Arizona Monsoon Storm Damage: How to Protect Your Home and Avoid Repair Scams
As Featured on Fox 10 Phoenix
Recent monsoon storms have caused significant property damage throughout the Phoenix area, leaving many Arizona homeowners facing damaged roofs, broken windows, water intrusion and other costly repairs. FOX 10 Phoenix recently spoke with local experts, including Justin Skipton, CEO of Skipton & Associates Public Adjusting Firm, about what homeowners should do after a storm and how they can protect themselves from storm repair scams.
The FOX 10 report made a point to emphasized two important priorities following storm damage: protect your property from additional damage and be careful about who you hire to perform repairs.
Justin Skipton explained that homeowners have a responsibility under their insurance policies to mitigate additional damage. These can include taking reasonable emergency measures such as covering roof breaches or boarding up broken windows. However, it is important to understand that mitigating damage does not mean homeowners have to immediately complete permanent repairs.
The report also made a point to warn homeowners about contractors who approach them immediately after a storm and pressure them to sign contracts or give up rights related to their insurance claim (sometimes called Storm Chasers). Mr. Skipton advised homeowners to research contractors carefully and make sure they understand exactly what services they are hiring the contractor to perform.
Who Is Skipton?
Skipton Claims Management is a family-owned public adjusting company founded in Arizona in 1992. The company represents property owners and policyholders—not insurance companies—during the insurance claims process. Skipton has more than 50 years of combined company experience and serves residential and commercial property owners.
Based in Scottsdale, Skipton has particular experience with the unique property damage risks found throughout Arizona, including wind events, microbursts, haboobs, water damage, fire and storm damage. The company’s Arizona team includes licensed public adjusters and professionals with industry certifications and specialized expertise.
A public adjuster works exclusively for the policyholder. Skipton’s role can include inspecting and documenting property damage, reviewing insurance coverage, determining replacement costs, preparing claim documentation and helping the policyholder navigate the claims process.
Skipton is also a member of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA), and company leadership has held national leadership positions within the organization include Justin Skipton as the 2025-2026 President.
For Arizona homeowners dealing with storm damage, Skipton offers a free claim review to help determine whether professional assistance may be appropriate.
Arizona and Skipton Associates
Skipton and Associates, Inc. is Arizona’s largest local public adjusting company and the only one in the state of Arizona with a fully staffed office of claims advocates.
What Homeowners Should Do After Storm Damage
The first priority following an Arizona monsoon storm should be safety and preventing additional damage. FOX 10’s report recommends staying off wet or damaged roofs and documenting the condition of the property before beginning cleanup or repairs.
Here are several important steps homeowners should consider:
1. Make sure everyone is safe.
Stay away from damaged roofs, downed power lines and other potentially dangerous areas.2. Document the damage.
Take detailed, timestamped photographs and videos of damaged areas before cleaning up or making repairs whenever it is safe to do so. Document both obvious damage and areas where water may have entered the property.3. Prevent additional damage.
Take reasonable emergency measures to protect the property from further damage. Depending on the situation, this could include covering a roof breach, boarding up a broken window or taking other temporary protective measures. Save receipts for emergency expenses.4. Notify your insurance company promptly.
Homeowners do not necessarily need to have a completed repair estimate before reporting a loss. FOX 10 specifically notes that homeowners can begin the claims process without an estimate.5. Don’t rush into permanent repairs.
Emergency mitigation and permanent repairs are different things. Give yourself time to understand the damage, your insurance policy and your options before signing a major repair contract.6. Research contractors carefully.
If repairs are necessary, check references and reviews, obtain multiple estimates and verify that contractors are properly licensed in Arizona. FOX 10 specifically recommends checking the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.7. Consider professional claims assistance.
If the damage is significant or you are unsure about your insurance claim, a public adjuster can represent your interests during the claims process. Skipton’s public adjusters assist policyholders with documenting losses, evaluating damages and preparing insurance claims.
Residential
Homeowners navigating the aftermath of property loss due to water damage, the engagement of a Public Adjuster is of paramount importance.
Warning About Storm Repair Scams
Unfortunately, major storms causing Arizona monsoon damage can attract contractors and other individuals looking to take advantage of homeowners who are dealing with unexpected property damage.
One of the biggest warning signs is pressure to make an immediate decision. FOX 10 advises homeowners to be cautious about door-to-door contractors who arrive after a storm and pressure them to sign contracts or give up rights related to their insurance claim.
Before hiring anyone, homeowners should:
- Research the company and check reviews and references.
- Verify that the contractor is licensed in Arizona.
- Get multiple estimates rather than accepting the first offer.
- Ask questions about the damage and what work the contractor believes is necessary.
- Get the scope of work and costs in writing.
- Be cautious about signing anything that affects your insurance claim or insurance rights.
- Don’t allow anyone to pressure you into making an immediate decision.
As Justin Skipton explained to FOX 10, contractors can perform repairs, but they cannot legally negotiate a homeowner’s insurance claim on the homeowner’s behalf. A public adjuster is specifically licensed to represent the policyholder in the insurance claims process.
Most importantly, take your time. A legitimate contractor should be willing to answer your questions and give you an opportunity to research the company before you commit.
If your Arizona home has suffered storm damage including water damage, Skipton Claims Management offers a free claim review to help homeowners understand their options before moving forward with their insurance claim.
If you’re dealing with an insurance claim and facing the loss draft process, we’re here to help. Whether it’s your home or your business, you don’t have to face the system alone.
8710 E Vista Bonita Dr,
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(602) 957-8800
www.skiptoninc.com
“SERVICES WERE EXEMPLARY”
“I am a manager of a condominium association and hired Skipton to handle our insurance claim. From the onset of the process til I signed on the dotted line, their services were exemplary. Every step of the process they answered every question and and helped us along the way. They were amazing in every way. I hope I will not need their services in the future but if I did I would most certainly hire them. No questions asked!”