Does hail damage affect your home insurance?

Your claims history

Insurers share claims data through industry databases, commonly called CLUE reports, which generally show up to seven years of property claims tied to you and the address. A hail claim is visible to future insurers. Weather claims are often viewed differently from claims caused by the owner, but they still count in many underwriting systems.

Renewals

Georgia's Insurance Commissioner has reminded insurers that they may not refuse to renew a residential property policy over two or fewer claims in the preceding 36 months that were not caused by the insured's negligent or intentional acts. Your premium can still change, for example through loss of a claims free discount. See does a roof claim raise premiums in Georgia.

Unrepaired hail damage

This is the effect many homeowners miss. If you collect a hail payment and do not replace the roof, the damage is still there. When the next storm hits, the insurer can exclude the prior unrepaired damage or reduce the payment for it. Some insurers also ask for proof of repairs or exclude the roof at renewal. Buyers' inspectors will find it too.

Hail you never claimed

Not filing does not erase the damage. An adjuster on a later claim may decide the hits came from an earlier storm and deny that portion. If your roof was hit, document it at the time, even if you decide not to file, and keep the photos. See date of loss.