Southern Manitoba sits squarely in Canada’s hail belt. Between June and August, the region sees some of the highest rates of hail activity in the country – and when a significant storm moves through Winnipeg or surrounding areas, the volume of roof damage claims can spike into the thousands in a single week.
If your roof has been damaged by hail, wind, or a storm, filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re also trying to deal with potential water damage inside your home. This guide walks Manitoba homeowners through the process clearly, step by step.
Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Damage in Manitoba?
Standard home insurance policies in Manitoba generally cover sudden, accidental damage caused by hail, wind, and other named perils. This includes damage to your shingles, flashing, eavestroughs, and in some cases detached structures like a garage.
What is typically not covered:
- Damage caused by age, wear, or lack of maintenance
- Pre-existing conditions that weren’t repaired before the storm
- Gradual deterioration over time
The distinction between storm damage and wear-related deterioration is one of the most common points of dispute in roofing claims. A professional inspection before you file – and before the adjuster arrives – is one of the best things you can do to protect your claim.
Step 1 – Document Everything Before Touching Anything
Before any temporary repairs or cleanup begins, document the damage as thoroughly as possible.
- Photograph everything – exterior damage from multiple angles, interior ceiling stains, attic insulation, any debris on the ground
- Record video if you can – it captures scale and context that still photos sometimes miss
- Note the date and time of the storm – if you can find a local weather report or news article confirming the event, save it
- Don’t discard damaged material – shingles, sections of eavestrough, or flashing that came off should be kept until the adjuster has seen them
This documentation forms the foundation of your claim. The more thorough it is, the less room there is for dispute later.
Step 2 – Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly
Report the damage to your insurer as soon as possible after the event. Manitoba home insurance policies typically require prompt notification, and waiting too long – even by a few weeks – can give the insurer grounds to complicate or deny your claim by arguing the damage isn’t clearly tied to the storm in question.
When you call, have your policy number ready and be prepared to describe:
- What happened and when
- What you can see from the ground
- Whether there is any active water entry into the home
Your insurer will open a claim file and explain the next steps, including when an adjuster will be assigned.
Step 3 – Get a Professional Roof Inspection First
Before the insurance adjuster arrives, we strongly recommend having a qualified roofing professional inspect your roof independently. Here’s why this matters:
An adjuster’s job is to assess the claim on behalf of the insurance company. A roofing contractor’s job is to assess the actual condition of your roof. These are different perspectives, and an experienced roofer can identify storm damage that an adjuster – who may not be a roofing specialist – might miss or undervalue.
A written inspection report from a roofing contractor, completed before the adjuster visit, gives you a documented second opinion that supports your claim.
Step 4 – Meet with the Insurance Adjuster
The adjuster will schedule a time to inspect the damage in person. Before that visit:
- Share your photos, video, and any professional inspection report you’ve obtained
- Walk through all affected areas with them – don’t assume they’ll find everything on their own
- Ask questions: What is covered? What is excluded? What is the timeline for the settlement?
You are entitled to understand what is being assessed and why. If the adjuster’s findings seem significantly lower than what your roofing contractor identified, you can request a re-inspection or engage a public adjuster to represent your interests.
Step 5 – Understand Your Settlement (RCV vs. ACV)
When your claim is approved, the settlement amount depends on what type of coverage your policy provides:
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays the full cost to repair or replace your roof with similar materials, minus your deductible. This is the preferred coverage for most homeowners.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays the depreciated value of your roof based on its age and condition at the time of the storm. On a 20-year-old roof, ACV may cover only a fraction of the actual replacement cost.
If you’re not sure which type of coverage you have, check your policy documents or ask your broker before your claim is finalized. Understanding this distinction before you sign anything is important.
Step 6 – Choose Your Roofing Contractor Carefully
After a major storm, Manitoba homeowners are often approached by out-of-province contractors – sometimes called storm chasers – who move into affected areas to capitalize on the high volume of claims. These companies may offer quick turnarounds and low prices, but they often lack local accountability, proper warranties, or familiarity with Manitoba’s building requirements.
When selecting a roofing contractor for insurance-related work:
- Choose a local company with an established presence in Manitoba
- Verify they are licensed and carry proper liability insurance and WCB coverage
- Ask for references from similar insurance repair work
- Get the scope of work and warranty in writing before work begins
A reputable local roofer will also be familiar with the insurance process and can communicate directly with your adjuster if needed.
What If Your Claim Is Denied?
If your claim is denied, you have options. Ask your insurer for the denial in writing and the specific reasons cited. Common grounds for denial – such as pre-existing damage or maintenance-related deterioration – can sometimes be successfully challenged with documentation from a roofing professional.
You can also request a formal re-inspection, escalate through your insurer’s complaint process, or consult a public adjuster or legal counsel if the amount in dispute is significant.
How Integrity Roofing Helps with Insurance Claims
Navigating a roof insurance claim on your own is stressful – especially after a storm, when you’re already dealing with damage and disruption. At Integrity Roofing, we work alongside Manitoba homeowners throughout the claims process: from the initial inspection and documentation to communicating with adjusters and completing the repair or replacement once the claim is approved.
If your home has been affected by storm or hail damage, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free assessment and let us help you get your roof – and your claim – moving in the right direction.