Printable East Tennessee storm and roof claim checklists

Each list links back to its full guide. Write the date your suit limitation period may begin at the top of your claim folder.

Cabin and second-home owner checklist (printable)

• Someone local can check the property within a day after a High Wind Warning, ice or heavy snow.
• Exterior photos of the roof and every side of the cabin, dated, taken each spring.
• Metal roof screws and washers checked yearly; snow guards in place over doors and decks.
• Gutters cleared in late fall, before leaf and snow season.
• Policy type known (homeowners, dwelling or commercial), plus lost-rent coverage and any vacancy rules.
• Water shutoff location known and labeled for whoever checks the cabin.
• Contact list: insurer claim line, agent, roofer, tree service, power company.
• Suit limitation period from the policy written down.

Mountain-wave wind checklist (printable)

• Loose patio furniture, grills and trash cans brought in or tied down when a High Wind Warning is issued.
• Cars parked away from large trees.
• Morning-after walk-around: ridge, rakes, southeast-facing slopes, metal trim.
• Photos of any damage and debris before cleanup.
• Attic checked with a flashlight for daylight or wet spots.

Print all checklists

• East Tennessee hail check
• Questions for an East Tennessee roofer
• After-hail checklist for East Tennessee homes
• Tennessee policy check
• Questions for your Tennessee insurer
• Questions for the adjuster in East Tennessee

East Tennessee hail check

• When did the hail fall, and how big was the largest stone? Photograph a few beside a coin or ruler.
• Walk around the house: which side has dented gutters, torn screens or chipped trim?
• Heat pump: are fins flattened on one side?
• Metal roof, porch roof, barn or carport: new dents visible in low sun?
• Box vents, pipe boots and skylight frames: dented, cracked or split?
• Granules collecting at downspout outlets?
• Shingle slopes, checked from the ground with binoculars: dark round marks or cracked tabs?
• Cars, boats, the grill and the mailbox: matching dents?
• If you own a cabin in Sevier or Blount County, has someone checked it since the storm?
• Ceilings and attic rechecked after the next rains.
• Photos, notes and the storm date saved in one folder.

From: Hail hit Knoxville. How can you tell if your roof is damaged?

Questions for an East Tennessee roofer

• License type and number (Home Improvement or contractor), checked at verify.tn.gov: ____
• Is the license name the same as the name on the contract?
• Certificates of liability and workers' compensation from your agent? Y / N
• Local business address and years working in the Knoxville area:
• Will you give me the Tennessee roofing law disclosures in writing before I sign?
• Does the contract include the notice of my right to cancel if the insurer denies the claim?
• Written, itemized estimate with damage description and scope? Y / N
• Materials: shingle or metal product, gauge, fasteners and underlayment:
• Experience with steep cabin roofs, metal or slate, if mine has it?
• Who pulls the permit and schedules the inspection?
• Workmanship warranty, in writing: ____ years
• Manufacturer warranty registration: who does it?
• Decking price per sheet: $____
• Payment schedule tied to completed work?
• Local references from the last year:

From: Checking a roofer in Knoxville and East Tennessee

After-hail checklist for East Tennessee homes

• Storm has passed; no lines or limbs down near the house.
• Hailstones photographed with a ruler or coin; time noted.
• Every side of the house and each visible roof slope photographed.
• Dents photographed: gutters, vents, heat pump, metal roofs, siding, car.
• Openings covered; receipts and photos kept.
• Deductible on the declarations page: $____
• Claim reported; claim number and adjuster recorded.
• Roofer's license checked at verify.tn.gov if required for the job size.
• Roofer's written disclosures and cancellation notice received before signing.
• Cabin or second home checked by someone on site.
• Ceilings and attic checked again after rain.
• Claim log and folder started.

From: Hail just hit your East Tennessee home. Here is what to do

Tennessee policy check

• Insurer, policy number and dates:
• Policy type (homeowners, landlord or dwelling fire for a rental cabin?):
• Dwelling (Coverage A) limit: $____
• All-perils deductible: $____
• Wind/hail deductible: ____% = $____
• Roof valuation: replacement cost, actual cash value or schedule?
• Cosmetic damage exclusion on a metal roof? Y / N
• Weight of ice, snow or sleet covered? Y / N
• Ordinance or law coverage limit: $____
• Additional living expense or loss-of-rents coverage:
• Duties after loss, including any proof of loss deadline:
• Suit limitation clause: how long, and from what event?
• Appraisal clause present? Y / N
• Mortgage company named:

From: What to check in a Tennessee policy before a roof claim

Questions for your Tennessee insurer

• Claim number: ____ Adjuster and contact: ____
• Which deductible applies, and how much is it?
• Is my roof on replacement cost, actual cash value or a schedule?
• Is there a cosmetic exclusion for my metal roof?
• What temporary repairs should I do, and will you pay for them?
• When will the inspection be? Can my roofer attend?
• What does my policy's suit limitation clause say, and when does it start?
• If some shingles or panels are replaced, how will matching be handled?
• Is a proof of loss required? By when?
• Does my policy cover lost rent on a rental cabin?
• How will recoverable depreciation be paid, and by what deadline?
• Will my mortgage company be on the check?
• How should I send photos and documents?
• Can I get your coverage decision and reasons in writing?

From: What to ask your insurance company after East Tennessee storm damage

Questions for the adjuster in East Tennessee

• Who do you work for: the insurer, an adjusting firm or desk review?
• What did you find on each slope, and how many hits per test square?
• How did you tell hail from age, blistering or installation issues?
• Did you inspect metal roofs, outbuildings, gutters, vents and the heat pump?
• Repair or replace, and why?
• If part is replaced, how will it give a reasonably uniform appearance?
• Are steep, high and access charges included?
• Which code items are included (drip edge, underlayment, ice barrier)?
• How was depreciation calculated? Is it recoverable?
• When will I get the estimate and your photos?
• How do I submit a supplement for damage found during tear-off?
• How do I request a reinspection?
• Who makes the decision, and by when?

From: What should you ask the adjuster at your Knoxville roof inspection?