Does home insurance cover hail?

How much does insurance pay for hail damage?

If any part of your home's structure is damaged by hail, dwelling coverage on your homeowners policy may pay for the damage, up to your coverage limit and minus any deductible. If you live in an area where hailstorms are more prevalent, you may have a separate, higher homeowners insurance deductible, which could be a percentage of your policy's dwelling coverage or a set dollar amount.

Should a hailstorm damage your detached garage, tool shed, or any other structure on your property, your policy's other structures coverage may pay for the damage, up to your coverage limit and minus any deductible.

If your home is uninhabitable after a hailstorm or other covered peril, your homeowners policy's loss of use coverage may pay for temporary housing, meals, and other services while the damages are being repaired.

Personal property coverage under your homeowners policy may pay to repair or replace any personal belongings that are damaged by hail, up to your coverage limit and minus your deductible. Your motor vehicles, however, would be covered under your auto insurance if they're damaged by hail — if you have the right coverage. Discover how your auto policy's comprehensive coverage can cover hail damage to your vehicle.

Where are hailstorms common?

"Hail Alley" refers to areas of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming. The Insurance Information Institute lists Texas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Kansas, and South Dakota as the states with the most hail events in 2022, but every state is at risk for hail damage. In fact, the science news magazine Eos estimates that hailstorms cause over $10 billion in damages annually across North America.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center reported 4,436 hail events for 2022 in their annual summary, which was a 15% increase from 2021. As humidity builds, hailstorms generally occur in the late spring and summer.

What does hail damage on a roof look like?

Dents on your roof shingles are a common indicator of hail damage and are often less than a half inch in diameter. A windstorm combined with the size of the hail may cause more pronounced dents or cracks, and asphalt roof shingles may lose their granules, which comprise the rough surface of the shingles. These granules could end up clogging your gutters, which is another sign of a roof damage. If a shingle is damaged or missing, your roof could be exposed to bad weather, which is how roof leaks typically occur. Find out how your homeowners policy covers water damage from a leaky roof.

What does hail damage on siding look like?

Signs of hail damage to vinyl or aluminum siding include dents, chipping, cracking, and peeling paint. It could be more difficult to recognize hail damage on wood siding, so you may need to run your hand across the siding to feel any damage.

If you suspect your roof or siding has suffered hail damage but aren't able to check for yourself, contact a professional to conduct an inspection of your home's exterior.

See how homeowners insurance covers siding.

What steps should you take for a hail-related insurance claim?

Contact your insurer immediately after a hailstorm causes damage to your property. Consider contacting a qualified professional to estimate the cost of the repairs if you aren't sure if the amount will exceed your policy's deductible. Documenting the damage with photos and video can be beneficial for your claim.

Protect your home against hail damage with homeowners insurance