What is the hail damage insurance claim process?
Short answer. A hail claim moves through eight stages: document the storm, get an inspection, report the claim, meet the adjuster, review the estimate, resolve missing items, complete the repairs, and send the final invoice to collect any withheld depreciation. A typical Georgia hail claim takes roughly one to three months from storm to finished roof.
- Storm day. Note the date and time. Photograph hailstones next to a coin or ruler, and the dents on gutters, vents and the AC unit.
- Inspection. A roofer checks every slope and gives you photos, so you know whether there is real damage before you file.
- Report. Call or use the insurer's app. You get a claim number and, usually within days, an adjuster assignment.
- Adjuster visit. The adjuster inspects the roof, often marking test squares on each slope and counting hail hits, and photographs collateral damage. Have your roofer there.
- Estimate and first payment. The carrier sends a line item estimate, usually built in Xactimate, and pays the actual cash value minus your deductible. Your mortgage company may be on the check.
- Fix the gaps. If slopes, accessories or code items are missing, your roofer documents them and requests a supplement or reinspection.
- Repairs. You sign with your contractor, choose materials, and the roof is replaced, often in one day.
- Final payment. Your roofer's final invoice and completion photos go to the insurer, which releases the recoverable depreciation and any approved supplements.
Where it usually stalls
- Waiting weeks for an adjuster after a widespread storm.
- A partial approval covering only the slopes that faced the storm.
- The mortgage company holding the funds.
- A missed deadline for collecting the depreciation.
Our pages on test squares, recoverable depreciation and the Georgia claim timeline go deeper on each step.