Storm Damage Roof Repair: Adelaide Insurance Claims Guide 2025

Adelaide experiences severe storms, particularly in the Adelaide Hills where hail and high winds cause significant roof damage each year. If your roof has been damaged by a storm, acting quickly and correctly can save thousands of dollars and prevent further damage to your home.

Here’s your complete guide to handling storm damage roof repairs and insurance claims.

Immediate Steps After Storm Damage

When a storm damages your roof, follow these steps in order:

1. Ensure Safety First

Don’t climb on the roof - It may be structurally compromised
Stay away from fallen power lines - Call SA Power Networks (13 13 66)
Watch for water entry - Move valuables away from leak areas
Document visible damage - Photos from ground level

2. Prevent Further Damage

Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. This might include:

Placing buckets under leaks - Protect flooring and belongings
Covering damaged areas - If safely accessible
Calling for emergency tarping - Professional temporary protection

Important: Keep receipts for any emergency measures - these are typically claimable.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurer as soon as possible to:

Report the damage
Get a claim number
Understand your policy coverage
Ask about approved repairers vs choice of contractor

4. Document Everything

Thorough documentation strengthens your claim:

Photographs - Damage from multiple angles
Video - Walk around showing extent of damage
Written notes - Date, time, weather conditions
Receipts - Emergency repairs, temporary accommodation if needed

Types of Storm Damage to Adelaide Roofs

Hail Damage

The Adelaide Hills (Mount Barker, Nairne, Stirling) experiences frequent hail storms. Damage includes:

Tile Roofs:

Cracked or broken tiles
Chipped edges and corners
Damaged ridge capping
Broken pointing

Metal/Colorbond Roofs:

Dents and dimpling
Scratched surface coating
Damaged flashings
Gutter damage

Signs of Hail Damage:

Visible cracks or breaks in tiles
Circular dents in metal roofing
Damaged downpipes showing dents
Cracked skylights

Wind Damage

High winds affect roofs through:

Lifted or displaced tiles/sheets
Torn flashings around vents and edges
Damaged ridge capping
Fallen debris causing impact damage
Fascia and gutter displacement

Water Damage (Secondary)

Often the most expensive damage is from water entry after the initial storm damage:

Ceiling damage - Stains, sagging, collapse
Wall damage - Water tracking down walls
Insulation damage - Wet insulation loses effectiveness
Electrical hazards - Water near wiring
Mould growth - Develops within 24-48 hours

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

What’s Typically Covered

Most home insurance policies cover sudden storm damage, including:

Roof repairs or replacement due to storm
Emergency tarping and temporary repairs
Water damage to interior from roof breach
Debris removal from your property
Temporary accommodation if home is uninhabitable

What’s Typically NOT Covered

Pre-existing damage - Wear and tear before the storm
Gradual deterioration - Neglected maintenance issues
Flood damage - Requires separate flood cover
Landscaping - Limited or excluded
Fencing - Often limited coverage

Policy Excess

You’ll pay an excess (typically $500-$1,500) before insurance pays. Some policies have specific storm/hail excess amounts.

Sum Insured Limits

Check your policy’s sum insured - if repair costs exceed this, you pay the difference.

The Insurance Claim Process

Step 1: Lodge Your Claim

Contact your insurer with:

Policy number
Date and time of storm
Description of damage
Your contact details

You’ll receive a claim number - keep this for all future contact.

Step 2: Assessment

Your insurer will either:

Send an assessor - For significant claims
Request quotes - For smaller claims
Use their approved repairer - Some policies require this

Step 3: Getting Quotes

If you can choose your contractor, get 2-3 quotes including:

Detailed scope of work
Itemised pricing
Timeframe for repairs
Warranty information

Step 4: Approval and Repairs

Once approved:

Confirm the scope matches the approval
Schedule the work
Keep communication records
Document repairs with photos

Step 5: Payment

Payment typically goes directly to you or is split between you and the contractor. Ensure all work is completed before final sign-off.

How We Help With Insurance Claims

At BarossaRoofWorks, we handle storm damage claims regularly. Our process:

Free Damage Assessment

We inspect your roof and provide:

Comprehensive damage report
Photographic documentation
Detailed scope of required repairs
Written quote for insurance submission

Insurance Liaison

We work directly with your insurer:

Provide documentation in their required format
Answer technical questions from assessors
Justify repair requirements if questioned
Negotiate scope if initial assessment is insufficient

Quality Repairs

We complete approved repairs:

Using quality materials
With full warranties
Documented with before/after photos
Cleaned up and inspected

Case Study: Mount Barker Hail Storm

The situation: Severe hail storm damaged tile roof on 15-year-old home in Nairne. Over 80 tiles cracked or broken, ridge capping damaged, gutters dented.

Our approach:

Emergency tarping within 4 hours of call
Full damage assessment and documentation
Detailed quote submitted to insurer
Liaised with assessor who initially underestimated damage
Full repair approved after our documentation review

The result:

Complete tile replacement (120 tiles)
Ridge capping re-bedded and re-pointed
Gutters replaced
Total claim: $12,400 (excess: $500)
Homeowner cost: $500

“The storm was terrifying and seeing all those broken tiles was overwhelming. The BarossaRoofWorks team had our roof tarped the same day, then handled everything with the insurance company. They got the full repair approved when the assessor initially wanted to do a patch job. Couldn’t have managed without them.” - James & Rebecca H., Nairne

Common Insurance Claim Issues

Issue 1: “Pre-Existing Damage”

Insurers may claim damage existed before the storm.

Solution:

Provide photos from before the storm (real estate listings, Google Street View)
Get a professional assessment distinguishing storm damage from wear
Challenge the decision with evidence if incorrect

Issue 2: Lowball Assessment

The insurer’s assessment may not cover proper repairs.

Solution:

Get independent quotes from qualified roofers
Provide detailed scope explaining why full repairs are needed
Request reassessment with your contractor present
Use your insurer’s internal dispute process if needed

Issue 3: “Repair Not Replace”

Insurers prefer repairs, but sometimes replacement is necessary.

Arguments for replacement:

Matching materials unavailable
Repair would leave roof compromised
Multiple repairs cost more than replacement
Building code requirements have changed

Issue 4: Delays

Storm events create claim backlogs.

Managing delays:

Get emergency repairs done (claimable)
Document ongoing damage from delays
Follow up regularly in writing
Consider using a loss assessor for large claims

Storm-Prone Areas in Adelaide

Some areas experience more storm damage due to topography:

Adelaide Hills (Highest Risk)

Mount Barker - Elevated, hail-prone
Stirling - Exposed to westerly storms
Nairne - Hills weather pattern
Hahndorf - Valley wind acceleration
Lobethal - Elevated eastern hills

Northern Suburbs (Moderate-High Risk)

Tea Tree Gully foothills - Hills weather influence
Golden Grove - Storm corridors
Salisbury - Flat terrain, wind exposure

Metro Adelaide (Moderate Risk)

Coastal suburbs - Sea breeze front storms
Inner suburbs - Urban heat island effects

Preventing Storm Damage

While you can’t prevent storms, you can minimise damage:

Regular Roof Maintenance

Annual inspections - Catch issues before storms
Secure loose tiles/sheets - Before storm season
Clear gutters - Prevent water backup
Trim overhanging branches - Reduce debris risk

Roof Upgrades

Replace aging roofs proactively - Old roofs fail in storms
Consider Colorbond - More wind-resistant than tiles
Install roof tie-downs - For high wind areas

Insurance Review

Check your coverage - Before storm season
Document your roof condition - Annual photos
Update sum insured - Match current rebuild costs

Emergency Roof Repairs

When to Call for Emergency Service

Call us immediately if:

Water is entering your home
Structural damage is visible
Large sections of roofing are missing
Dangerous materials are exposed

What Emergency Service Includes

Same-day response (weather permitting)
Professional tarping - Securely fitted
Temporary repairs - Stop water entry
Damage assessment - Full documentation
Insurance guidance - Next steps advice

Emergency Tarping Costs

Emergency tarping typically costs $300-$800 depending on:

Size of damaged area
Accessibility
Materials required
After-hours callout

This is generally claimable on your insurance.

Get Help With Storm Damage

If your roof has been damaged by a storm, we’re here to help:

Emergency Response: Call 08 7093 7290 - 24/7 for urgent situations

Insurance Claims: We provide full documentation and liaison with your insurer

Coverage Areas: Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker, Barossa Valley, northern suburbs, and Adelaide metro

Free Assessment: We inspect damage and provide detailed quotes at no cost

Don’t let storm damage become a bigger problem. Contact us for fast, professional assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly should I report storm damage to my insurer?

Report as soon as possible, ideally within 24-48 hours. Most policies require “prompt” notification. Don’t wait until you get quotes - lodge the claim first, then gather documentation.

Can I choose my own roofing contractor?

Most policies allow you to choose your contractor. Some have preferred supplier networks that may offer faster processing. Check your policy wording or ask your insurer.

What if the damage is worse than the assessor found?

If repairs reveal additional damage, document it immediately and contact your insurer. Most policies cover damage discovered during repairs if it’s clearly storm-related.

Will my premiums increase after a storm claim?

One storm damage claim typically doesn’t significantly increase premiums, as it’s considered “act of nature” rather than negligence. Multiple claims may affect future premiums.

How long do I have to complete repairs?

Most insurers expect repairs within a reasonable timeframe, typically 6-12 months. However, they understand delays due to contractor availability after major storms. Keep your insurer informed of progress.

What if I can’t afford the excess?

Some contractors offer payment plans. You might also check if your excess can be paid in instalments or consider whether the claim is worthwhile for smaller damage amounts.

Mount Barker Roofing Services - Adelaide Hills storm damage specialists
Tea Tree Gully Roofing Services - Northeast suburbs coverage
Roof Repair vs Replacement Guide - When to repair vs replace after storm damage
Tile Roof Maintenance Guide - Maintaining tile roofs to prevent storm damage