Hail from severe storms can damage roof shingles, skylights, car windows, and more. Be informed about your insurance coverage and what to do when hail occurs!
What you should know
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If hail has hit your house, you’ll often first notice damage on soft metals like gutters, vents, or an air conditioning unit. This does not necessarily mean your roof has sustained damage but it can be a good indication for whether or not to inspect.
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For safety reasons, don’t get on your roof. Damage is often hard to spot by the untrained eye — leave it to the professionals and avoid risking an injury!
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Why are all my neighbors getting a new roof? Do I have damage?
It depends. The amount of damage a hail storm can cause is impacted by many factors, including the age and type/quality/rating of the shingle, the pitch of the roof, tree coverage, and wind direction. There are also “pockets” within hail storms where hail is not produced, so it is not uncommon for one house to have damage and another house a few doors down to escape without a scratch! -
Is there a statute that limits the amount of time I have to report a claim?
In Minnesota, the basic insurance guidelines state that you have 180 days from the date of the storm to report a claim (although each carrier may have different requirements). If you think you could have damage, we recommend starting the claim process as soon as possible so you are not subject to any limitations with how a claim is settled. -
Beware of repair companies that solicit at your door. We refer to them as “storm chasers.” It is always better to get a referral and properly vet your contractors.
NEXT STEPS
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Document the date, time, and approximate size of the hail. Include photos whenever possible!
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Contact the Cox Insurance service team. We can help determine next steps and guide you through the process.
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Work with a qualified and reputable contractor. Do your research and hire a trusted professional.
Cox Insurance provides Home, Auto, Liability and Commercial insurance that exceeds expectations. For a personalized quote, please contact us here.
