Hail Damage to Your Roof: How to Spot It From the Ground, How the Claim Works, and How to Hire a Roofer

How to Spot Hail Damage From the Ground

You do not need to climb on your roof to look for hail damage. The Nebraska Department of Insurance suggests you first check other items around your home. If hail was strong enough to damage your roof, it likely damaged things on the ground too. Look for damage on your car, wood fences, exterior siding, and window shutters. Look at the ends of your downspouts. If you see a lot of shingle granules, it might mean your roof has damage. However, granule loss alone does not prove hail damage.

It is important to know that other roof problems can look like hail damage. These include shingles that are brittle from weather, which can have curled edges or cracks. You might also see discolored streaks from lichens or algae, or blisters. Sometimes, damage can come from a manufacturing defect or even from a hammer during installation. Hail damage usually looks like random marks of different sizes. If you see damage in a pattern, it was likely not caused by random hail.

Your insurance adjuster and roofers will inspect your roof directly. You do not need to get on the roof yourself.

How Your Hail Damage Claim Works

Before you file a claim, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) suggests you find out your policy’s deductible. A deductible is the amount of money you pay for repairs before your insurance company starts to pay. If the damage is minor, you might decide to pay for the repairs yourself. If the repairs will cost more than your deductible, or if there is a lot of damage, you may want to file a claim.

If you decide to file a claim, tell your insurance company right away. The amount of time you have to report a claim can be different depending on your state.

Your roof coverage can vary. The Texas Department of Insurance says some policies pay the full cost to repair your roof at current prices. This is called replacement cost coverage. Other policies pay less if your roof is older or shows wear. This is called actual cash value coverage. As roofs get older, some companies may switch your coverage to actual cash value. Your insurance company should tell you if this happens.

Also, ask your agent if your deductible for wind and hail damage is different from your deductible for other types of damage. The Texas Department of Insurance notes that if it is, you might pay more out of your own pocket after a storm. The Colorado Division of Insurance also states that many homeowners policies have wind and hail deductibles that are a percentage of your coverage. If repair estimates are less than your deductible, your insurance company will not pay anything.

After you report a hail claim, an adjuster will come to look at the damage. The adjuster will estimate the cost to repair your roof. The Nebraska Department of Insurance says the adjuster will also figure out the actual cash value of your roof right before the hailstorm. Then, your deductible will be taken off that actual cash value amount.

If you have replacement cost coverage, your insurance company may pay your claim in two parts. The Texas Department of Insurance explains that the first payment is a partial amount. Your company sends the rest after you start or complete the repairs. The Nebraska Department of Insurance adds that the insurer may pay you the difference between the actual cash value estimate and the full repair or replacement cost after the repairs are made. You must make these repairs within the time limit your policy sets. If roofers give you estimates that are higher than the adjuster’s estimate, let your adjuster know. There might be differences in materials or damage that the adjuster can explain or resolve.

The Colorado Division of Insurance advises you to ask the adjuster for a detailed explanation of the claim settlement offer. If you disagree, ask your insurance company for the exact policy language that applies. If your claim is denied, get a written letter explaining the reason and the policy language used.

Sometimes, contractors find more damage once repairs begin. It is important to tell your insurer about this new damage before allowing repair work to continue. Your insurer can then review it and approve an additional payment if needed. Your insurance company will not pay for improvements or repairs for damage that was not caused by the storm. Also, the Texas Department of Insurance says your insurance company will not pay for a new roof just because it is old or worn out.

Checklist: What To Do After a Hailstorm

• Check your insurance policy to find your deductible for wind and hail damage.
• Make a list of all your property that was damaged.
• Take photos and videos of all the damage you can see.
• Find your policy number.
• Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to report the damage.

Hiring a Roofer After a Hailstorm

After a hailstorm, you will need to find a qualified roofer. Be careful of certain practices.

Deductible Waivers The Texas Department of Insurance states that it is illegal for contractors to waive your deductible or help you avoid paying it. For example, a contractor cannot give you an estimate higher than the actual repair cost and use the extra money to cover your deductible. They also cannot offer rebates or credits for the amount of your deductible. A contractor who offers to waive your deductible might be sending false information to your insurance company, which is fraud. They may also be cutting corners or using lower-quality products to make up the difference. Your insurance company can ask for proof that you paid your deductible before paying the full claim amount.

Door-to-Door Solicitors The Texas Department of Insurance warns to be careful of contractors who go door-to-door looking for business after a storm.

Contracts and Payments Do not sign anything before you get an estimate of the repairs. Make sure what you sign is not a contract that commits you to pay for work you haven’t approved. Do not sign a contract with blank sections, as the contractor could fill them in later with higher costs or different work. Never pay the entire bill up front. Be wary if a contractor asks for a large down payment. In Texas, when a disaster is declared, it is against the law for contractors from outside your area to ask for payment before they start work.

Getting Bids and Verifying Information Get bids in writing from more than one contractor. Make sure each bid includes the company’s name, phone number, and address. If one bid is much lower than the others, be cautious. The NAIC suggests that all quotes should include the same things so you can compare them fairly.

Ask for the contractor’s certificate of insurance for liability and workers’ compensation. Call the insurance companies listed to verify the coverage. Ask for their business license and check its expiration date. The NAIC notes that licensed contractors have passed exams and met requirements, while registered contractors have provided their contact information to a government authority. Ask for references and call them. Reputable contractors usually do not ask for a large payment upfront. Pay with a check or credit card instead of cash to create a record of your payments.

When this advice may not fit

This advice is for homeowners dealing with roof hail damage. If you suspect damage to gas lines, your electrical panel, or structural parts of your home, or if you need to remove lead or asbestos, you should always contact a qualified professional. These types of repairs require specialized skills and safety precautions.