On Friday, April 18, 2025, a powerful hailstorm tore through southern Wisconsin, pummeling homes and vehicles with baseball-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph. Now, thousands of residents are dealing with the aftermath — shattered windows, dented roofs, and damaged siding.
When your property takes a hit, it’s not just about cleanup. It’s about protecting your insurance rights and making sure you’re treated fairly in the claims process.
At MGW Law, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners navigate hail damage claims and fight insurance denials. Based on our experience, here are the six critical steps to take after a storm to protect your investment and avoid common pitfalls:
1. Inspect Your Property Safely
Once it’s safe, walk your property and look for:
- Dented shingles or gutters
- Cracked windows or siding
- Damaged window screens and frames
- Small, hail-sized dents to the soft metals on your dwelling
Avoid climbing on the roof—leave that to a professional. Instead, take clear photos and detailed notes of anything that looks unusual or damaged. This becomes key evidence in your hail damage claim.
2. Document Everything With Photos and Notes
Take wide-angle and close-up shots of:
- All visible damage
- Broken items (vehicles, furniture, tools, etc.)
- The surrounding environment (hailstones on the ground, tree debris, etc.)
Keep a running list of damaged items and note their estimated value, if possible.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
Don’t delay. Call your insurer or file online as soon as you’ve documented the damage. Most have 24/7 claims hotlines.
When you file:
- Reference your notes and photos
- Ask about your policy’s coverage for roof, siding, detached structures, and temporary living costs
- Get a claim number and note the representative’s name
4. Don’t Make Repairs Until the Adjuster Has Seen the Damage
It’s tempting to start cleanup or repairs right away — but doing too much can jeopardize your claim. If the insurance company thinks damage has been altered, they might deny or underpay your claim.
Do this instead:
- Cover broken windows with plastic sheeting or plywood
- Prevent further water damage with tarps or buckets
- Save all receipts for temporary fixes
5. Be Ready for the Insurance Adjuster’s Visit
The adjuster will come out to verify damage and create a repair estimate. Before they arrive:
- Have your photos, notes, and receipts ready
- If you’ve received any contractor estimates, have those on hand
- Ask the adjuster what’s covered and how they calculate depreciation
Tip: If something feels off or unfair, don’t sign off right away—you may have the right to dispute the findings.
6. Track All Expenses Related to the Storm
If your home is unlivable or you’ve had to make purchases (hotel stays, repairs, cleanup equipment), keep detailed receipts.
You may be eligible for reimbursement under your policy’s “loss of use” or “additional living expenses” provision.
7. Follow Up—And Don’t Be Afraid to Push Back
Stay in regular contact with your insurance adjuster. If delays happen or your claim is underpaid, document all communication.
Many valid claims are unfairly delayed or denied — and you don’t have to accept that.
Following these steps will ensure your claim gets handled fairly after a hail storm.