Does Home Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
- Homeowners insurance will usually pay for hail damage to your roof, siding, and property
- There is typically a higher deductible, often a percentage, for these types of claims
How to handle hail damage to your home
Hailstorms can cause serious damage to your home, especially the roof and other exposed areas. The good news is that homeowners insurance typically covers hail damage.
Hail can affect more than just your roof; shingles, siding, skylights, chimneys, and gutters are all vulnerable. These are generally protected under your policy’s dwelling coverage.
If you live in a coastal or storm-prone area, hail coverage may not be included by default. In those regions, you might have a separate windstorm or hail deductible, usually between 1% and 10% of your dwelling coverage limit.
Should you file a hail claim?
Filing a hail damage claim shouldn’t be taken lightly. Bear in mind that you will have to pay a deductible, which, depending on the severity of the damage, could be more costly than the actual repairs. This means you may need to have the damage independently assessed by a roofing company or contractor to determine whether or not a claim is warranted.
Generally, if the damage is minimal (and would cost less than your deductible to fix), I recommend paying out-of-pocket. If your home suffers from more extensive damage, having your home insurance pay for the damage can be a good idea. See how hail damage claims affect your homeowners insurance premium in the section below.
“Another thing to double-check is whether wind and hail coverage is even included in the policy. Some carriers exclude it altogether — and if it’s not included, you're not covered during a storm. We [The Zebra] don’t work with companies that leave that out, but if someone is shopping on their own for the cheapest possible policy, it’s a major risk they might miss.”
-Johnny Hawkins, Manager and Licensed Agent at The Zebra
Does a hail damage claim raise home insurance rates?
Hail damage insurance claims can affect your rates. Not only that, but a policyholder who files too many homeowners claims may even be non-renewed by an insurance company. This can make it hard to find another affordable insurance policy later on.
The national yearly average for one hail damage claim is $1,611: $133 more than the average with no claims ($1,478). See below our insurance company-specific rates to see how hail damage claims can affect your insurance premiums.
Read more about how hail damage impacts auto insurance rates.
| Insurance Company | No Claims | One Hail Claim | Two Hail Claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,594 | $1,790 | $1,863 |
| American Family | $2,261 | $2,322 | $2,337 |
| Farmers | $1,455 | $1,477 | $1,485 |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,506 | $1,610 | $1,769 |
| Nationwide | $1,236 | $1,363 | $1,517 |
| State Farm | $1,356 | $1,464 | $1,464 |
| Travelers | $1,444 | $1,614 | $1,776 |
| USAA | $1,231 | $1,337 | $1,370 |
How to file an insurance claim for roof damage caused by hail
The claims process works much the same as it does with other perils. If a hail storm has caused significant enough damage to your home that a claim is required, you’ll want to take the following steps in order to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
It’s always a good idea to snap a few pictures and create a visual record of any hail damage.
A damaged roof shouldn’t be left for too long. If the impact is severe, you are responsible for preventing further damage. This could mean covering the affected area with a tarp to prevent leaking or water damage. However, do not attempt to make repairs on your own if you are considering filing a claim, as this could make you ineligible for a payout.
This isn’t always required but may help you decide whether or not filing a claim is worth it. An independent contractor or roofer can assess the damage and provide an estimate before filing.
Follow your insurance provider’s claims filing process. If you've received an estimate from a roofer or contractor, it’s best to let the insurer know at this point. Many insurers allow claims to be filed online, which allows you to upload any pictures or further information.
In most cases, a representative from your insurance company will come by your home to assess the damage.
Once approved by the insurer, contact a roofing contractor to fix the damage. Your deductible will be subtracted from the overall payout.
States at a high risk of hail damage
Hail isn’t just a minor weather hiccup. It’s a big deal for homeowners, especially across the central and midwestern “hail belt.”[1] Texas and Kansas see hundreds of hailstorms every year, and damage from these icy hits adds up to billions of dollars nationwide. Colorado often tops the charts for the highest hail-related costs per person, showing just how destructive these storms can be.[2] From dented roofs to shattered windows, hail can pack a serious punch, making good home protection a must in high-risk areas.
Source: The Zebra
Hail insurance: Considerations
Hail damage can be a costly fix. As such, you’ll want to make sure that your insurance provider not only provides ample coverage but also has a good track record with handling claims. If you are worried about a rise in premiums due to filing a hail damage claim, chances are that you may be able to find cheaper home coverage elsewhere.
With The Zebra, looking for a new carrier is as simple as entering your ZIP code and answering a few quick questions. Compare insurance quotes and coverage options side-by-side to find the policy that is right for you.
The black and white insurance comparison site
Hail damage and insurance FAQs:
Facts + Statistics: Hail. Insurance Information Institute
Hail Statistics by State. YPA Public Adjusters
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.