and following the correct process. Here's what to do.

What Storm Damage Looks Like

Storm damage typically includes: lifted or displaced flashings, torn or lifted membrane sections (especially at perimeters), damaged or displaced roof lights, blocked drains from debris, and water ingress resulting from any of the above.

Documenting the Damage

Photograph everything as soon as it's safe to do so. Take photos of the external damage, any water ingress inside, and the weather conditions if the storm is ongoing. Note the date and approximate time the damage occurred.

Temporary Protection

Your insurer will usually want temporary protection put in place to prevent further damage. This is a reasonable requirement — call a roofer for an emergency temporary repair before the assessor visits. Keep all receipts as these costs should be recoverable.

The Assessor's Visit

Your insurer will typically send an assessor. It helps to have a roofer present who can explain the extent of the damage. Insurers sometimes try to minimise claims by attributing damage to pre-existing wear — an independent roofer can contest this if the storm was genuinely the primary cause.

Excess and Under-Insurance

Remember your policy excess will be deducted from any payout. Check your policy carefully — some have separate storm excess clauses. Ensure your rebuild costs are up-to-date to avoid under-insurance issues.