Hailstorms can occur practically anywhere, but they are more common in some areas of the United States. The hail pelting your roof is enough to jolt you from your slumber. When the storm passes, you might find what all homeowners fear: roof damage. Most homeowners' insurance policies cover hail-related roof damage and flood damage to your home's structure or contents. You can't, however, take your insurance coverage for granted. Before disaster strikes, determine if your homeowner's insurance policy will cover a hail-damaged roof when it won't and what your policy's coverage limits are.
Important Points to Remember
- Hail damage occurs when a hailstone dents, splits, or holes in a roof.
- Most homeowners' insurance plans usually cover hail damage. The roof needs repairs before the hail storm; the damage may not be compensated up to a specified monetary limit.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as you notice hail damage to your roof.
What Is Hail Damage and How Does It Happen
Hail damage to your roof can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the sort of roof you have. Round, black impact marks with few granules may occur on asphalt shingle or composite shingle. Damaged shingles may feel soft, and exposed felt may be visible. Wood shingles: Dents and fissures in the wood may be visible, with brown or orange stains inside the splits. Roof panels, gutters, and vents made of metal may have dents. Inspect your roof regularly, especially after a hailstorm.What Are the Risks of Roof Hail Damage
Water can leak into the underlying elements of a damaged roof, causing damage to roofing plywood and insulation. Water can seep into walls and ceilings, causing paint and sheetrock to deteriorate. Ceiling joists and wall studs may decay due to water damage, causing the ceiling to fall. Mold and mildew can grow unchecked, spreading beyond structural materials to clothing and furniture. Water can also seep into electrical components in your homes, such as ceiling fans, lighting, and wall plugs, creating electrical damage and possibly a fire hazard. Hailstorms can strike practically anywhere, although they're most common in the Great Plains and Midwest states.How Can Hail Damage Be Avoided
When it's time, get a new roof. Replacing an old roof can put workers in danger, resulting in a lawsuit. Check your homeowner's insurance policy for adequate liability coverage before hiring a contractor. Storm shutters should be installed on all doors and windows. Hail-resistant materials, such as Class 4 shingles, coated metals, or synthetic slate should be used to replace your roof. Replace any old roof components, such as skylights and vents, that could be damaged by hail and cause leaks.Is Homeowners' Insurance Covered for Hail Damage to Your Roof
An HO-3 is the most prevalent homeowner's insurance for owner-occupied homes. Hail damage is usually covered under HO-3 policies. In most cases, homeowners' plans cover the cost of replacing a home if it is destroyed. If your roof is wrecked in a hailstorm and costs $20,000 to replace, your policy will cover the cost of the repair up to $20,000, minus your deductible. Roof replacement claims may be limited under some homeowners' insurance policies. Suppose your insurance excludes cosmetic damages, for example. In that case, it may only pay to repair damaged roof shingles that don't match the rest of the roof. In states where hail storms are common, homeowners' plans may include a separate deductible for risks like hail and wind. Insurers may limit roof coverage to real cash value for properties with older roofs, which will apply a depreciated value paid for damages.When Is Hail Damage Covered and When Isn't
While a roof may appear to be harmed by hail, another factor, notable negligence, could be to fault. Shingles can become brittle due to exposure to the sun and harsh weather, making them appear damaged. Alternatively, as the shingles age, they may begin to blister, break, or show symptoms of granule loss. These losses are often not covered by insurance since they are considered regular wear and tear. An insurance adjuster may deny a claim if hail damages an old roof that should have been fixed long ago. Your policy may cover interior structural and contents losses if hail damages your roof and causes water damage inside your house. Insurance providers frequently deny coverage for houses that have been uninhabited for longer than 60 days. However, some insurers provide vacant home insurance, including hail and wind damage coverage. Some insurance companies may refuse to cover a vacant home. In contrast, others may continue to provide regional coverage for specific hazards. If the damage to your roof is less than your policy's deductible, you won't be able to file a claim. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, you won't be able to make a $500 roof claim. If your deductible for hail damage is $2,000, you can only file a claim if the damage exceeds $2,000 in value. An additional hail deductible may be required for homes in high-risk zones. How to File an Insurance Claim for Hail Damage The procedure for filing a claim varies depending on the insurance company. However, you must register a claim as soon as possible and provide appropriate documents to prove the harm.Take a look at your homeowner's insurance policy
Before you need to file a claim, it's helpful to know what your house insurance policy covers and what it doesn't. Coverages A and B are for losses to your home's main structure and associated structures, such as a garage, while coverage C is for personal goods such as furniture and clothing. Review the fine print of your policy's coverage and exclusions when a hailstorm occurs.Be on time
Your homeowner's policy's fine print may state that you must notify the insurer or its representative immediately after the damage occurs. If you're unsure how soon you need to file, ask a corporate representative if there is a deadline. You should also register a claim as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Because damaged roof materials might deteriorate further, an adjuster must inspect the damage while it's still new.Examine the Damage
If you're unsure if your roof has been damaged sufficiently to submit a claim, you'll need to contact a contractor to examine the damage. Excessive granule loss on shingles, dents in metal roof panels and gutters, and broken or damaged skylights and vents might signal a potential claim, depending on your policy's deductible. All damages should be photographed or videotaped. Roof damage can often result in leaks that harm interior floors and furnishings. Include all damages to the building and contents of your home in your claim. You may need to take action right away to avoid more damage. Cover a damaged portion of the roof, for example, to keep rainwater out of your property. Also, remove wet objects like carpets, which can grow mold. Always take these precautions before allowing an adjuster to evaluate the damage.Request a Quote
Always hire a licensed contractor to examine damages. Some insurers may assign home insurance claims to a claims manager or adjuster. In most cases, the representative will inspect the damage and provide you with a cost estimate for repairs. If your insurance requires an estimate, you may be required to select a contractor from the company's approved vendor list.Keep an eye on the claim
It would help if you remained involved after claiming until it is paid and your home is restored. Keep in touch with the insurance adjuster and the contractor frequently. Every time you speak with an insurance representative, take notes. Contact the insurance company for clarification if you have any questions about the process. Keep receipts for any expenses incurred due to the damage since the insurer may compensate you. Continue to investigate your home for other damage caused by the hail, such as leaks or mold.Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the homeowner's insurance going to cover hail damage to the roof Most homeowners' insurance plans usually cover hail damage. If your roof is older, your insurer may only cover the actual cash value, including depreciation, for a repair or replacement. Do all homeowners' insurance policies cover hail damage The most common type of home insurance policy is HO-3. Unless risks are expressly excluded, HO-3 plans cover all perils. On the other hand, insurance does not cover normal wear and tear. If your roof needed replacement before the hail damage, your insurance company may refuse to repair or replace it. What is the first step in filing a hail damage insurance claim Each insurance company has its procedure for filing claims. Before claiming, examine the damage for patterned granule loss on asphalt or composite shingles and dents on metal roofs, gutters, skylights, and roof vents. If there is enough damage to the roof to warrant a claim, file it. Is there a deadline for filing a hail insurance claim The time you have to file a claim depends on the insurer. The fine print of your policy may direct you to file as soon as possible or set a deadline. Because roof hail damage can lead to leaks that can destroy your home's structure and contents in some situations, it's essential to call your insurer immediately and start the claims process.