Homeowners insurance covers many types of property damage, including storm damage. So long as a policy doesn’t exclude hail as a covered event, storms that damage roofs and cause secondary structural issues can lead to sizeable insurance claims.
Hailstorms can dent siding and damage vehicles. They can also cause significant damage to the roof of a home that may result in the roof failing either during the hailstorm or later rainstorms. Homeowners dealing with water damage caused by roof failure may need to replace their roof and address interior damage. They may need to file an insurance claim. The claims process typically requires proof that roof damage came from a hailstorm, not wear accumulated over time.
What makes hail damage unique?
Hailstorms frequently produce visible damage to metal roofs, roof tiles and shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most common form of roofing in Wisconsin, and they can show clear signs of hail damage.
Instead of basic aging or wear and tear, there may be visible divots, granule loss from shingles and bruising. Localized impact marks are a primary indicator of hail damage, and validating their presence can strengthen a property owner’s claim.
Property owners may need to access and assess a portion of their roof through windows on the upper stories of their homes. Other times, they may need to wait for a professional to assess the property. Insurance companies may hire contractors or even use drones to inspect rooms during claims.
Knowing what to look for when pursuing a storm damage claim can help homeowners secure the evidence they need when pursuing compensation for a failed roof. An attorney can be helpful when evaluating damage and negotiating a large claim.