What constitutes hail damage on a roof?
Asked by: Prof. Thomas Purdy DVM | Last update: December 20, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (9 votes)
What qualifies as hail damage on roof?
Once the hail reaches about 1.5 inches in diameter (about the size of a walnut), it can lead to severe roof damage. If the hail is even larger, 1.75 inches in diameter (the size of a golf ball), then it can start to cause significant damage to vehicles parked outside and buildings.
What size hail can cause roof damage?
Generally speaking, hailstones at least one inch in diameter can cause damage to a roof. Smaller hailstones can cause damage, especially when accompanied by strong winds or when striking roofing materials that were not engineered to withstand hail impact. As hail size increases, the potential for damage also increases.
How to assess a roof for hail damage?
If the hail was large enough, you'll see dents/dings on your shingles. However, an absence of noticeable dents doesn't mean hail didn't damage your roof. Other signs that hail damaged your roof are dings/dents/splatter marks to your roof vents, gutters, roof flashing, and other roof penetrations.
How much is the average hail damage claim?
The average insurance payout for hail damage on cars has increased in recent years. In 2020, the average payout was $4,300 and rose to $5,000 in 2021.
How to inspect your roof for hail damage | Pro Exteriors
How do insurance adjusters determine hail damage?
Once the test square has been created, the adjuster counts the number of hailstrikes within the square. These hailstrikes have to meet the definition of functional damage. The number of hits required to replace that slope of roof will vary. Different insurance companies have different policies.
Do I have to pay a deductible for hail damage to my roof?
Hail is typically a covered peril on standard homeowners policies, but your policy may have a separate deductible for damage caused by hail — especially if you live in an area prone to hailstorms.
How do home inspectors check for roof damage?
Visual inspection
Roofing inspectors typically are physically on the roof, examining the various roofing components, from shingles to flashing and vents. Then, they'll walk around searching for signs of damage or irregularities. They'll often take pictures to accompany their report.
Does insurance cover hail damage?
If your car was damaged by hail, you may be wondering if your car insurance will cover it. If you have comprehensive coverage, it may help pay to repair auto body, windshield and interior damage caused by hail. If you only have auto liability coverage, the damage to your car is not covered.
How long do I have to report hail damage on my roof?
However, most insurance companies will allow you to file a hail claim within a year from the date of loss. Still, it is completely up to the insurance company to determine this time limit. For this reason, you should check your policy or contact your insurer as soon as possible after a hail storm.
What happens if you don't replace hail damaged roof?
If your shingles start to fail, water can start to leak into attics and storage areas, or into utility closets, which can cause even more problems, and you'll end up spending more for your repairs. To prevent this from happening, we recommend fixing the issues while they're still relatively minor and affordable.
What does a hail hit look like on a roof?
Signs of Damage on Composite and Asphalt Shingles
Indentations: Look for dimples or depressions in the shingle surface. They can be round or irregular and may vary in size, depending on the hailstone or debris that caused them. Black scuffs: These will appear as dark, streaky marks on the shingle surface.
How much hail damage warrants a new roof?
When a replacement is justified, they will do a test square which is a 10' by 10' area. Each carrier is different on how many hail hits needs to be in that test square. On average, it's anywhere from 7 to 10 hits. These factors of hail hits are based on the age of the roof as well as the pitch of the roof.
How much hail does it take to damage a roof?
In fact, even hail smaller than 1 inch can cause damage to a roof or to other areas of your house. After a hailstorm, the size of the hail can be the easiest indicator as to what types of damage you may face.
Who inspects roofs for hail damage?
Hail damage is identified by inspecting the roof and home exterior. Those performing inspections are most likely to be members of the insurance, roofing or home inspection industries.
Can pea-sized hail damage a roof?
Pea-sized hail: Small hail is less likely to cause direct damage unless there are very strong winds. However, if your area experiences small, pea size hail often, it can slowly damage shingles over time.
Is it worth filing a claim for hail damage?
Is filing a claim for hail damage worth it? To determine if you should file a hail damage car insurance claim, compare your comprehensive deductible with the estimate to repair your car. If your repair estimate amount is less than your deductible or close to it, you're better off paying for the repairs out of pocket.
How do you negotiate a hail damage claim?
- Gather evidence of hail damage.
- Take proactive measures to keep damage from getting worse.
- Be prepared when the claims adjuster assesses your property's damage.
- Refuse to give a recorded statement.
- Anticipate negotiations.
- Seek legal counsel.
How much does it cost to fix hail damage?
On average, car owners can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,000 for hail damage repair. These numbers are a wide spread, and the actual cost will fall somewhere between the two extremes, but a deeper dive into the particular circumstances can better refine these estimates.
How to check roof for hail damage?
Check out all the roof vents and features to look for any damage. Look for dents, dings, chipped surfaces, etc. For the harder to see impact areas like the chimney covers (below), run your chalk sideways over the surface and it will uncover the hail impact points.
What causes a roof to fail inspection?
Roofing Material Deterioration
Commercial roofs are subjected to various weather conditions, including rain, snow, hail, wind, and, in extremely sunny states like California, UV exposure. Over time, these elements can cause roofing materials to deteriorate.
What is considered storm damage to a roof?
Roof hail storm damage often results in cracks, dents, or holes, whereas strong winds lead to tears, peeling, or lifting shingles. This type of damage can be difficult to spot from the ground, which is why taking on the cost of a roof inspection following a storm can be helpful.
Will my homeowners insurance go up if I file a hail claim?
Will my homeowners insurance go up if I file a claim? Yes, in general, homeowners insurance rates increase after you file a claim. The increase depends on the type of claim, how much the insurance company paid and how many claims you have filed.
Is it legal for a roofer to pay your deductible?
It is illegal for a contractor to pay, waive, or discount your insurance deductible. It is insurance fraud if homeowners don't pay their deductible. Some contractors offer waived or discounted deductibles as a selling point to their customers.
How much does insurance give you for hail damage?
Average Insurance Payout To Expect
On average, homeowners claim roughly $12,000 for residential hail damage, and around $4,300 for auto damage, according to State Farm's hail claims data. Though, your claim can still be more or less depending on the damage.