How to File a Hail Damage Insurance Claim: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Most homeowners leave thousands of dollars on the table after a storm because they don't know how the claims process works. Here's exactly how to file - and how to make sure your adjuster doesn't miss anything.
Editor
Hannah Caldwell
A COMPLETE WALKTHROUGH: FILING YOUR HAIL DAMAGE ROOF CLAIM
Insurance companies process thousands of storm claims after every major weather event. Knowing the process - and having the right documentation - is the difference between a full restoration payout and a partial settlement that leaves you covering the gap.
KEY TOPICS COVERED IN THIS GUIDE
When to Call a Roofer vs. Your Insurer First - Why the order of your first two calls after a storm determines how your claim plays out.
What Adjusters Look For - The specific damage types that trigger full replacement vs. repair-only payouts.
Documentation That Wins Claims - Photos, measurements, and reports that prevent your claim from being underpaid.
How Roofex Supports Your Claim - What our storm response team does on your behalf from tarp to final settlement.
STEP 1 - CALL A ROOFER BEFORE YOU CALL YOUR INSURER
This is the most important and most ignored piece of advice in storm recovery. Call Roofex first. We document the damage in detail before anything is disturbed - the same way an accident scene is documented before cars are moved. Your insurer's adjuster works for the insurance company. Our specialist works for you.
STEP 2 - GET THE ROOF TARPED WITHIN 24 HOURS
Most policies include a duty-to-mitigate clause - meaning you're required to prevent further damage after a storm event. A professional tarp applied within 24 hours satisfies that clause and stops interior water damage from escalating your repair costs before the claim is even filed.
STEP 3 - DOCUMENT EVERYTHING BEFORE REPAIRS BEGIN
Roofex's storm team photographs every hail strike, wind tear, impact point, and compromised flashing joint in a carrier-formatted damage report. This report uses the same measurement and notation format insurance adjusters use internally - which dramatically reduces the chance of line items being disputed or removed from your settlement.
STEP 4 - FILE YOUR CLAIM AND SCHEDULE THE ADJUSTER
File your claim with your carrier as soon as the damage report is in hand. When the adjuster visit is scheduled, request that a Roofex specialist be present on the roof during the inspection. Our team walks the adjuster through every documented damage point in real time - ensuring nothing is missed, minimized, or written off as pre-existing wear.
STEP 5 - REVIEW YOUR SETTLEMENT BEFORE SIGNING
Before you accept any settlement offer, have Roofex review the adjuster's scope of loss against our damage report. Underpayments are common - especially on older roofs where adjusters apply depreciation aggressively. If the settlement doesn't cover a full restoration, we can submit a supplemental claim on your behalf.
STEP 6 - RESTORATION BEGINS
Once the settlement is approved and the check is issued, Roofex schedules your full restoration - tear-off, deck inspection, underlayment, and new roof - with the same crew that documented the damage. Backed by a 25-year workmanship warranty.
