Severe weather events batter some communities around the U.S. more every year, leaving behind damaged homes and costly repairs, according to a study by Instant Roofer.
Homeowners in safer states like Hawaii, Alaska and Nevada hold a significant advantage in maintenance costs, the data showed, while also focusing on regular upkeep without the worry of battling severe weather.
“Homeowners in high-risk states need to be proactive about storm preparation rather than reactive after damage occurs,” said Instant Roofer CEO Jeff Berzolla.
“Start with a thorough inspection of your roof, gutters and exterior walls before storm season peaks,” he added. “Look for loose shingles, damaged flashing, or any signs of wear that could become major problems during severe weather.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. home insurance market size was valued at $62.76 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $149.48 billion by 2034, according to Precedence Research. At the same time, the U.S. is expected to witness an increase in home insurance prices of 11% by the end of 2025, due to President Donald Trump's tariffs on materials used to build homes driving home repair costs higher.
“Too many homeowners discover later that their standard policy doesn't cover flood damage or has inadequate coverage for wind damage,” Berzolla said.
“Consider increasing your deductibles to lower premiums, but make sure you have enough savings to cover that higher out-of-pocket cost” he said. “Create an emergency fund specifically for storm damage repairs. Even with good insurance, you'll likely face some costs upfront. Having three to six months of expenses saved can make the difference between quick repairs and long-term damage that gets worse over time.”
The slideshow above illustrates the worst states for severe weather as selected by Instant Roofer.
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.