Hail damage claims guide
The most common homeowners claim in Colorado and Minnesota
Hail claims are the most litigated in the industry. Carriers scrutinize them closely. Know what to document before the adjuster arrives.
What to document
Date and time of the storm — pull NOAA storm data for your ZIP code to confirm the event
Photos of every impacted surface: roof, gutters, downspouts, AC unit, window screens, siding, fencing, vehicles
Close-up photos showing spatter marks, bruising, or dents — use a measuring tape for scale
Photos of any interior damage caused by roof penetration (water stains, ceiling damage)
Your current policy declarations page showing Coverage A limit and deductible
Any prior roof inspection reports or permits showing roof age and condition before the storm
What adjusters look for
Distinguishing functional damage (structural impact) from cosmetic damage (appearance only) — many policies exclude cosmetic damage
Roof age and condition — adjusters will check for pre-existing wear, granule loss, and prior damage
Whether the damage meets the policy's threshold for a covered loss
Matching issues — whether undamaged sections must be replaced to match repaired sections
Common mistakes to avoid
Filing a claim for damage that's below your deductible — this creates a claims record without a payout
Letting a contractor file the claim on your behalf without reviewing the scope first
Signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) before understanding what rights you're transferring
Not getting a second opinion if the adjuster's estimate seems low
Need help with a claim in progress?
The RightQuote team can review your claim situation, connect you with a public adjuster if needed, and make sure you're not leaving money on the table.