Addressing Hail Damage: What You Need to Know

With the arrival of early spring, hail season is upon us, bringing the potential for costly property damage. According to recent reports, hail is responsible for some of the most frequent and expensive insurance claims in the U.S. In 2022 alone, hail caused over $3.5 billion in insured losses, with more than 6,900 hail events reported across the country. States like North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Virginia, are among the hardest hit, frequently making the list of the top regions with hail claims​.

Hail, which forms during severe thunderstorms, can vary in size from small pea-sized pellets to large ice chunks. The largest recorded hailstone in the U.S. weighed 1.67 pounds and measured 17.5 inches in circumference, causing severe damage to roofs, windows, siding, and other property​. Here’s how hail can impact your home and what factors contribute to the extent of the damage.

Common Types of Hail Damage to Your Home

Your roof is typically the most vulnerable part of your home during a hailstorm, but other parts of your property can also be affected:

• Roof Damage: Large hailstones can cause significant damage to roofing materials, especially if they are aged or of lower quality.
• Windows and Siding: Hail can crack or shatter windows and dent or crack siding materials.
• Decks and Landscaping: Wooden structures and plants can be damaged by large hail, leaving marks or structural issues.
• Gutters and HVAC Equipment: Hail can dent or break gutters, downspouts, and outdoor HVAC units.

Why Some Homes Experience Hail Damage and Others Don’t

Not every home in the path of a hailstorm experiences the same level of damage. Several factors explain why one house might be significantly damaged while a neighboring property remains unscathed:

• Roof Slope and Direction: Roof slopes that directly face the storm are more likely to experience hail damage than those with less direct exposure.
• Shingle Quality: Newer, heavier shingles tend to withstand hail better than older, lighter ones that are already deteriorating.
• Natural Barriers: Trees and other natural obstacles can protect a home by absorbing or deflecting hailstones before they strike the roof.

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Verifying Hail Damage

It’s important to have your property inspected by a qualified professional following a hailstorm. They can properly assess hail damage and distinguish it from normal wear and tear, such as natural aging of shingles or mechanical damage. Some insurance companies may require an inspection before approving a claim, so ensuring accurate damage identification is key.

When it comes to determining who should conduct this inspection, many homeowners will go straight to a roofing contractor for help. However, rising trends find roofing contractors among the most likely groups to commit contractor fraud. Common scams among roofers include fabricating damage where there isn’t any, exaggerating damage, or even beginning work on legitimately damaged roofs but disappearing with payment before ever finishing the work.

For this reason, Central recommends that homeowners who suspect damage on their roofs start by engaging their insurance carrier, who can either connect you with a reputable, safe roofing contractor to conduct the evaluation, or leverage one of their advanced data sourcing tools to gather aerial imaging of your roof remotely.

Learn More: Who is Most at Risk for Contractor Fraud?

The Central Difference

Hail damage can be unpredictable and costly, which is why having the right insurance coverage is essential. At Central Insurance, we offer comprehensive homeowner and commercial property policies designed to protect your home from severe weather, including hailstorms. With our tailored coverage options and personalized service, we ensure that you’re protected from the financial burden that hail damage can cause.

By partnering with Central Insurance, you’re not only safeguarding your property but also gaining peace of mind knowing that you’re backed by a team of experts. Contact one of our agents today to learn how we can help protect your home during hail season and beyond.