What to Do After a Hail Storm Damages Your Roof

Signs of hail damage vary depending on hail size and roof material. Look for:

• Dented or cracked shingles: Circular indentations or cracks in asphalt shingles
• Bruising or dark spots: Areas where protective granules have been knocked off, exposing the black asphalt underneath
• Dented gutters or downspouts: Metal components show dents easily
• Damaged roof vents or flashing: Dents in metal flashing around chimneys, vents, or edges
• Dented or cracked siding: Check aluminum or vinyl siding for impact marks
• Damaged window screens: Torn or punctured screens indicate hail impact

Important: Some hail damage isn't visible from the ground. Professional inspection is highly recommended, as damage may not cause immediate leaks but will reduce your roof's lifespan significantly.

Most homeowners insurance policies in Nebraska allow up to 1 year from the date of loss to file a claim, but it's critical to report damage as soon as possible—ideally within 24-48 hours of discovering it.

Here's why prompt reporting matters:

• Proof of storm damage: The closer to the storm date you report, the easier it is to link damage to that specific event
• Prevents additional damage: Delays can lead to leaks and interior damage that may not be covered
• Good faith requirement: Insurance companies expect timely reporting; delays can raise red flags
• Contractor availability: After major storms, quality contractors book up quickly (often 2-4 weeks out)

Check your specific policy for exact deadlines, as some policies may have shorter timeframes. If you're unsure whether you have damage, get a free inspection—it's better to file and have no damage than to miss your window.

Most standard homeowners insurance policies in Nebraska cover hail damage under the "dwelling coverage" section, as hail is considered a covered peril. However, several factors affect coverage:

What's Typically Covered:

• Roof replacement or repair (minus your deductible)
• Damaged gutters, downspouts, and vents
• Siding and window damage from hail
• Interior damage caused by roof leaks (water stains, damaged ceilings)
• Emergency tarping and temporary repairs to prevent further damage

Factors That Can Affect Coverage:

• Roof age: Very old roofs (15-20+ years) may receive depreciated value rather than full replacement cost
• Policy type: Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies pay less than Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies
• Deductible: You'll pay your deductible amount (typically $500-$2,500) before insurance covers the rest
• Maintenance issues: Pre-existing damage or poor maintenance may result in denial

Review your policy or contact your agent to understand your specific coverage. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal with additional documentation from your contractor.

Yes, absolutely. Get at least one professional inspection from a licensed roofing contractor before your insurance adjuster arrives, and ideally have your contractor present when the adjuster inspects.

Why multiple perspectives help:

• Expertise advantage: Roofing contractors specialize in identifying subtle hail damage that adjusters (who see all types of claims) might overlook
• Your advocate: Your contractor works for YOU and wants to ensure all damage is documented. Adjusters work for the insurance company and may have incentive to minimize claims
• Supplemental claims: If your contractor finds damage the adjuster missed, you can file a supplemental claim with proper documentation
• Quality assurance: Getting 2-3 contractor opinions helps you identify honest contractors vs. those trying to inflate claims

Avoid these inspection red flags:

• Contractors who pressure you to sign contracts immediately after "finding damage"
• Anyone offering to waive your deductible (this is illegal insurance fraud)
• Door-to-door contractors with no local office or verifiable references

Best approach: Schedule free inspections with 2-3 reputable local contractors, compare their findings, and have your chosen contractor present during the adjuster inspection.

Hail damage repair costs in Nebraska vary significantly based on the extent of damage and your roof size. Here are typical price ranges:

Factors that affect cost:

• Roof size: Square footage directly impacts material and labor costs
• Roof pitch/complexity: Steeper roofs or complex designs cost more to repair
• Material type: Architectural shingles cost more than 3-tab; metal roofing significantly more
• Additional damage: Gutters, vents, skylights, and flashing add to total cost
• Code upgrades: Some areas require updated ventilation or decking, adding expense

Important: Your out-of-pocket cost should only be your insurance deductible (typically $500-$2,500) if your claim is approved. The insurance company covers the rest. Get detailed written estimates from contractors to ensure the insurance payout is sufficient.

Yes, absolutely. You do NOT need active leaks to have a valid hail damage claim. In fact, most hail damage doesn't cause immediate leaks—but it significantly reduces your roof's lifespan and will eventually lead to failure.

Why hail damage is serious even without leaks:

• Compromised seal: Hail impacts break the bond between shingle layers and loosen granules, exposing the waterproof membrane to UV damage
• Accelerated aging: A roof that would normally last 25 years might only last 5-10 years after significant hail damage
• Progressive failure: Small cracks and bruising expand over time, especially through freeze-thaw cycles in Nebraska winters
• Reduced wind resistance: Damaged shingles are more likely to blow off in future storms

Insurance coverage doesn't require leaks. Claims are approved based on documented physical damage to the roof surface, not just interior water damage. This is why professional inspection and thorough photo documentation are so important.

Don't wait for leaks to appear before filing a claim—by then, additional interior damage may occur, and it becomes harder to prove the damage came from a specific storm event.