How do you go about filing an insurance claim for hail damage?

Step one: is there a claim?

Hail damage on shingles is often invisible from the ground. A roofer should check each slope for bruises where granules were knocked off and the mat is soft or fractured, and check soft metals such as vents, gutters and the air conditioner for dents that confirm hail size. Then compare a rough repair cost with your deductible. With a 2 percent wind and hail deductible on a $350,000 dwelling limit, damage under $7,000 brings no payment. See percentage deductibles.

Step two: what the insurer will ask

The first report, often called the first notice of loss, usually covers:

• Your policy number and contact information.
• The date of loss, meaning the storm date, not the date you noticed the damage; see date of loss.
• What was damaged: roof, gutters, siding, windows, screens, fence, interior.
• Whether water is getting in and what you did to stop it.
• Whether a mortgage company is on the policy.

Keep it factual. "Hail on April 12 damaged the roof and gutters, and my roofer found bruising on three slopes" beats guesses about age or cost.

Step three: after you report

• Write down the claim number and the adjuster's name.
• Schedule the inspection for a time your roofer can attend.
• Keep a log of every call and email.
• Do not make permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen the roof.

Georgia's claim rules generally expect an insurer to acknowledge a claim within 15 days; the claim timeline page explains the rest of the clock.