Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

By Sandy Hess

July 24, 2024

It might start as a standard thunderstorm, but before long, the raindrops sound louder. A peek out the window proves what you're already thinking: hail. Golf ball-size, havoc-wreaking hail.

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Immediately, you start to worry about the damage this hailstorm can cause to your roof or siding. Knowing that most home insurance policies cover this type of damage might provide some peace of mind.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage to Roof or Siding?

The size of hail can range from just under 1 inch to 4 inches in diameter or more. Even the smallest hail can easily cause extensive damage to the roof or siding of your home when falling out of the sky at 25, 50 or even 100 mph. When this happens, does insurance cover hail damage?

Insurers consider hail damage an "act of God" and out of the homeowner's control. Due to this fact, most standard home insurance policies cover hail damage. This includes damage to your home's roof and siding as well as damage to other structures on your property, such as a shed or garage.

Your home insurance may also cover damage to any personal property. For example, if the hail damage causes a leak in your roof that damages your personal property inside your home, your homeowners insurance policy will likely cover these costs. The insurance company may also cover additional living expenses if your home is deemed unlivable due to the damage.

Coverage Exceptions

However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

First, if you live in an area prone to hailstorms, your policy may limit your amount of coverage due to hail damage. In fact, insurers in some areas, such as regions in Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, Texas, Minnesota, Kansas and South Dakota, may exclude hail damage as a covered event.

Secondly, hail damage covered by insurance may depend on the type of damage. Some insurance policies won't cover damages considered purely aesthetic. Instead, the damage must impact the function of your roof or siding. Unfortunately, damage initially appearing solely aesthetic could cause cracks, chips or other more serious issues later.

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Do You Have to Pay a Deductible for Hail Damage to Your House?

Most homeowners insurance policies come with a separate deductible, which could be a percentage or a flat amount. For example, if you have $250,000 coverage with a 1% deductible, you pay $2,500 out of pocket for the repairs, and your insurance covers the rest, up to your coverage limits.

Keep in mind that if you live in an area prone to hailstorms, your deductible may be higher than average. Additionally, your deductible amount will directly impact the cost of your homeowners insurance.

Can Filing a Claim for Hail Damage Make Your Premium Go Up?

Filing any claim with your insurer can cause your premiums to increase. This is true for hail damage claims, too. There are several things you should consider before filing a claim, including:

Deductible

Before you make any claim for hail damage with your insurance company, you want to make sure the damages exceed your deductible amount. For instance, if you have a $3,000 deductible but the damage only adds up to $2,500, there's no need to file a claim. Doing so would only increase your premiums and not provide you with financial help.

Cosmetic Exclusion

Take a minute to review the details of your homeowners insurance policy. If it includes a cosmetic exclusion, start by ensuring the hail caused structural damage to your property. This can be done by contacting a professional contractor and having them assess your damage.

Proof of Damage

The insurance company will require you to prove the damage to your home or other structures. One of the best ways to show this proof is to have before and after pictures.

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