After a hail storm: what to do in the next 72 hours
The difference between a fully-covered insurance claim and a denied one often comes down to what you do in the first three days. This is the hour-by-hour checklist. The order matters: document first, get an independent estimate second, then call the carrier.
The 72-hour playbook
- 1Hours 0–24: Document and secure
Take dated photos of every exterior surface: roof from ground level, gutters, siding, windows, AC unit, vehicles. Photograph hailstones next to a ruler if they are still on the ground. If there is an active leak, place a bucket and photograph the interior damage. Do not make permanent repairs yet — tarping is fine, but removing damaged shingles before the adjuster sees them weakens your claim.
- 2Hours 24–48: Get a contractor estimate
Call a licensed local roofing contractor (not a door-knocker) and get a written inspection and estimate. The contractor should document every damaged area with photos and note the shingle type, age, and condition. This estimate becomes your reference against the adjuster’s scope. Do not sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) or a contingent repair contract at this stage.
- 3Hours 48–72: Notify your carrier
Call the claims number on your declarations page and open a claim. Give the date and type of event (hail, measured size if known, NWS storm report number if available). Request the adjuster visit within 14 days. Have your contractor’s estimate ready to share. In Florida, you have 12 months from the date of loss to file notice under F.S. §627.70132 — but filing within 72 hours is dramatically better for your claim outcome.
Where this matters most
The states with the highest hail-claim frequency are Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas. If you live in any of these states, this 72-hour playbook is not optional — it is the difference between a clean claim and a fight. See each state’s roofing guide for the specific claim-window statute and matching-law context.
For the full claim process beyond the first 72 hours, see our roof insurance claim process guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I get on the roof after a hail storm?No. A wet, debris-covered roof is dangerous. Photograph damage from the ground, from windows, and from a ladder at the gutter line. A licensed roofer will do the full on-roof inspection.
- How do I know if hail actually damaged my roof?Hail damage on asphalt shingles shows as circular dents with displaced granules, exposing the black mat underneath. On metal, it shows as dimples. On gutters, it shows as pockmarks. Ground-level signs include dented AC units, cracked vinyl siding, and damaged car hoods. If you see those, the roof took the same hits.
- Will my insurance cover hail damage?If your policy covers wind and hail (most HO-3 policies do), yes. But your deductible applies, and in some states (TX, OK, CO) you may have a separate wind/hail deductible that is higher than your standard deductible. Check your declarations page for the specific deductible.
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