Should You Call a Roofer or Insurance First in Missouri

In Missouri, always call a roofer before your insurance company after roof damage. A roofer documents issues accurately, prevents unnecessary claims, and ensures your home stays protected before the insurer steps in.

 

Why Calling a Roofer First Is the Smartest Move After a Missouri Storm

 

After a storm hits Missouri, the first call you make can shape your entire recovery. 

 

Many homeowners instinctively call their insurance company first, but that’s often a costly mistake. The smarter move is to call a local roofer first.

 

Here’s why that single decision matters most:

 

• Faster protection: Roofers can tarp and seal leaks immediately.
• Smarter claims: Detailed inspections help avoid “zero-dollar” claims that raise premiums.
• Fairer payouts: Roofers identify damage adjusters might miss.
• Local advantage: Missouri roofers understand storm damage and codes better than national insurers.

 

By starting with a roofer, you protect your home from further damage, get accurate documentation for your claim, and stay in control of the process.

 

Storm damage can feel overwhelming, but understanding this one decision can save you thousands and plenty of frustration, keep reading to see exactly how and why.

 

When Roof Damage Forces a Choice: The Common Scenarios You’ll Face

 

 

After a storm passes through Missouri, homeowners often find themselves standing in the yard, looking up at their roof, wondering what to do next. 

 

Storm damage comes in many forms, and each situation can leave you facing the same tough decision, should you call your insurance company or a roofer first?

 

Severe Hail and Wind Damage

 

Missouri storms are known for their intensity. 

 

Hail can bruise shingles, crack flashing, and dent gutters, while strong winds can tear entire sections of shingles off the roof. 

 

Even if the damage looks minor from the ground, these issues can allow water to seep in and cause deeper structural problems if not inspected quickly.

 

Shingles Missing or Curling After a Storm

 

In the weeks following a major spring storm, it’s common to notice a few curled or missing shingles. 

 

While this may not seem urgent, these small gaps are often enough to let rainwater under the roofing system, leading to leaks and insulation damage over time. 

 

Acting quickly to assess the damage is essential.

 

Leaks That Appear Days Later

 

Not all storm damage shows up right away. 

 

Sometimes, leaks reveal themselves slowly, water spots on ceilings, damp insulation, or musty smells. 

 

These delayed signs often confuse homeowners who aren’t sure whether to call insurance immediately or wait for a roofer to verify the cause.

 

Damage From Falling Branches or Debris

 

High winds can bring down tree limbs or flying debris that puncture or scrape roofing materials. 

 

Even a single impact can compromise the roof’s watertight barrier. Quick inspection and documentation help prevent further damage and strengthen any future insurance claim.

 

Why the Decision Feels Confusing

 

 

Many Missouri homeowners struggle with whether to act fast or wait for instructions from insurance. 

 

The fear of “voiding coverage” or accidentally raising premiums can lead to hesitation. However, the real risk lies in waiting too long or making the wrong first call. 

 

Taking the right steps in the correct order ensures both your roof and your insurance coverage stay protected.

 

When you understand these common situations, you can respond with confidence instead of panic.

 

In the next section, we’ll explain why calling a roofer first is almost always the smarter move for Missouri homeowners.

 

Also Read → Roofing Insurance in Missouri | Costs, Coverage & Tips

 

Why Calling a Roofer First Saves You Money, Time, and Headaches

 

 

When your roof is damaged in a Missouri storm, who you call first matters. 

 

Reaching out to a local roofer before your insurance company can save time, reduce stress, and lead to a smoother claims process.

 

Local Roofers Understand Missouri Storms

 

Local contractors know how Missouri weather impacts roofs. 

 

They recognize storm-specific damage, like hail bruising, lifted shingles, and hidden leaks, and understand state building codes. 

 

Their inspection and detailed documentation create a strong foundation for any potential claim.

 

Roofers Help You Avoid Unnecessary Claims

 

Filing too early with insurance can backfire. Even if no payout is made, the claim stays on record and can raise your premiums. 

 

A roofer can tell you if the repair cost meets your deductible or if fixing it yourself makes more sense, helping you avoid unnecessary claims.

 

You Get Immediate Protection

 

Roofers can act fast to stop leaks and prevent further damage by tarping or sealing affected areas. 

 

Insurance adjusters can’t do this, but many insurers reimburse for emergency tarping once a claim is approved. 

 

Acting quickly keeps your home safe and well-documented.

 

A Roofer Keeps the Process Fair

 

Having a roofer present during the adjuster’s visit ensures no damage is overlooked. 

 

Experienced contractors use the same estimating tools insurers use, helping you receive a fair evaluation and payout.

 

Local Roofers Are the Safer Choice

 

Missouri homeowners are often targeted by out-of-town “storm chasers” who vanish after collecting payment. 

 

Choosing a licensed, local roofer means accountability, warranty support, and lasting peace of mind.

 

Also Read → How Much Is a Roof Inspection in Missouri?

 

Your Step-by-Step Plan to Handle Roof Damage the Right Way in Missouri

 

 

When a storm hits, taking the right steps can protect your home, your coverage, and your peace of mind. Here’s a clear plan Missouri homeowners can follow to handle roof damage safely and effectively.

 

Stay Safe and Prevent Further Damage

 

Start by keeping yourself and your family safe. 

 

Avoid climbing on the roof, it’s slippery and dangerous after a storm. Instead, document visible damage from the ground or attic. 

 

Take timestamped photos and note any interior leaks. If water is actively coming in, call a roofer right away for emergency tarping to stop the damage from spreading.

 

Schedule a Local Roofing Inspection

 

Reach out to a licensed Missouri roofing contractor who has experience with storm-related claims. 

 

Ask for a detailed inspection report that includes photos, damage descriptions, and repair recommendations. 

 

Be cautious of out-of-town or door-to-door roofers offering “free inspections,” as they often lack accountability.

 

Review the Findings Before Filing

 

Once you receive the inspection, compare the estimated repair cost with your deductible. 

 

If it’s close to or below that amount, paying out-of-pocket often keeps your claim record clean and avoids potential premium increases.

 

Contact Your Insurance the Smart Way

 

When you call, say you’re gathering documentation, not filing a claim yet. Once your roofer confirms the damage qualifies, submit the claim with their report attached. 

 

Schedule the adjuster visit when your roofer can be present to ensure a fair assessment.

 

Keep Records and Finalize Repairs

 

Save all photos, invoices, and communication. 

 

After repairs, inform your insurer if you upgraded to impact-resistant shingles, many Missouri insurers offer discounts for these improvements.

 

Next, we’ll look at why calling your insurance company first can often cause more harm than good.

 

Why Calling Your Insurance First Often Backfires

 

 

When roof damage happens, it’s natural to think your insurance company should be the first call. 

 

But in many cases, contacting them too soon can lead to delays, higher costs, and unnecessary stress. Here’s why starting with insurance often creates more problems than it solves.

 

Adjusters Work for the Insurance Company

 

Insurance adjusters represent the insurer, not the homeowner. 

 

Their goal is to control payouts, not maximize them. 

 

Without a roofer’s professional inspection, hidden issues, like damaged decking, lifted flashing, or underlayment tears, can go unnoticed. 

 

That often means a smaller payout and more out-of-pocket expenses later.

 

Early Claims Can Raise Premiums

 

Even if your insurance doesn’t pay, a filed claim is recorded in the national CLUE database. 

 

These “zero dollar” claims stay on your record and can lead to higher premiums or limited coverage options down the line. 

 

Filing before you know the true scope of damage puts your insurance history, and your wallet, at risk.

 

You Lose Control of the Process

 

Once a claim is opened, the insurer sets the pace. 

 

You’ll have to follow their timelines, preferred contractors, and repair recommendations. Some insurers suggest network roofers who work for their interests, not yours. 

 

This can leave homeowners feeling powerless and frustrated when important details are overlooked.

 

Missing Documentation Hurts Your Claim

 

Submitting a claim without complete evidence often leads to delays or denials. 

 

A roofer can provide timestamped, geolocated photos and detailed reports that meet insurance requirements in Missouri. 

 

Without that proof, it’s harder to show the damage was caused by a specific storm event.

 

By waiting to call insurance until after a qualified roofer inspects the damage, you protect your coverage, avoid costly mistakes, and keep the process in your control.

 

Missouri’s Bottom Line: Call Your Roofer First, Not Your Insurance

 

When a storm damages your roof, timing and order matter more than most people realize. 

 

Calling a roofer first gives you immediate protection, accurate documentation, and control over the entire process. 

 

It prevents unnecessary claims, avoids premium increases, and ensures repairs meet Missouri’s standards, not an insurer’s minimums.

 

Working with a qualified local roofer means you get expert guidance from inspection to final repair, all while safeguarding your coverage and your peace of mind.

 

If your home has been hit by a recent storm, don’t wait for problems to worsen. 

 

Schedule a professional roof inspection today to assess any damage and get the right plan in motion, contact Freedom Roofing Group for trusted, local expertise.