Learn How to Address Hail Damage and File a Roof Insurance Claim

Hail is a major threat to roofs, as homeowners in Minneapolis certainly know. While Minnesota isn’t the most hail-prone state in the U.S., we certainly receive our fair share of hail events here in the Twin Cities. Because of this, homeowners must know how to address and file a hail damage roof insurance claim. We recently wrote a post on how our team at Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors helps homeowners navigate the insurance claims process. Since hail is one of the largest sources of storm damage in Minneapolis, we wanted to share more hail-specific information for homeowners to have on hand. Here’s how you should deal with hail damage—both before and after the storm.

Before: Know Your Insurance

While most homeowners insurance policies will cover your roof and home exterior pretty comprehensively, it’s important to know how coverage works for hail specifically. We recommend consulting with your insurance agent on an annual basis to determine your coverage limits, understand your out of pocket expenses, and decide if there is any additional coverage you should purchase.

Before: Prepare for the Storm

Nowadays, we know well in advance when a hail storm is headed for our area. This can allow homeowners to plan and prepare. If a severe storm is headed your way, taking steps to protect your property can make a big difference. While there isn’t much you can do to protect your roof from hail, you can certainly protect other parts of your property. Bring in any lawn ornaments, furniture, or other objects that could be damaged by hail—or flung around by high winds. Park your car in your garage to avoid major damage.

During: Keep an Eye on Weather Reports

As the storm happens, it’s a good idea to stay updated on weather reports. Real-time reports will provide more insight into how large or dense hail may be. In the event that weather becomes especially severe, keeping an eye on the weather will help you keep your family safe, such as by retreating to the basement. Of course, this should all be done from indoors. Don’t go outside until the storm has passed!

After: Check for Signs of Hail Damage

Taking a walk around your home to look for damage is typically a good idea following a major storm. While not all hail damage will be obvious, this process will help clue you in as to whether a roof insurance claim will be warranted. Look for signs of hail damage including:

• Cracked or broken shingles or roof tiles
• Dents, cracks, or chips in siding, gutters, or other parts of your home exterior
• Visible dark spots on your roof signaling hail impacts
• Excess asphalt granules beneath downspouts or on the ground near your roof line

After: Schedule an Inspection

To fully diagnose hail damage, it’s important to book an inspection from a professional roofing company. Our expert team at Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors will not only be able to diagnose hail damage, but we can also determine the extent of the damage. Our team will provide a full assessment and report that will help you determine whether a hail damage roof insurance claim will be necessary—as well as if you need a roof repair or replacement. If an insurance claim is necessary, we’ll help you navigate that process as well.*

After: Make Repairs Promptly

Whether hail damage is severe enough to warrant a roof insurance claim or not, it’s important to address any damage to your roof promptly. Even minor roof damage will compound over time, and neglecting to repair known damage could impact your insurance coverage in the future. The sooner you repair the damage, the better your roof will be protected from major issues in the long run.

Book Your Hail Damage Inspection from Wright at Home Today!

As storm season approaches, our team here at Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors is standing by to help homeowners weather hail, high winds, and any other threats to their roofs. Our skilled roofers are true professionals when it comes to storm damage diagnosis and repair. If you’re faced with hail damage, book an inspection with the Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors team to get a clear picture of the damage to your roof! * NOTE: Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors and its authorized representatives are NOT acting as Public Insurance Adjusters and will not negotiate with insurance on the Customer’s behalf.