April 4, 2026

Long Island gets hit with major wind events every few years — hurricanes, nor'easters, and intense winter storms. If a branch dropped through your roof or shingles are littering the lawn, the sequence you follow matters for insurance and long-term cost. ## First 24 hours ### 1. Document everything before you touch it - Walk the property with your phone and **take video, not just photos** - Shoot roof edges, gutters, fences, siding, windows, and the interior of any room under the damage - Don't climb on the roof if it's wet or damaged — photograph from the ground with zoom ### 2. Stop further damage — but don't make permanent repairs - Tarp the affected area if you can do so safely - Move furniture and electronics away from any interior leaks - Put buckets down, pull up soaked rugs **Do NOT** replace the roof before your insurance adjuster visits. Temporary protection only. ### 3. File the claim immediately - Call your insurance company and open a claim that same day - Note your claim number — you'll reference it constantly - Ask for their preferred documentation format ## Days 2-7 ### 4. Get an independent contractor to assess Don't only rely on the storm chasers who knock on your door the next morning. Call a local, licensed roofer — one you found before the storm if possible. **Red flag:** contractors offering to "waive your deposit" or "handle your insurance for you." In NY, contractors cannot act as public adjusters, and this is often a sign of insurance fraud. ### 5. Get a written estimate Your insurance adjuster will provide their own number. A pro's estimate gives you a cross-check and helps if you need to negotiate supplementals. ### 6. Compare your adjuster's check against the actual scope Common things insurance companies miss: - Drip edge - Underlayment - Code upgrades (your roof needs to be rebuilt to current code) - Matching shingles (if they discontinued yours) - Disposal fees ## Long term ### 7. Pick a pro, not a chaser Storm-chaser companies follow weather events from state to state. They'll underbid, do fast work, and disappear — taking your warranty with them. A local contractor with a real office on Long Island will be around in 10 years if something fails. --- Need a local roofer? Every verified roofer on LI ToolBox has submitted license and insurance documents. [Find a roofer near you →](/roofers)

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