Can you file a claim for hail damage, and should you?
Short answer. Yes, hail is a covered peril in nearly all homeowners policies. Before filing, confirm there is real damage above your deductible, ideally with a roofer's inspection and photos. If there is, file promptly with the storm date; if the roof only has minor marks or wear, a claim may do more harm than good.
How to tell if you should file
- Check the soft metals first. Dents on gutters, downspouts, vent caps, mailboxes and AC fins show hail of meaningful size hit your property.
- Know the hail size. Hail around 1 inch and larger commonly damages asphalt shingles, and older, brittle shingles can be damaged by smaller stones. See hail size and roof damage.
- Get the roof inspected. Hail hits that fracture the shingle mat are not always visible from the ground.
- Compare to your deductible. If damage is limited to a few shingles, it may fall under your wind and hail deductible.
How to file
- Pin down the storm date. Free hail history by zip code is at northgeorgiahailmap.com.
- Photograph the roof, gutters, siding, screens and other damage.
- Report the claim online or by phone and get a claim number.
- Meet the adjuster, ideally with your roofer, and ask how many hits were counted on each slope. See test squares.
- Review the written estimate before you sign a contract.
Timing
Hail damage does not always leak right away, but fractured shingles lose granules and age faster. Policies require prompt notice, and some set specific time limits for storm damage. Do not wait until the next storm makes it hard to separate events. See Georgia claim deadlines.