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St. Louis homeowner guide

Storm-damaged gutters in Missouri: insurance, contractors and your rights

By Gutter Installation St. Louis, a referral service. Updated November 3, 2026.

Short answer

Photograph the damage, call your insurer, and get written estimates before you sign. In Missouri, a contractor may not promise to pay or rebate your deductible, or represent or negotiate for you on a claim. You can cancel a covered home solicitation sale until midnight of the third business day after signing. The Attorney General warns about door-to-door offers after storms.

White gutter bent away from the fascia under a fallen oak limb after a storm
Worth remembering
  • Take dated photos before anything is moved.
  • An offer to rebate your deductible is a warning sign, and it's prohibited in Missouri.
  • A contractor isn't allowed to negotiate your claim for you.
  • Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline: 800-392-8222.

What recent storms did

The National Weather Service recorded an EF3 tornado on May 16, 2025, with 152 mph peak winds, starting near Clayton and crossing north St. Louis. Hail that day ranged widely, mostly quarter to golf-ball size, with about 2.5 inches reported at Harvester and near Normandy. Reports came from places including O'Fallon, St. Peters, Chesterfield, Wildwood and Town and Country. On April 2, 2025, quarter-size hail fell in Oakville.

Gutter damage people miss

  • Dents along the front lip, best seen in low sun.
  • Split corners or outlets, which may only leak in the next rain.
  • Bent hangers and a lost fall after a limb strike.
  • Downspouts crushed at the elbow.
  • Fascia cracked behind an otherwise fine gutter.

A sensible order

  1. Stay safe, and stay off wet roofs.
  2. Photograph everything with dates.
  3. Make small protective repairs and keep receipts.
  4. Read your policy, and call your insurer.
  5. Get written, itemized estimates. Compare them.
  6. Sign only once you understand the price, the scope and what happens if the claim is denied.

What Missouri law says

RSMo 407.725 applies to contractors doing roof systems and other exterior work. It says a contractor shall not advertise or promise to pay or rebate any part of an insurance deductible as an inducement to sell, and shall not represent or negotiate for an owner on any insurance claim, or offer to. A violation counts as an unfair practice. It also has a cancellation right linked to an insurer's notice that a claim isn't covered. Read the law and your contract's notice, or ask an attorney.

RSMo 407.705 covers home solicitation sales. The buyer can cancel until midnight of the third business day after signing. It doesn't apply if the buyer asked for goods or services without delay because of an emergency and the seller has substantially begun performance, among other conditions.

Doorstep offers

The Missouri Attorney General says scammers often go door to door after storms offering to inspect roofs or gutters. Ask for ID, check the business, and don't pay cash. Be especially careful of anyone who asks to go up on the roof uninvited, and ask to see photos of any "damage" they claim to find.

Who can help with a claim

Your agent and your insurer's adjuster, a licensed public adjuster if you hire one, or an attorney. A contractor can give you an estimate and explain the work. We don't handle claims at all.

Questions

Does insurance cover gutter damage?

That depends on your policy and the cause. Wind, hail and fallen limbs are often covered perils, while wear and tear usually isn't, but only your insurer can say. Check your deductible first, because small repairs may not exceed it.

Should I let a roofer inspect for free?

It's your choice. If you do, pick someone you've checked out and ask for dated photos. Be wary of anyone who appears right after a storm and pushes you to sign.

How soon do I have to file?

Your policy sets the deadlines, and they can be short. Call your agent early, even if you're not sure the damage is worth a claim.

Are cosmetic dents covered?

Some policies exclude cosmetic damage to certain parts. Ask your agent what yours says, and ask the contractor to separate cosmetic damage from what actually affects function.

Sources

Related

General information for St. Louis-area homeowners. Not a quote, and not engineering, legal or insurance advice.

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