How do you report hail damage to your insurance company?
Short answer. Report through your insurer's app, website, claims phone line or your agent, and give the facts you know: the storm date, that hail damaged your roof and what else was hit, whether water is getting in, and how to reach you. Avoid guessing about roof age, old leaks or cost, ask for a claim number, and confirm the report in writing.
What to say
- "Hail hit our home on [date]. Our roofer found damage on [slopes], and the gutters, screens and AC unit are dented."
- Whether any water came inside and what you did about it.
- The best phone number and times for the adjuster to call.
- That you would like your roofer present at the inspection.
What to avoid
- Guessing the date. Give the storm date you can support; see date of loss.
- Volunteering opinions such as "the roof is old anyway" or "it has leaked before." Answer honestly if asked, but do not speculate.
- Estimating a price. The adjuster's inspection and estimate set the amount.
- Giving a recorded statement unprepared. If one is requested, you can schedule it and have your notes in front of you.
Right after the call
- Write down the claim number, the representative's name and the time.
- Send a short email or portal message confirming the report and attaching a few key photos.
- Note any deadlines the insurer mentions, such as a proof of loss request.
Agent or claims line?
Either works. Reporting directly to the claims line or app usually opens the claim fastest. Mentioning possible damage to your agent in conversation may or may not open a claim, so ask. If you only want advice, a roofer's inspection first avoids creating a record; see roofer or insurer first.