When a severe thunderstorm rolls through Elmhurst — and they do, year after year — the aftermath can leave homeowners unsure of what to do next. Between damaged shingles, dented siding, and clogged gutters, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One of the most confusing parts of the process? Filing an insurance claim and actually getting it covered.
With more than 30 years of experience helping Elmhurst homeowners repair storm damage, we’ve seen it all — from claims that were unfairly denied to settlements that covered only a fraction of the actual damage. That’s why we handle insurance claims in-house and advocate for our customers every step of the way.
Understanding Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy in Illinois
Illinois homeowners insurance policies typically cover damage caused by:
- Hailstorms — A frequent cause of roof and siding damage in DuPage County
- Windstorms — Straight-line winds and tornadoes can lift shingles and damage flashing
- Falling objects — Tree limbs or debris during storms
- Water damage — Only if it’s caused by a covered peril (not flood damage)
Most policies in Illinois cover replacement cost value (RCV) for roofs and siding, which means your insurer pays the full cost to replace damaged materials, minus your deductible. However, some policies still pay actual cash value (ACV), which accounts for depreciation — meaning you’ll receive less.
Tip: Review your policy before storm season, so you know exactly what your coverage includes.
What Storm Damage Looks Like on Elmhurst Roofs & Siding
After a storm, you might not see damage from the ground. But the signs are often there:
On Your Roof
- Missing or displaced shingles — Wind can tear them off entirely
- Bruised or cracked shingles — Hail leaves dark, soft spots on asphalt shingles
- Granule loss — If you see black or gray granules in your gutters or downspouts, your shingles are aging faster than they should
- Dented flashing or vents — Metal components around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys are especially vulnerable to hail
On Your Siding
- Cracks or holes — Impact marks from hail or debris
- Dents — Especially on aluminum or steel siding
- Loosened panels — High winds can pull siding away from the wall
- Faded or chipped paint — May indicate surface damage from debris impact
On Your Gutters
- Dents and dings — Hail leaves visible marks on aluminum gutters
- Sagging sections — Storm debris or ice buildup can pull gutters loose
- Downspout damage — Bent or disconnected downspouts can cause drainage issues
Steps to Take Immediately After a Hail or Wind Storm
If you suspect your property has been damaged, acting quickly helps protect your claim and your home.
Step 1: Document Everything Take photos and videos of your roof, siding, gutters, and any interior water stains. Capture the date and time. This evidence is crucial when filing your claim.
Step 2: Temporary Protection If you have a leak, place a bucket to catch water and cover exposed areas with a tarp if safely accessible. We can help with emergency tarping if needed.
Step 3: Contact a Licensed Roofing Contractor — Before the Insurance Adjuster This is where many homeowners make a mistake. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage. But having a professional roofing contractor present during that inspection ensures nothing is missed. We regularly attend adjuster meetings on behalf of Elmhurst homeowners to make sure every damaged item is documented.
Step 4: File Your Claim Promptly Most Illinois policies have time limits for filing claims. Contact your insurer as soon as possible and provide your documentation.
How ELITE EXTERIORS Handles Insurance Claims In-House
One of the biggest differences between us and other contractors is that we manage the entire insurance claims process from start to finish. You don’t need to hire a separate public adjuster or navigate the paperwork alone.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Free Inspection — We inspect your roof, siding, gutters, and other exterior elements
- Damage Report — We document every finding with photos and detailed notes
- Claim Support — We help you file and communicate with your insurance company
- Adjuster Coordination — We meet the adjuster on-site to ensure nothing is overlooked
- Supplement Filing — If the initial settlement is too low, we fight for a supplemental claim
This is exactly what we did for one of our recent Elmhurst customers, whose insurer initially offered only $4,000 in coverage. After working with us, the full roof and siding replacement were covered.
“Rob and Elite Exteriors kept fighting the claim and eventually got both covered for full replacement. There’s no way I would have been able to fight this claim by myself.” — Jason, Elmhurst homeowner
Common Claim Denials and How We Help Overcome Them
Insurance companies sometimes deny or underpay claims for reasons that aren’t always fair. Here are the most common ones we see in the Elmhurst area:
| Denial Reason | How We Help |
|---|---|
| “Pre-existing wear and tear” | We document the difference between age-related wear and actual storm impact |
| “Damage doesn’t meet threshold” | We provide detailed measurements and photos that prove impact damage |
| “Missing documentation” | We ensure every photo, report, and form is complete before submission |
| “Depreciation was applied incorrectly” | We review the depreciation schedule and request correction where warranted |
Our team has 30+ years of experience navigating these disputes. When an insurer says no, we don’t accept it at face value — we come back with evidence.
Why Elmhurst Homeowners Trust Us With Their Claims
Storm season in Chicagoland doesn’t ask for permission. When it arrives — and it will — you need a team that puts your interests first.
We’re proud to be Elmhurst’s trusted choice because:
- We have 30+ years in the construction and restoration industry
- We’re licensed, bonded, and insured
- We handle insurance claims in-house — no middlemen
- We serve Elmhurst, Oak Park, Lombard, Addison, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Oak Brook, and Park Ridge
- We believe in honest recommendations — even if that means telling you a repair isn’t needed
Schedule Your Free Storm Damage Inspection Today
Don’t let storm damage go unnoticed. A small leak, a cracked shingle, or a dented gutter today can turn into a much bigger problem tomorrow.
→ Call us or fill out our form to schedule a free, no-obligation inspection. We’ll assess the damage, explain your options, and help you navigate the claims process — so you can get back to normal as quickly as possible.