A big hailstorm just rolled through your neighborhood. Maybe you heard it hammering the roof. Maybe you saw the ice on the ground afterward. Now you are standing in your driveway wondering what just happened to your roof and what you should do about it.
Here is the step-by-step.
Step 1: Do not get on the roof
The temptation is strong. But a wet roof covered in hail and debris is one of the most dangerous surfaces you can walk on. Leave the roof inspection to a professional. There is plenty you can assess from ground level.
Step 2: Document what you can see
Walk around your property and take photos of everything. Dented gutters and downspouts. Damaged window screens. Dings on your car or outdoor furniture. Broken branches. Granules washed out at the base of your downspouts. All of this helps establish that your property took real hail impact.
If you can safely see shingle damage from the ground, like missing pieces or obvious marks, photograph that too. The more documentation you have, the smoother the insurance process will be.
Step 3: Do not sign anything from a door knocker
Within 48 hours of a major hailstorm, your neighborhood will be full of roofing company trucks. Many of them will be storm chasers from out of state. They will offer free inspections and pressure you to sign a contract on the spot. Do not do it. You have time. There is no emergency that requires you to sign a contract with a stranger the day after a storm.
"You have up to a year to file a claim. There is no rush. Do not let anyone pressure you into signing a contract the day after a storm."
Step 4: Call a roofer you trust
Reach out to a local roofing company with a real track record in your area. Have them do a thorough storm damage inspection. A good roofer will get on the roof, document every piece of damage with photos, and give you an honest assessment of whether you have enough damage to justify an insurance claim.
If the damage is minor, they will tell you that. If it is significant, they will help you understand next steps.
Step 5: Contact your insurance company
If your roofer confirms significant damage, the next call is to your insurance company to start the claim process. Before you call, check your policy to see if you have an ACV or RCV policy. This determines how much your insurance will actually pay toward your replacement.
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Having your roofer's documentation ready makes this process go smoother and helps ensure nothing gets missed during the adjuster's inspection.
Step 6: Be patient
The insurance process takes time. There is usually some back and forth on the scope of work and the estimate. Your roofer's estimate might be higher than insurance's, and that is normal. You have the right to supplement your claim to get what you are owed.
You generally have up to a year from the storm date to file a claim, so do not let anyone pressure you into rushing through this. Get it right.
Hailstorm hit your area? We will come out for a free storm damage inspection. We document everything thoroughly and give you an honest assessment. If it makes sense to file a claim, we will provide the photos and documentation you need. Contact us.
"Replacing a roof after a wind storm, although Mother Nature tried to sabotage their efforts on two different occasions, Bob's group prevailed. They took immediate action to remediate the setback. I would not hesitate to recommend Bob Harvey Roofing to anyone needing their services."Dell Butterfield , Google Review