What to Do If a Hailstorm Damages Your Roof? (Homeowner’s Guide)
Introduction
Storm season is here, and Omaha homeowners know how unpredictable hailstorms can be. These storms often hit without warning, leaving many wondering: Did my roof take damage?
Even small hail can weaken shingles, cause leaks, and shorten your roof’s lifespan. And unfortunately, hail damage isn’t always visible from the ground.
If your home has been impacted by hail, acting quickly can prevent further damage and ensure your insurance claim is handled correctly. This guide will walk you through:
✔ How to check for hail damage
✔ When to call a roofing contractor
✔ How to navigate the insurance claims process
✔ How to avoid storm chasers and roofing scams
1. What to Do Immediately After a Hailstorm
The first step after a hailstorm is to assess your property for damage. Here’s what to check:
✅ Walk around your home and look for visible signs of damage:
Dented gutters, downspouts, or siding
Shingles that look cracked, bruised, or missing
Soft spots or “bald patches” on asphalt shingles
Dents on air conditioning units or metal flashing
Take a look at some of the example photos below:
Image of hail damaged downspout taken after 2022 hail storm in Omaha, NE.
Image of hail damaged siding taken after 2022 hail storm in Omaha, NE.
Close-up image of asphalt shingles in Omaha, NE, showing granule loss and fading due to hail damage and weather exposure.
Close-up image of hail dents on a metal box vent in Omaha, NE, showing impact damage from a recent storm.
✅ Check your downspouts and gutters for granules.
Granules protect your shingles. They are small pieces of stone and fiberglass that cover the surface of asphalt shingles protecting them from UV rays and water. if they’re washing away, your roof may be compromised.
Image of granules building up in the gutters.
✅ Inspect your attic and ceilings for leaks.
Water stains, drips, or wet insulation could mean hail has damaged your shingles and is causing your roof to leak.
⚠️ Important: Even if you don’t see damage, it doesn’t mean your roof is in the clear. Hail damage isn’t always immediately obvious, and it can take months for leaks to appear. If your shingles do have impact or bruises causing a loss of granules, over time the damage will cause cracks or even holes, leading to future leaks.
2. When to Call a Roofing Contractor for an Inspection
Many homeowners wait too long to get their roof inspected after a storm - only to discover damage when it’s too late. Here’s why you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible:
🔹 Not all hail damage is visible from the ground. A professional roofer can spot hidden damage that could lead to leaks down the road.
🔹 Insurance companies set time limits for claims. If you wait too long, your claim may be denied due to the damage being considered “old damage.”
🔹 Even minor hail damage can shorten your roof’s lifespan. If your shingles are compromised, they may not protect your home in the next storm.
Even if you’re not sure that your roof sustained damage, a free roof inspection can give you certainty and peace of mind to ensure that that your roof will be ready for the next storm.
What Happens During a Professional Roof Inspection?
A reputable roofing contractor will conduct a thorough inspection to assess storm damage and determine whether repairs or a full replacement are needed. Here’s what they’ll do:
✅ Check for missing, cracked, or bruised shingles – Hail impact can weaken shingles, making them more vulnerable to leaks.
✅ Inspect flashing, vents, and roof penetrations – Damage to these areas can lead to hidden leaks and structural issues.
✅ Document all issues with photos and a detailed report – This report is crucial for filing an insurance claim and proving storm damage.
📌 If your roof has significant damage, the next step is to file an insurance claim. Your contractor can help guide you through the process and ensure your claim is properly documented.
3. Understanding the Insurance Process for Hail Damage
Many homeowners have never filed an insurance claim before, and the process can be confusing. Here’s how it works:
🔹 Step 1: Contact Your Roofing Contractor First
Why? A professional roofer can inspect the damage, document everything properly, and help ensure you file a strong claim. Choosing a contractor who is experienced in handling insurance claims puts you in the best position to get legitimate storm damage covered.
🔹 Step 2: File a Claim With Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance provider and let them know your home was hit by hail.
Many contractors will help you file the claim, ensuring your insurance company documents the correct information.
Allow your contractor to be listed on the claim as the “contractor of choice.” This helps streamline the process by allowing your contractor to work directly with your insurance company to estimate repair costs. (Some insurance companies may request a written agreement between you and your contractor.)
Once the claim is filed, your insurance provider will send an adjuster to inspect and document the damages.
🔹 Step 3: Meet With the Insurance Adjuster
Make sure your contractor is present during the insurance inspection. This is super important, because the adjuster may miss damage or underestimate the cost of repairs. Your contractor can advocate for a fair assessment and make sure your insurance includes all necessary items, including city and state code requirements.
Sometimes your insurance company will send a third party adjustor. In these cases, the adjustor they send out is acting as a field rep for your insurance company. They serve to document the damage, but ultimately, it is the desk adjustor who will determine if they will extend coverage for your roof.
🔹 Step 4: Review the Insurance Estimate
If approved, your insurance will provide an estimate for repairs or a full replacement.
Your roofing contractor should review the paperwork to ensure nothing was missed.
Often, your contractor will submit a supplement for additional funds to cover missing or underpaid items.
💡Pro Tip: Insurance companies don’t always include code upgrades, ventilation improvements, or flashing replacements—but a good contractor will negotiate these necessary additions. Even if your policy doesn’t cover code upgrades, a reputable contractor will still work with you to ensure your new roof meets modern standards.
🔹 Step 5: Work With Your Contractor to Schedule and Complete Repairs
Once your claim is approved and your contractor has confirmed that all necessary items are covered, it’s time to move forward with the repairs.
Choose your materials & finalize the project details – Now is the time to select shingle color, materials, and any optional upgrades (such as impact-resistant shingles or improved ventilation).
Schedule the work – Set a date with your contractor to complete the project. Most roof replacements are finished in 1-2 days, while repairs may take just a few hours.
Expect a final inspection – A reputable contractor will ensure the job meets all code requirements and passes final inspections and city permits (if required by your city).
Your insurance company will release final payments – If your claim is on a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy, your insurance may issue an initial payment upfront and then a final payment after the work is completed. Your contractor will help you handle the paperwork and make sure insurance releases the remaining funds.
Important Things to Know About Working With Insurance
Many homeowners feel hesitant—or even worried—about filing an insurance claim after storm damage. A common concern is that filing a claim will cause their rates to increase, result in penalties, or even lead to their policy being canceled. Others worry that even if their claim is approved, they’ll still have to pay a large amount out of pocket.
These are valid concerns, but here’s what homeowners need to know:
🔹A storm claim is considered an “Act of God,” meaning that since you cannot control the weather, you cannot be held liable for the damages or be considered “at fault” for filing a claim.
🔹Legally, your insurance company cannot drop you just for filing a single claim. While they can choose not to renew your policy when your term expires, they cannot cancel your policy mid-term just because you filed a claim.
🔹Your insurance company is contractually obligated to cover the actual and necessary cost for repairs. Your homeowners insurance policy clearly outlines their responsibility—and yours—to cover storm damage past your policy’s deductible.
🔹Your deductible is a legally binding obligation and is the only out-of-pocket expense you’re responsible for. For example, if your insurance company determines there is $10,000 worth of damage and you have a $1,000 deductible, insurance will cover $9,000 while you pay the remaining $1,000.
💡 Pro Tip: Be sure to get all warranty details in writing and keep a copy of your insurance claim paperwork for your records.
4. How to Avoid Storm Chasers & Roofing Scams
After a hailstorm, out-of-state roofers flood Omaha, knocking on doors and offering “too good to be true” deals - like waiving your insurance deductible (which is illegal) or offering a “free lifetime warranty”. While many may do honest work, some disappear after collecting payment, leaving homeowners with unfinished or low-quality roofs.
🚩 Red Flags of a Roofing Scam:
❌ High-pressure sales tactics (“You must sign today to get this deal!”)
❌ No local reviews or references
❌ No proof of insurance or licensing
❌ Demands full payment upfront
❌ No written contract or vague warranty details
✅ How to Find a Trustworthy Roofing Contractor
✔ Choose a local, established company with a track record in Omaha.
✔ Check online reviews on Google & Nextdoor to see real customer feedback.
✔ Verify licensing and insurance before signing anything.
✔ Ask for references from past customers.
✔ Get a written contract with clear pricing and warranty details.
💡 Pro Tip: Some storm chasers will use a local phone number temporarily to seem legit—always double-check their history, online presence, and reviews!
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home & Take Action After a Hailstorm
Hail damage might not always be visible, but ignoring it can lead to costly repairs down the road. Whether you're dealing with minor shingle bruising or severe roof damage, taking action quickly is the key to protecting your home and ensuring your insurance covers the necessary repairs.
📌 Here’s what to remember:
✅ Always get a professional roof inspection after a storm—even if you don’t see damage from the ground.
✅ Don’t wait too long to file an insurance claim—delays can result in denied coverage.
✅ Work with a trusted, local roofing contractor to avoid storm chasers and roofing scams.
If your home was hit by hail, don’t leave your roof’s condition to chance. A free roof inspection can give you peace of mind and ensure your home stays protected for years to come.
