Should you file a hail claim?

First and foremost, it is your responsibility to prevent further damage. Take pictures, keep any receipts and you can make temporary repairs.

Inspect your property such as the gutters, siding, windows, and top of the air conditioner unit. Vinyl siding can be brittle and softer metals would show damage first. Don’t mistake “splatter” as damage. Splatter is when hail is soft and breaks apart right away when it hits the ground or structure. It leaves a splotchy or staining look.

Leave the roof to a professional contractor to look at. Use a local or a recommended contractor from someone you know.

Be sure to write down the date of loss and approximate time. The insurance company will need to know the date of loss. The size of the hail is also important. Generally quarter size hail is when you may start to see damage but other factors like duration, velocity, pitch of the roof, or the previous condition of materials could affect the outcome.

Don’t wait too long time to report for there is a time limit on reporting a claim just as there is a time limit you will need to complete the repairs.

When in doubt, report and discuss with an agent.

By Amy Kelley