Hail Damage and Home Insurance: What’s Covered?

If you've ever heard hail hit a metal roof, you know how damaging a hailstorm can be to a house. The good news is that if you have homeowners insurance, your home is protected against even the most severe hailstones.

However, hail is more common in certain parts of the country, and insurers in those areas tend to charge more for hail damage coverage as a result.

We believe that everyone, regardless of where they live, deserves to be able to protect their homes. That is why we are here to assist you in obtaining the best full coverage possible without spending an arm and a leg. Stay with us as we go over everything you need to know about hail coverage, from what it covers to how much it costs to how to file a claim, so you can have complete peace of mind.

How Does My Location Affect My Hail Insurance?

If you live in a state or region where hail storms are common, your insurer will most likely restrict your hail coverage or raise your monthly premium to reflect the increased risk.

The nickname for the region of the United States most vulnerable to damaging hail storms is "Hail Alley." It is roughly located where the state borders of Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado meet. However, damaging hail storms have become more common in other parts of the country in recent years, including:

  • Texas
  • Illinois
  • Missouri
  • Minnesota
  • Oklahoma
  • Kansas
  • Indiana
  • Virginia
  • North Carolina
  • Colorado

If you live in any of the above-mentioned states (including Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado), your policy may include exceptions for "cosmetic" damage or higher deductibles for hail. As a result, you'd have to pay for more of the damage yourself. In this case, it is critical to speak with your insurer about purchasing additional wind and hail coverage if it is not included in the standard policy. If you're unsure whether your homeowners insurance will cover hail damage to your home, check your policy for restrictions or contact your insurer directly.

How to Make a Hail Damage Roof Insurance Claim

If you have coverage, you must file a claim as soon as hail damages your home. Most standard policies require you to file a claim within one year of hail storm damage, but your insurer may give you less time. Here's how you do it:

Step 1: Document the damage: The first step in filing a claim occurs before a hail storm even occurs. Take photos of your home's roof and exterior and upload them to your insurance company's website (most insurers have a place for you to do this). Take extensive photographs of the damage to your home from the ground following the hail storm. Measure or estimate the size of the hail if possible (though you should never go up on the roof to do so). Cover the damage with a tarp if necessary to protect your home while the claim is being processed.

Step 2: File a claim: When you file a claim, you are asking your insurance company to pay for home repairs based on the coverage in your policy. Contact your insurer as soon as possible and request to file a claim. Your insurance agent will explain what your current policy covers and walk you through the next steps. This step usually entails meeting with an insurance adjuster, and you may be required to submit photos or videos in advance.

Step 3: Gather repair estimates prior to the arrival of the adjuster: It's time to get some estimates as soon as you've contacted your insurer. Contact several contractors in your area and request cost estimates for home repairs. It's usually a good idea to get three quotes from different contractors.

There are a few critical points to remember here. First and foremost, time is of the essence. If your area was hit by a hailstorm, contractors may be swamped with other people looking for estimates, so reach out as soon as possible.

Second, don't sign any contracts, hire anyone for the work, or make any payments until you're ready. You should not start repairs until the adjuster has inspected your home, or you may not receive compensation from your insurer. Once the contractor has assessed your home, they can consult with the adjuster to ensure that you receive an accurate assessment of the total damage and repair costs.

Step 4: Schedule a meeting with your insurance adjuster: You will be asked to schedule an appointment with an insurance adjuster after filing a claim. They will come to your home to assess the total cost and determine the cause of the damage. You will show them your photos and any estimates you have obtained from local contractors. The adjuster will then create a report with all of the details, which will be submitted to the insurance company to assist with the claim's processing.

You are not required to accept the adjuster's initial offer if it does not cover the full cost of repairs as estimated by your contractor. In this case, you should contact the adjuster and try to reach an agreement. You can also ask your contractor to speak with the adjuster directly, or even to attend the initial meeting with the adjuster. If you are unable to reach an agreement, you have the option of hiring an independent mediator.

Step 5: Get Paid: Once your insurer has approved your claim and you've reached a settlement for the cost of repairs, you'll get paid for them (minus your deductible). The claims payment process varies depending on your situation, so speak with your insurance provider to find out what to expect. Here are a few examples of how the payout process works:

You may receive an initial advance payment that is insufficient to cover the total cost of repairs. The remainder will be paid once the repairs are completed. If the hail storm causes extensive damage to your home and personal belongings, you may be eligible for multiple payments for damage to your home and personal belongings, as well as living expenses if you must temporarily relocate. If you owe money on your home's mortgage, you may have to negotiate with your lender before receiving a payment.

Step 6: Hire a repair contractor: Once your claim has been approved and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs, it is time to repair the damage to your home. Although your insurer may recommend a contractor, you have the final say on who completes the work. You should thoroughly investigate any contractor or company you hire and ensure that they are fully licensed. To allow you to begin repairs, your insurer will pay half of the total cost in advance. The remaining half, less your deductible, will be sent upon completion. If you owe money on your home's mortgage, the company will usually send you and your mortgage company a check. Then you'll have to work with the mortgage company to get the funds released for repairs.