Michigan Storm Season: The Most Common Insurance Claims and How to Fight Them

Michigan Weather Is Hard on Homes

Hailstorms from March through September. Severe thunderstorms. Spring flooding. Ice dams. Southeast Michigan produces insurance claims year-round—and insurers have every angle covered when it comes to minimizing them.

Most Common Storm Claims in SE Michigan

Hail damage to roofing and siding. The most frequent claim we see. One storm can damage every square foot of your roof and all your siding—often without visible damage from the ground. Hail cracks impact seals, causes granule loss, and dramatically shortens shingle lifespan.

Wind damage to roofing systems. High winds lift shingles and break seals. Even if shingles stay in place, lifted seals allow water infiltration that causes interior damage over months.

Storm flooding and water intrusion. Heavy rain overwhelms gutters and infiltrates basements. Coverage depends on where the water originated—surface flooding vs. storm drain backup vs. wind-driven rain.

Tree and debris impact. Falling trees cause sudden structural damage. Often straightforward but can involve significant hidden structural damage.

How Insurers Minimize Storm Claims

• Pre-existing damage arguments: Attributing storm damage to prior wear and tear
• Low initial estimates: First offers are rarely the final number
• Heavy depreciation: Under ACV policies, older roofing and siding gets heavily depreciated even when a storm caused the damage
• Separating related damage: Trying to exclude interior water damage caused by storm breach of roof or siding

How to Fight Back

Document everything before repairs start. Get an independent contractor inspection—don’t rely solely on the insurer’s adjuster. File supplement requests when the estimate is low. Know your policy: wind damage is typically covered; flood damage usually requires separate flood insurance.

Phase III Construction has helped SE Michigan homeowners fight storm damage claims for years. We document thoroughly, fight low estimates, and manage the entire process. Call us at (734) 237-7322 for a free storm damage inspection.