Hail damage and your roof insurance claim: Step by step
Last updated
Short answer: Match the damage to a storm date with NOAA's storm reports,[1] photograph damage from the ground, and notify your insurer before your policy's deadline. A free inspection can document the roof's condition, but only your insurer decides what's covered.[2] The deductible is yours to pay, and several states bar contractors from waiving it.[3][4]
This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy and your insurer decide what's covered.
1. Check the date and the storm
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center publishes preliminary hail and wind reports every day. These are useful for matching your damage to a storm date.[1] In Florida, the date of loss for a weather event is the date NOAA verifies the event.[5]
2. Document safely
Photograph damage from the ground: dented gutters, downspouts, and soft metals, plus granules collected at the downspouts. Don't climb the roof.
3. Know your deadline
Policies set notice deadlines, and some states add their own. Florida bars a new or reopened claim unless notice is given within 1 year of the date of loss.[5]
4. Get a free inspection
A roofer can document the condition. Only your insurer decides coverage, so don't rely on a contractor to tell you what's covered.[2]
5. Your deductible is yours
Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin prohibit contractors from paying or rebating deductibles.[3][4][6][7]
6. If the claim is denied
Several states let you cancel a roofing contract signed before the decision. Colorado allows 72 hours after written denial.[8] Wisconsin allows until the end of the 3rd business day.[7]
Should you choose impact-resistant shingles?
If you're replacing anyway, consider impact-rated shingles. See our Class 4 guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Will insurance pay for my roof?
It depends on your policy, the cause and extent of the damage, and your insurer's decision. Nobody but your insurer can promise coverage.
Does insurance cover a roof replaced because of age?
Generally, policies cover sudden damage such as hail or wind, not wear and tear. Check your policy.
How long do I have to file a hail claim?
It depends on your policy and state. In Florida, notice must be given within 1 year of the date of loss (Fla. Stat. 627.70132).
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Sources
- NOAA Storm Prediction Center, storm reports (preliminary). www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/
- FTC, How to Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters. consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scams-after-weather-emergencies-and-natural-
- C.R.S. 6-22-105. colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_6-22-105
- TDI, Can a contractor waive my deductible?. www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/can-a-contractor-waive-my-deductible.html
- Fla. Stat. 627.70132 (claim notice deadlines). www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699%2F
- Minn. Stat. 325E.66. www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/325E.66
- Wis. Stat. 100.65. docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/100/65/5
- C.R.S. 6-22-104. colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_6-22-104
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Estimates are not quotes. Roofing, insurance, and legal details vary. Confirm with your contractor, insurer, or attorney.