How does a hail damage repair insurance claim work?

How the test square works

The adjuster marks a 100 square foot area on each slope, usually on the side facing the storm, and counts functional hail hits inside it: bruises, fractures and punctures, not cosmetic marks. A common rule of thumb is about 8 to 10 hits per square to replace a slope, but there is no universal rule, and each insurer sets its own. Slopes below the threshold may be approved for repair or nothing at all.

Why repairs often fail on older roofs

Fixing a hail-hit shingle means lifting the shingles above it to pull nails. On roofs more than about 10 to 15 years old in Georgia heat, shingles can be brittle enough to crack when lifted. A roofer can demonstrate this with a documented brittleness test. If repairs would damage more shingles than they fix, the case for replacement is strong.

Matching

Even when repairs are possible, the replacement shingles must be reasonably close in color and style. Discontinued products and weathered colors can make patches obvious.

When a repair estimate is below your deductible

If the insurer approves only a few shingles, the payment may be zero after the deductible. That is the moment to check whether the inspection missed slopes or accessories, or whether repairability was considered.

If you disagree

1. Get your own inspection with marked hits and photos of each slope.
2. Ask for a reinspection with your roofer present.
3. Submit brittleness and matching documentation.
4. If the dispute is about the amount, consider appraisal.

More: test squares, matching and requesting a reinspection.