Hail damage insurance claim checklist

One page, seven steps. Print it or save it as a PDF.

Have this ready

Policy number and your insurer's claims phone number
Storm date and a short description of what you saw
Photos and video of the damage, original files
Receipts for temporary repairs
Written contractor estimates
Claim number and the adjuster's name and visit date

The seven steps

1. Document the damage. Take photos and video of all damaged areas before any cleanup: wide shots and close-ups, from the ground. Write down the storm date.

2. Do temporary repairs. Prevent further damage: tarp open areas, board broken skylights, place buckets under leaks. Keep every receipt; these costs are typically reimbursable.

3. Call your insurance company. Contact the claims line with your policy number and the storm date ready. Most policies require prompt notice. Write down the claim number.

4. Get a contractor estimate. Have a local roofing contractor inspect and give a written estimate before the adjuster arrives. Get two or three estimates.

5. Attend the adjuster visit. Walk the adjuster through every damaged area and have your contractor's estimate on hand. You can request a re-inspection if needed.

6. Review the estimate and negotiate. Compare the insurer's scope with your contractor's estimate. Your contractor can file a supplement for items the adjuster missed.

7. Choose a contractor and complete repairs. Choose a licensed, local contractor. The insurer typically pays in two checks: the actual cash value first, then the depreciation holdback after the work is done.

General information, not legal or insurance advice. Policies differ: read yours and ask your insurer about deadlines. Full walkthrough: roof insurance claim guide. If a claim is denied: what to do next. Checklist from PickARoofer (https://pickaroofer.com/guides/hail-claim-checklist).

Check whether hail was reported near your address: hail check. Find a roofer whose license we checked: roofers by city.