ServiceNomad RV · Knowledge
Inspecting Your RV After a Storm
Severe weather—high winds, hail, heavy rain, or falling branches—can damage your RV in ways that aren't immediately obvious. After a storm, it's important to inspect your RV carefully for damage to the roof, exterior, and systems. Catching issues early helps you file insurance claims promptly and prevents minor damage from becoming major problems.
Immediate Safety Checks
Before you start inspecting for damage, ensure it's safe to do so. If trees are still falling, power lines are down, or the storm is still active, wait until conditions are safe. If you smell propane or see sparks or smoke, shut off the propane and disconnect from shore power immediately, and call a professional. If the RV is structurally unstable or you see signs of major damage, don't enter it—call your insurance company and wait for guidance. Once it's safe, begin your inspection from the outside and work your way in.
Exterior and Roof Inspection
Start by walking around the RV and looking for obvious damage—dents, broken windows, damaged awnings, or signs that branches or debris hit the RV. Check the roof for punctures, dents, or damage to vents, AC units, and antennas. If it's safe to go on the roof, look for soft spots or areas where water might be getting in. Check the sealant around skylights and roof-mounted equipment. If you see any damage, take photos immediately for insurance documentation. Look at the sidewalls and check for delamination or new cracks. Inspect the entry door, storage compartments, and windows for damage. If the awning deployed during the storm, check it for tears or broken hardware.
Interior Damage and Leaks
Once you've inspected the exterior, go inside and check for water intrusion. Look at the ceiling, walls, and floors for wet spots, discoloration, or drips. Check around windows, vents, and the AC unit. Open cabinets and check for water damage on walls and ceilings. Turn on the lights and test appliances to ensure nothing was damaged by power surges or water. If you find water intrusion, try to identify where it's coming in and place towels or buckets to catch drips until you can get it repaired. Document everything with photos—your insurance company will need detailed evidence of the damage.
Filing an Insurance Claim
If the damage is significant, contact your RV insurance company as soon as possible to start a claim. Provide them with photos, a description of the damage, and details about the storm (date, location, severity). The insurance company will send an adjuster to evaluate the damage and determine how much they'll pay for repairs. Keep records of all communication with the insurance company and any temporary repairs you make to prevent further damage. If the RV is unsafe to use, ask about coverage for temporary accommodations. Once the claim is approved, you can proceed with repairs through your chosen shop or a shop recommended by the insurance company.
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Do not inspect the RV if it's still dangerous—wait for the storm to pass and for authorities to say it's safe.
- If you smell propane, see sparks, or notice smoke, shut off the propane and power and evacuate immediately.
- Do not walk on a damaged roof—it may be structurally compromised and could collapse.
- If the RV is structurally unstable, do not enter it—call your insurance company and wait for professional evaluation.
💡 Prevention Tips
- Take photos of the RV before and after the storm to document any new damage.
- Check the roof and exterior for damage as soon as it's safe to do so.
- Document all damage with photos and detailed notes for your insurance claim.
- Contact your insurance company promptly to start the claims process.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, but document the original damage first.
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