You’ve had a hailstorm and it’s caused roof damage, what now? First of all, it’s easier said than done but try not to get stressed as you won’t be thinking logically. Hail doesn’t tend to last long, so it’s not likely that further damage will occur now. Take a deep breath and assess what’s happened.

If the damage is significant and water is pouring into your home, call your insurance company’s 24-hour claims line and explain you need the details of an emergency roof repair service. If your insurance company doesn’t have an out-of-hours line, you will need to call for an emergency repair service first and contact your insurance as soon as you can. If possible, find somewhere else for any vulnerable members of your family to stay, as it will be cold and damp while it’s getting fixed. You will likely have to pay for an emergency repair yourself, but as long as your roof was in good condition before the hail hit it, your insurance company should reimburse you once your claim is settled. If there’s only minor damage, such as a small drip, place buckets and towels down to stop the damage spreading and phone the insurance company to start a roof hail damage claim. Make sure you carefully describe the damage so a record is made, and you can also take pictures or videos to show the impact the hail had. As soon as you’re able, go outside and check for missing shingles. You’ll see gaps in the pattern on your roof or see shingles on the ground if they haven’t been sent flying somewhere else by wind. You should also check your gutter is secure all the way around, as this is often damaged in storms. Giving this full view of the damage to your insurance company ensures they know what repairs you will need covered. You should also keep records of all your correspondence with your insurance company while the claim is ongoing so you have a timeline of what’s been promised and can ensure deadlines are being met. 

Average Timelines of the Insurance Process for Roof Damage

Once you’ve hung up from filing your roof hail damage claim, your next query is probably ‘how long will it take before my roof is repaired?’. There isn’t a straightforward answer because there are so many insurance companies, and each case could differ, but we can explain the process. Once you’ve got the ball rolling by contacting your insurance company, they will probably send out an adjuster. This person will assess the damage but will also look for signs of wear and tear that may have made damage more likely. For home insurance policies, damages are covered as long as you’ve kept up routine maintenance to help prevent them. Before the adjuster comes out, or while you’re waiting for the verdict, you can start to get quotes for repair from local roofing contractors , make sure to keep copies of those, and learn all the details you need on roofing quotes.

When your adjuster’s report is finalized, your insurance company will make a decision on how much repairs will cost and whether they will cover the whole amount. If you disagree, you can politely but persistently inform them of your views on what should be covered. In most cases, there is a little back-and-forth of communication before an agreement is reached that suits both parties. In rare cases, an independent appraisal will be needed if you can’t reach a resolution, which will delay the process.

If the agreed repairs are simple, they could be done within a few days of reaching an agreement with your insurance company. If your hail damage roof repair is more complex, your insurance company may require more quotes and/or need to sign off on each stage, which could delay the process. Unfortunately, the waiting is the worst part, but once your roof is repaired to a high standard, it will be worth it. For reliable help with hail damage repairs and navigating the claims process, reach out to Four Leaf Roofing & Windows to ensure your roof is restored and your home stays protected.

Changes That May Prevent Further Damage

Hail is unpredictable, but there are proactive steps you can take to minimize its impact. Regular inspections are essential for identifying and addressing minor issues before they escalate. For enhanced protection, and if you live in the area, explore roofing installation in Oak Creek with hail-resistant materials and have your siding assessed by residential siding contractors in Milwaukee to minimize potential damage. If your roof has already been affected, prompt roof repair in Fox Point can prevent further problems and preserve your home's integrity.

By staying proactive with inspections and investing in durable materials, you can save money and extend the lifespan of your roof. These measures also make insurance claims smoother, ensuring your home remains protected and minimizing the stress of dealing with hailstorms.