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Storm Damage Guide

Storm Damage Insurance Claims: The Wisconsin Homeowner's Playbook

Filing a storm damage claim shouldn't be stressful. Here is the exact process that leads to a 98% approval rate — and how DT Exteriors handles it for you.

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Quick Answer

The storm damage claim process: 1) Get a professional inspection and documentation, 2) File your claim with your insurance carrier, 3) Schedule adjuster inspection (request your contractor be present), 4) Review the estimate and supplement if needed, 5) Approve repairs and receive payment. DT Exteriors handles steps 1-4 for you and has a 98% claim approval rate.

The Claim Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Professional Inspection (Day 1)

Call DT Exteriors at (262) 945-0841. A certified project manager inspects your property and creates a detailed damage report with photos. This is free and no obligation.

Step 2: File Your Claim (Day 1-2)

Call your insurance company's claims line. You'll need your policy number, date of storm, and a description of damage. DT Exteriors provides a damage summary you can reference during this call.

Step 3: Adjuster Inspection (Day 5-14)

Your insurance company sends an adjuster. Critical: Request that your DT Exteriors project manager be present. We walk the adjuster through every damage point and ensure nothing is missed.

Step 4: Estimate Review (Day 14-21)

Your insurance sends an estimate. DT Exteriors reviews it against actual repair costs. If the estimate is low (common), we file a supplement with additional documentation.

Step 5: Approval & Repair (Day 21-45)

Once approved, work begins. Insurance pays in two installments: initial payment (minus deductible) and completion payment after final inspection.

Why Our Approval Rate Is 98%: We document damage before the adjuster arrives, using the same Xactimate software insurance companies use. We speak their language, provide their level of documentation, and supplement when initial estimates fall short. This isn't adversarial — it's professional.

5 Claim Mistakes Wisconsin Homeowners Make

  1. Filing without professional documentation — Homeowner photos miss 60-70% of actual damage. Insurance adjusters spend 15-30 minutes on your roof; our inspection takes 60-90 minutes.
  2. Not being present for the adjuster visit — Or worse, not having your contractor present. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. You need an advocate.
  3. Accepting the first estimate — Initial insurance estimates are often 20-40% below actual repair cost. The supplement process exists for a reason.
  4. Signing with storm chasers — Out-of-state crews who canvas neighborhoods after storms. They do the minimum to cash the insurance check and disappear with no warranty.
  5. Waiting too long to file — Damage worsens with time. What started as a $5,000 repair becomes $15,000 if water gets in for months.

What Wisconsin Insurance Typically Covers

Covered (Storm-Related)

  • Roof repair or full replacement (when damage warrants)
  • Siding repair or full replacement (including matching)
  • Gutter and downspout replacement
  • Window and door replacement
  • Interior damage from water infiltration
  • Tree removal from structures
  • Fence and outbuilding repair
  • Temporary repairs (tarping, boarding)

Not Covered (Maintenance/Pre-existing)

  • Normal wear and aging
  • Pre-existing damage that wasn't storm-caused
  • Cosmetic damage on some policies
  • Damage from deferred maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Our inspection, documentation, adjuster meeting, and supplement filing are all free. We get paid when you choose us for the repair work — from the insurance payment. You only pay your deductible.

This is common. DT Exteriors files a supplement with detailed line-item documentation showing actual repair costs. Most supplements are approved within 2-4 weeks. If a supplement is denied, we can help you escalate through the appraisal clause in your policy.

You have the absolute right to choose your own contractor in Wisconsin. Your insurance company cannot require you to use their preferred vendors. DT Exteriors works with all major insurance carriers.

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