UPDATED: JULY 06, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
Homeowners insurance usually covers hail damage, depending on where you live. Hail damage affects the outside of your home, such as the siding and the roof.
Hail storms happen more often in some regions of the country. You will likely need specialized coverage for hail damage in those particular areas.
Whether in a high-risk area or not, hail storms happen all over. Determining the hail damage to your home is the hardest.
Some people hire a professional to independently assess the damage to their home before deciding to file a claim. We’ll walk you through the process of getting hail damage insurance and what to do when filing a claim.
How Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Homeowners insurance typically covers hail damage under dwelling coverage, which covers the costs of replacing parts or repairing damage caused by the hail. You’re responsible for the deductible before your coverage starts to kick in. If the damage costs less than the deductible, you should hold back on filing an insurance claim.
Additional Homeowners Coverage to Protect from Hail Damage
If you’re in a high-risk area, consider getting extra hail coverage insurance that covers a little more than the standard homeowners insurance policy. There are a few different coverages that you’re able to add for additional protection.
Roof Replacement Cost Coverage
Your homeowners insurance policy typically covers the cost of repairing the damage done to your roof, including shingles, during a windstorm.
Keep in mind the coverage available is Actual Cash Value (ACV). That means you get replacement costs based on what it’s valued when the damage occurs; unfortunately, it doesn’t mean you get a new roof.
Your insurance company considers condition, age and depreciation, and types of materials used on your roof. The insurance company pays the replacement cost value (RCV), which means replacing the cost of the roof valued today, which gets you that much closer to a new roof.
Matching Siding Coverage
Homeowners insurance typically covers the damage done to your siding, including dents. The problem is they only cover the damaged siding, which means you end up with a mismatched colored roof. However, you’re able to get additional matching siding coverage.
That means that a suitable match isn’t available if the new siding doesn’t match the existing siding on your home. The coverage replaces the remaining siding on your home up to your insurance coverage limit.
3 Things to Know About Getting a Roof Replacement Through Insurance
Once you determine that your insurance company covers the hail damage. There are a few things to consider about replacing your roof:
Hire a roofing contractor
It’s best to get someone with experience working with insurance claims. They understand how the claims process works and how to read your claim correctly.
Insurers don’t cover an improperly installed roof
Homeowners insurance covers damage caused by storms. However, if your roof installation wasn’t completed correctly, the damage to your roof isn’t covered. If that’s the case, you likely must pay out-of-pocket damages.
Show your insurance estimate to a roofing contractor
You don’t want to commit insurance fraud accidentally. It’s essential to show the contractor the paperwork for your replacement cost value policy.
It’s important to note that if the work estimate is less than what the insurance company agrees to, that doesn’t mean you get to keep the rest. Your insurer requires proof of completion before sending a check for the expenses.
How to File an Insurance Claim for Roof Damage Caused by Hail
If you discover damage to your home due to a hailstorm or tornadoes, it’s time to make a claim. You want to take the following steps to make the process goes as smoothly as possible:
Take pictures
Pictures are always a good idea and give a visual of any damage to your home.
Take steps to prevent more damage
You shouldn’t leave a roof damaged for too long because you don’t want it to get further damaged. Covering the affected area is an excellent idea to prevent water damage.
Get an estimate: An estimate is an excellent way to determine whether it’s worth filing a claim.
Contact your insurance company
Follow your insurance provider’s claims filing process. Let the insurer know if you have an estimate. Many insurers allow you to file claims online, with the option to add pictures.
Have a claims adjuster assess the damage
Your insurer typically sends out an insurance adjuster to assess the damage.
Fix the damage
Once your insurer approves the claim, you can contact your roofing contractor to fix the damage. Your deductible is subtracted from the overall payout.
FAQs
Does home insurance cover hail damage to the roof?
Yes, your homeowners insurance covers hail damage and other roof damage caused by extreme weather (tornadoes, strong winds, fallen limbs, etc.).
Which of the following hail losses are covered under the homeowners policy?
Yes, home insurance covers hail damage on your home structure and parts of your home, including damages to windows, gutters, siding, roofs, sheds, etc.
What is hail considered in insurance?
If you have comprehensive coverage, your car insurance policy will likely cover hail damage once your deductible is paid.
What is a reasonable deductible for hail damage?
Hail and wind use a percentage deductible, between 1% and 5% of the damage costs. A storm deductible is higher if you live in a high-risk area when the National Weather Service names a tropical storm.
How can you tell if your roof has hail damage?
Hail damage is either really noticeable or hard to spot. If the hail is large enough, you see dents and dings on your shingles. But just because it has no dents doesn’t mean there isn’t any damage. Signs of damage include roof flashing and splatter marks on your vents and gutters.
How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Texas?
In Texas, you have two years to file a claim from the date of the covered event.
What are some of the signs of hail damage?
Some signs of hail damage include dents, dings, roof flashing, or splatter marks.
Will my homeowners insurance cover hail damage to my car?
If you have comprehensive coverage, it protects your car from any damage that occurs while it’s parked. That includes theft, vandalism, and severe weather.
What is the maximum amount of coverage for hail damage?
According to State Farm, the average homeowner claim for hail damage was $12,000. For auto hail damage, the average payout is $5,000.
What are the benefits of hail guards?
Hail guards help keep coils free of debris and maintain system performance. Hail guards might be rot-resistant, UV-protected, abrasion, corrosion-resistant, and weather-resistant.
How to Purchase Hail Damage Insurance?
Buying hail damage insurance is easy. Start with comparing rates as amounts vary by company. You can find the best hail damage insurance options in your area by filling out our online rate form.
