Roof storm damage help for Knoxville and East Tennessee

Most homeowners policies cover sudden wind and hail damage, subject to your deductible, which may be a separate wind/hail deductible. Wear and age are generally not covered, and some policies pay only actual cash value on older roofs. How claims work.

Stay safe, photograph the damage before cleanup, cover openings with a tarp, check your deductible, then call your insurer. Photo checklist.

Usually your own homeowners insurance, even if it was the neighbor's tree, when wind or another covered peril knocked it down. Tree on roof.

Only you, or a licensed public adjuster you hire, should negotiate the claim itself; ask any contractor who offers to do it whether they hold a public adjuster license.

In Tennessee, a contractor license from the Board for Licensing Contractors is required for projects of $25,000 or more, including labor and materials. In Knox County (one of nine counties that adopted the law), residential remodeling and repair jobs, roofing included, from $3,000 to $24,999 also require a state Home Improvement license, which requires a $10,000 bond and proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance. Blount, Anderson, Sevier and Loudon counties have not adopted the Home Improvement law, so for smaller jobs there, ask for proof of insurance and check the local permit office. You can check any state license at verify.tn.gov. License lookup.