What Hail Damage Coverage Actually Includes
Hail damage coverage has become increasingly important as severe hailstorms continue to strike across the Midwest and southern U.S. more frequently. Your policy’s coverage depends on several factors—where you live, your property type, and your insurer’s underwriting guidelines.
States like Texas, Illinois, and Kansas experience some of the nation’s highest hail activity. In 2017 alone, more than 1.3 million Texas properties were hit by hail, followed by 900,000 in Illinois and 650,000 in Kansas.
For homeowners in these regions, understanding how hail coverage and deductibles work is crucial to making informed decisions about when and how to file a claim.
When to Document and File a Hail Damage Claim
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III) and most major carriers, policyholders should document hail damage as soon as possible after a storm.
In many cases, you must file a claim within one year of discovering roof or exterior damage caused by hail. A standard homeowners policy typically covers hail damage under your dwelling or “wind and hail” protection—after you pay your deductible.
Your deductible represents the portion of the repair cost you’re responsible for before insurance coverage applies.
Example:
If your deductible is $1,000 and the storm caused $2,000 in damage, you may choose not to file a claim—especially if doing so could increase your premiums over time.
Will a Hail Damage Claim Raise My Insurance Rates?
Not always. Because hail is considered an act of nature, insurers generally don’t raise individual premiums after a first claim. However, there are exceptions:
- If you’ve filed multiple hail claims within a few years.
- If your property lies in a high-frequency hail zone, your area’s base rate may increase for all policyholders.
In other words, while your personal rate might remain stable, your regional risk pool could lead to higher premiums overall.
Understanding Hail and Wind Deductibles
After catastrophic storms like Hurricane Katrina, insurers began implementing percentage-based deductibles in hail- and hurricane-prone areas.
These fall into two categories:
- Hurricane or named-storm deductibles, applying only to tropical storm damage.
- Wind or wind/hail deductibles, which apply to any damage caused by wind or hail.
Unlike flat-rate deductibles (e.g., $1,000), percent-based deductibles are calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value—commonly 1% to 5%. For a $400,000 home, a 2% deductible means you would pay the first $8,000 of the damage out of pocket before coverage applies.
Tips for Homeowners After a Hailstorm
- Inspect and document damage immediately—photos, videos, and contractor notes are key.
- Review your policy before filing to understand coverage limits and exclusions.
- Consult a licensed public adjuster to evaluate the true scope of damage and ensure your insurer’s estimate is fair.
- Avoid quick, door-to-door offers from contractors after storms—many use inferior materials or inflate repair estimates.
Protecting Your Property with Expert Guidance
Hailstorms can cause far more damage than what’s visible on the surface. From hidden roof fractures to compromised siding and window seals, the true cost can be significant.
If you’re unsure whether to file a claim or how your deductible applies, Gavnat Public Insurance Adjusters can review your policy and help you make an informed decision—before you risk underpayment or premium increases.
Contact us today for a policy review or damage assessment with one of our licensed adjusters.