Most Australian home insurance policies cover sudden roof damage caused by storms, hail and strong winds. A smooth storm damage roof insurance claim comes down to three things: making the roof safe quickly, recording the damage clearly and backing your claim with a professional roof report.
Canberra’s storm season usually runs from late spring through summer. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast off the Brindabellas, bringing damaging winds and hail. The January 2020 hailstorm showed how quickly a single storm can damage thousands of roofs, cars and gutters across the city.
This guide walks you through what insurance typically covers, each step of the claim process and the evidence that helps your insurer approve repairs quickly.
What Home Insurance Usually Covers for Storm-Damaged Roofs
Insurers cover sudden, one-off damage from a storm event. They generally do not cover gradual deterioration that has built up over years. Knowing the difference helps you lodge a claim with confidence.
| Usually covered | Usually not covered |
| Tiles cracked or dislodged by hail or wind | Tiles that were already cracked, porous or worn |
| Metal sheets lifted, dented or torn off in a storm | Rust and corrosion that developed over time |
| Roof damaged by a falling tree or branch | Leaks from old ridge mortar or tired flashings |
| Ceilings and contents damaged by storm water entering through the roof | Damage from blocked gutters that were not maintained |
| Gutters and downpipes damaged by hail or wind | Gradual water damage that was left untreated |
| Emergency make-safe work such as tarping | General roof cleaning or cosmetic updates |
Every policy is a little different, so check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for your storm cover, excess and any limits on temporary repairs. Many policies also cover reasonable emergency repairs to stop further damage, which is why it pays to act fast.
Why roof condition matters
Insurers look at whether the damage came from the storm or from the roof’s age. A well-maintained roof gives you a stronger claim, because the storm damage stands out clearly. Regular care, from re-pointing tiles to keeping gutters clear, keeps your roof in claim-ready condition year-round.
How to Make a Storm Damage Roof Insurance Claim in 7 Steps
Following these steps in order keeps your home protected and gives your insurer everything it needs to make a decision quickly.
- Put safety first. Stay off the roof, keep clear of fallen power lines and switch off power to any wet ceiling areas. For urgent help with storm damage in the ACT, call the SES on 132 500.
- Get the roof made safe. Book an emergency roof repair to tarp the roof, replace dislodged tiles or secure lifted sheets. Insurers expect you to prevent further damage, and most policies cover reasonable make-safe costs.
- Photograph everything. Take clear photos and short videos of the roof from the ground, plus any ceiling stains, water on floors, damaged gutters and fallen branches. Include close-ups and wide shots, and keep the time stamps.
- Contact your insurer early. Lodge the claim by phone, app or online as soon as you can. Write down your claim number and the name of the person you speak with.
- Get a professional roof report. A qualified roofer’s written report with photos, the cause of damage and a repair quote gives your insurer clear, independent evidence.
- Meet the assessor. For larger claims, your insurer may send a loss assessor. Share your photos and roof report, and ask how long the decision is likely to take.
- Approve repairs and keep records. Once the claim is approved, confirm the scope of works covers all the damage. Keep every invoice, report and email in one folder.
How long does an insurance claim take in Australia?
Under the General Insurance Code of Practice, insurers aim to decide a claim within 10 business days once they have all the information they need. If more assessment is required, the decision should be made within four months. After a declared catastrophe, such as a major hailstorm, the timeframe can extend to 12 months, so lodging early and supplying complete evidence makes a real difference.
What a Strong Roof Damage Report for Insurance Includes
A clear, independent roof report is the single most useful document in a storm damage claim. It shows the insurer exactly what happened, what caused it and what it will cost to fix. A thorough roof inspection report should include:
- The date of the inspection and the date of the storm event
- Dated photos of every damaged area, from close-ups to wide shots
- The cause of damage, such as hail impact, wind uplift or a fallen branch
- The roof material, approximate age and overall condition
- Any internal water entry, with the likely path traced through the roof
- An itemised repair or replacement quote
- Make-safe work already completed, with photos
Hidden damage worth checking
Storm damage is not always visible from the ground. Hail can crack tiles without dislodging them, bruise the paint on metal sheets or split ridge pointing. Water can travel along battens and appear far from the entry point. Professional leak detection finds the true source, so the repair fixes the problem the first time.
Tips for a smooth, successful claim
- Lodge within days of the storm, while the evidence is fresh
- Keep damaged tiles, sheet offcuts or fallen debris until the assessor has seen them
- Use a licensed, insured roofer for both the report and the repairs
- Ask your insurer whether you can choose your own repairer or must use their builder
- Keep a simple log of every call, email and visit
- Check the scope of works covers gutters, flashings, ceilings and insulation as well as the roof itself
If you are ever unsure about a decision, you can ask your insurer for an internal review. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) provides a free, independent service if you need it.
Getting Your Roof Storm-Ready for Canberra’s Storm Season
A little preparation before summer helps your roof ride out storms and keeps any claim simple. The best time to prepare is spring, before the first big thunderstorms arrive.
- Replace cracked or slipped tiles and re-point loose ridge capping with professional tile repairs
- Tighten or replace loose roofing screws on metal roofs
- Trim branches that overhang the roof
- Clear gutters, valleys and downpipes so heavy rain drains away freely
- Secure loose solar panel mounts, antennas and skylights
- Take dated photos of your roof in good condition to keep on file
Those winter checks pay off too. Our Canberra winter roof damage guide explains how to spot frost damage before storm season begins.
Repair or replace after a storm?
Most storm damage is fixed with targeted repairs. When hail or wind has damaged a large part of an older roof, insurers sometimes approve a full roof replacement. Many Canberra homeowners choose Colorbond for the new roof, as Colorbond roofing lasts for decades and stays watertight after hail.
Storm Damage Roof Insurance Claim FAQs
Does home insurance cover roof damage from storms?
Most Australian home insurance policies cover sudden storm, hail and wind damage to roofs. Wear and tear, rust and poor maintenance are generally excluded, so check your PDS for the details.
How soon should I lodge a storm damage claim?
As soon as it is safe to do so. Early claims are easier to assess, and many policies require you to report damage promptly and prevent further damage.
Do I need a roofer’s report for my insurance claim?
It is not always required, but a professional roof report with photos and a quote makes your claim clearer and often faster to approve.
Will insurance pay for emergency tarping?
Most policies cover reasonable make-safe work, such as tarping, to stop further damage. Keep the invoice and photos for your claim.
Can I choose my own roofer for insurance repairs?
Some insurers let you choose your own licensed repairer, while others use their own builders. Ask your insurer early so you can plan the repairs.
What if my claim is declined?
Ask the insurer to explain the decision in writing and request copies of any reports they relied on. You can request an internal review, and AFCA offers a free external review service.
Fast Storm Damage Roof Repairs in Canberra
When a storm hits, quick action protects your home and supports your claim. Ridgepoint Roofing makes roofs safe, prepares detailed insurance reports and completes storm damage repairs across Canberra, Queanbeyan, Yass and Goulburn.
We will inspect your roof, document the damage clearly for your insurer and get your home back to watertight. Call Ridgepoint Roofing today for storm damage roof repairs and insurance reports.