Storm Damage Is a “When,” Not an “If”
Living in Oklahoma means storm damage is a matter of “when,” not “if,” for a lot of homeowners — the state recorded 66 tornadoes in a recent year, eighth in the nation. Whether it’s spring tornado season, a second round of severe weather in the fall, or a random summer hailstorm, most Edmond and OKC metro homeowners will deal with storm damage at some point. Here’s a level-headed plan for what to do when it happens.
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe First
Before anything else, check on your family and make sure everyone is safe. Watch for hazards like downed power lines, damaged gas lines, or structural instability before going back into or around the home. If anything seems unsafe, wait for professionals to clear it before proceeding.
2. Document the Damage Before You Touch Anything
Once it’s safe, walk around and take photos and video of everything — the roof, siding, windows, fencing, outbuildings, and any damaged belongings. Try to capture wide shots and close-ups. This documentation becomes really important once you file a claim, and it’s much easier to gather right after the storm than to try to reconstruct later.
3. Make Temporary Repairs to Prevent Further Damage
If you have a hole in the roof or a broken window, it’s reasonable and often expected that you’ll do what you safely can to prevent further damage, like covering a hole with a tarp or boarding up a broken window. Keep receipts for any materials you buy, since these costs are often reimbursable as part of your claim. Just avoid starting permanent repairs before your insurance company has had a chance to assess the damage.
4. Contact Your Agent
Reach out to your insurance agent as soon as you can. They can help you understand the claims process, let you know what to expect, and answer questions about your specific coverage. This is also a good time to ask about your standard deductible versus your wind and hail deductible, since many Oklahoma policies separate the two — and the wind and hail portion is often a percentage of your home’s insured value rather than a flat number. Ask your agent what your policy’s exact figure works out to in dollars.
5. Be Cautious With Door-to-Door Contractors
After a major storm, it’s common for contractors, some legitimate and some not, to go door to door in affected neighborhoods offering roof inspections or repairs. Be careful here. Oklahoma law now requires roofing contractors to disclose in writing that homeowners are responsible for paying their own deductible, and it’s illegal for a contractor to pay or waive that deductible as a sales incentive. If someone offers to cover your deductible or pressures you to sign a contract on the spot, treat that as a warning sign. It’s almost always better to get a second opinion, verify licensing, and check with your agent before committing to repairs.
6. Get Estimates and Work With Your Adjuster
Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage. It’s fine to get your own repair estimates as well, and to ask questions if the adjuster’s assessment doesn’t match what you’re seeing. Your agent can help you navigate this conversation if things feel unclear.
7. Keep Records of Everything
Keep a folder, physical or digital, with your photos, receipts, communications with your insurer, and any contractor estimates. Storm claims can take some time to fully resolve, and having organized records makes the whole process smoother.
Before the Next Storm Rolls Through
Storm season in Oklahoma isn’t going anywhere, but having the right coverage in place makes a real difference when damage happens. Rondon Insurance Services in Edmond, OK can review your policy and compare quotes across our carriers to make sure you’re prepared before the next storm rolls through. Reach out any time — we’re here to help.
