Hail Damage Insurance Claims: What Should You Know About Them?

In recent years, hail damage coverage has become more important than ever. With powerful hailstorms sweeping across multiple states, homeowners are increasingly looking to their insurance policies for protection. Coverage varies based on your location, the types of structures on your property, and other factors—but understanding the basics can help you make smart decisions when storms strike.

States Most Affected by Hail

Some states experience hail more frequently than others. Texas, Illinois, and Kansas top the list:

• Texas: Over 1.3 million properties were hit by hail in 2017 alone.

• Illinois: Saw damage to 900,000 homes that same year.

• Kansas: Experienced hail damage to 650,000 properties.

If you live in one of these high-risk areas, hail coverage isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.

When Should You File a Hail Damage Claim?

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III) and most insurance providers, you should document hail damage immediately after the storm. Most standard policies require you to file a claim within one year of discovering the damage.

Typically, hail damage is covered under a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. You’ll pay your deductible, and the insurer will cover the rest of the repair costs. But before filing a claim, make sure the payout will exceed your deductible by a meaningful amount.

Example:
If your roof sustains $2,000 in damage and your deductible is $1,000, it might not be worth filing a claim. Not only could your rates increase, but you might end up paying more in the long run than if you had covered the repairs out of pocket.

Will Filing a Hail Damage Claim Raise Your Rates?

Not always. Because hail is a natural event and not caused by negligence, insurers typically won’t raise your rate for a single claim. However, if you’ve filed multiple claims in recent years—especially for hail damage—your premiums could go up.

Also, if you live in a hail-prone region, your base rate may be higher than in areas where hail is rare. This is a common practice among insurance companies to offset risk.

Understanding Hail Deductibles

In some states, hail damage claims come with percentage-based deductibles. This means your deductible is calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value.

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, many insurers began requiring higher deductibles for homes in hurricane or hail-prone areas. There are two main types:

• Hurricane Deductibles: Apply only to storm-related damage.

• Windstorm/Hail Deductibles: Apply to any wind-related damage, including hail.

These deductibles can significantly affect your out-of-pocket costs, so it’s important to understand how they work in your state.

Final Thoughts
Hail damage can be costly, but with the right coverage and timely action, you can protect your home and finances. Review your policy, know your deductible, and don’t hesitate to consult a Public Insurance Adjuster if you need help navigating the claims process.