Storms in Michigan can cause serious damage, but what comes after the storm can be just as overwhelming. Between the insurance paperwork, adjusters, and timelines, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure where to start.

That’s why understanding the claim process is just as important as addressing the damage itself.

At Visionary Builders, we’ve helped countless Mid-Michigan homeowners restore their homes after severe weather and unexpected events. Here's what we want you to know, before you file, before you fix, and before a small oversight turns into a denied or funding shortfall on your claim.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to File Your Claim

After a storm, you might not see major damage right away. But that doesn’t mean your home is in the clear. Cracked shingles. Lifted flashing. Moisture creeping into your attic. Often, this damage takes days or even weeks to reveal itself, and by then, your claim window may be closing.

Many homeowners are surprised to learn their claim can be reduced, or denied, simply for waiting. That’s why most policies require you to act fast to mitigate further damage, and why we recommend filing a claim and scheduling a free inspection within 24–48 hours after a storm.

The Damage You Don’t See (But Insurance Still Cares About)

When we inspect a storm-damaged home, we look beyond what’s obvious. Yes, we check the roof, but we also inspect:

Hail damage on vent covers, gutters, fascia, and trim
Granule loss from hail damage
Cracked siding
Structural impact from fallen trees
Early mold or water intrusion

We also use Xactimate, the same estimating tool used by every major insurance company. This tools allows our team to speak the insurance carriers language. Between the thorough picture documentation of damage and Xactimate estimate, it allows us to paint a full picture of the scope of work to the insurance company.

And to prevent any further damage, we’ll tarp your roof immediately. giving you time to secure the full inspection. That way, your home stays protected while we fight to get every dollar your policy allows.

Why Insurance Might Not Cover Everything

Most homeowners assume that if something was damaged, it’ll automatically be replaced. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Depending on insurance coverage selected, and cause of loss, coverage may be limited. Commonly missed or underinsured items include: ACV (Actual Cash Value) vs. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) on roofing & siding, and matching endorsement (without it, if part of your roof or siding is damaged, the insurer may only pay to patch mismatched materials).

And even if they do approve repairs or full replacement, insurance estimates are often start low. missing key items like:

Code upgrades
Labor for specific installation methods
Disposal, cleanup, or temporary protection
Water or mold remediation that may be hiding

Our team will review your insurer’s estimate and file supplements as needed, for any overlooked scope of work on damage. That way, Visionary Builders secures the full coverage needed to complete every repair, so you never pay a penny more than required for high quality work.

What We Don’t Do And Why That Matters

Not all contractors operate the same way. And when insurance is involved, “storm chaser” contractors run rampant. Shortcuts and bad advice can cost you, leaving you high and dry to deal with the damage.

We don’t:

Submit inflated estimates to “see what insurance says”
Start work without knowing what’s approved
Push you into a contract before you’re ready
Leave you hanging once the check arrives

We do:

Show up fast
Document everything
Handle supplements the right way
Licensed and insured contractor (IICRC certified for water & mold)
Have a dedicated insurance liaison who works directly with adjusters, reviewing estimates line-by-line to make sure nothing is missed

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Adjuster

Want to make sure your claim is handled properly? Ask your adjuster:

Did you include debris removal and tarping?
Are code-required upgrades factored into the estimate?
What happens if materials are discontinued or unavailable?
Can I get a copy of the full line-item breakdown of the estimate?
Do I have ACV or RCV coverage?
What is my deductible?

These questions show you’re informed, and make it easier for us to step in and help you secure the coverage you need.

Schedule Your Free Storm Damage Inspection Today

Storm damage can’t wait and neither should your claim. Use Mid-Michigan’s trusted partner for insurance-backed repairs.

Schedule Your Free Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Nothing, it's 100% free and includes documentation you can use for your claim.
No, you have the right to choose your own contractor. Visionary is your advocate, not theirs.
It’s a formal request for additional scope of work coverage on damage that is discovered and not on the insurance companies estimate. If something is missing from the insurance estimate, we go to bat for you.
It depends on your policy, but we can review it with you and help take quick action if you're still within your window.

What Homeowners Get Wrong About Storm Damage Insurance