Is it worth filing a claim for hail damage?
Short answer. It is worth filing when a roofer confirms functional hail damage and the likely repair or replacement cost is well above your deductible. It is usually not worth filing for cosmetic marks, a handful of shingles under the deductible, or damage you cannot tie to a storm, because the claim goes on your record with little or no payment.
A three-question test
- Is the damage functional? Fractured mats, granule loss down to the asphalt, punctures or broken seals, confirmed by an inspection, not just dents in the gutters.
- Is it above the deductible? Multiply your wind and hail percentage by your Coverage A limit, or use the flat amount, and compare it with a written repair or replacement price. See percentage deductibles.
- How will the roof settle? On replacement cost, you collect nearly the full cost minus the deductible. On an actual cash value roof or a payment schedule, an older roof may net much less. See roof payment schedules.
The cost of not filing
- Unreported hail damage can shorten a roof's life by years.
- If hail hits again, the insurer may argue the old damage was already there.
- A buyer's inspector may find it when you sell.
- Deadlines run from the storm date, so waiting can close the door.
The cost of filing
- A claim record, which some insurers use in pricing.
- Your deductible.
- Time for inspections, estimates and scheduling.
Georgia law limits nonrenewal over two or fewer weather claims in 36 months that you did not cause, which takes much of the risk out of a legitimate claim; see premiums after a claim.
Bottom line
If your roof has real hail damage across several slopes, filing is almost always worth it. If it does not, the best outcome is a roofer telling you so before you call. Robust Roofing's guide on whether to file a roof claim works through the same decision.