Hailstorms are one of the unpredictable and unpreventable wonders of nature. Though stunning to see from a distance, they can definitely feel a little scary when you think about your home's safety. No homeowner wants to succumb to hail damage, but the sad truth is- it happens sometimes. So, what are your next steps after a hailstorm? We're happy you stopped by because we will give you all the info you need to determine whether you should file a hail damage claim.
RoofCrafters has repaired and replaced hail-damaged roofing systems for nearly thirty years, and unfortunately, we've seen what extreme weather events can do to homes. The good news is- insurance can save the day if you meet the requirements! This article will take you through all you need to know regarding hailstorms and insurance claims. By the time you finish reading, you'll know you can breathe a sigh of relief next time you face the aftermath of hail- we have you covered!
What Does Hail Damage Look Like?
Different roof materials react differently when hit by hail, but regardless, this type of damage has a few discernable looks. Indentions in the roof are signs of hail damage, but that isn't the only thing to spot. Some signs of hail damage include:
- Impact Dents
- Black/Brown Marks
- Granule Loss
- Shiny Asphalt
- Soft Dent Texture
- Split Shingles
It's essential to remember that other types of damage look similar to hail dents and marks, so ensure the damage you received is actually from hail before filing a claim. Having a professional roofer assess your roof is a fantastic idea if you aren't comfortable doing it yourself.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
When it comes to naturally occurring disasters, homeowners insurance can be lenient regarding what they cover. However, what exactly is covered for you depends on the specific policy you have. Check-in with your insurance provider to discuss what is and isn't covered for you.
In many cases, natural incidents are insured, including the following:
- Falling Objects
- Vandalism
- Fires
- Settling
- Storms: if you have hail damage, this one pertains to you. Most insurance policies cover storm damage, including denting caused by hail.
Knowing the exact details of your policy is essential, so sitting down with your insurance provider is vital to know if your home is covered or not!
How Should You Make an Insurance Claim?
Making a claim for the first time can be challenging, but keep in mind that you should be covered if you receive hail damage. Four steps you should take to begin the claims process are:
Take Photos
Keeping a record of roof damages is an essential part of the process. Though your insurance company will send an inspector out to look at your home later, having your own photos to present helps expedite the process and build a stronger case.
Maintain Your Roof
If your roof is in bad condition, to begin with, your insurance company may deny your coverage. Properly caring for your roof has benefits all around, from helping it last longer to being less of a liability for insurance providers. Though neglecting regular maintenance is the easy way out, it could have severe consequences in the long run.
Tip: Roof maintenance is a lot more than just popping your head over the ledge to have a look every few months. If you aren't sure where to begin, contact a trusted, local roofer. They're the experts when it comes to refreshing your roof and will help conduct the best plan for your home.
Keep Your Provider in the Loop
After you notice any roof storm damage, call your preferred professional roofer and then immediately contact your insurance carrier. Most companies have a defined timeline by which you can claim damages. At this point, your insurance carrier will assign a field adjuster to come out and inspect the damage, starting the process for your claim. Many roofers like to meet the adjuster to go over the entire scope of work that will be required to make the repairs, ensuring nothing is left behind.
File a Claim!
Always file a roof storm damage claim after contacting a roofing contractor. They'll inspect the location and confirm that you have storm damage to your roof, ensuring the repairs are going to be greater than your deductible.
This way, your insurance does not start a claim with no damage, or sometimes it's just not enough damage to meet your deductible, and these claims, once opened by you, will go against you when it's time to renew your homeowner's policy even though they get denied for not enough damage.
.jpg?width=418&height=279&name=scott-graham-OQMZwNd3ThU-unsplash%20(1).jpg)
This is essential- and we often see other people recommending calling your insurance company first, but there are better practices than this one. Make sure you have viable damage, AND it exceeds your deductible, then call and file the claim. RoofCrafters will also make a temporary repair to mitigate any further damages until the work is scheduled.
Will Insurance Cover My Hail Damage?
We hope so, but the best way to find out is by following our steps above. When in doubt, seek out a roofer to help guide you through the process. They're there for a reason- to take a little bit of the stress of roof damage off your shoulders. Before you get in contact with a roofer, though, feel free to take a quick look at our comprehensive checklist to ensure you know who to look out for when searching for a contractor.
If you haven't checked out our learning center, what're you waiting for? It's full of vital information you should know when it comes to hail damage and how to approach it in a way that benefits you and your home! There's a little something for every reader, so it's a must if you want to fill your brain with facts and helpful information. Research is always a great idea, and we can help you with that!
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the livelihood of your roof, RoofCrafters is more than delighted to assist you. To get in touch with one of our friendly representatives, head on over to our contact page.
