When hail hits, your roof might look fine from the ground but small dents and bruises in shingles can lead to leaks, mold, and a costly replacement later. At Stay Dry Roofing, we help Indianapolis homeowners file clear, well-documented insurance claims so you get the settlement you need to restore your home. Below is a step-by-step, practical guide you can use right after a hailstorm to increase the odds of a successful claim.
Act quickly but safely
First: safety. Don’t climb on a wet or unstable roof. Take photos from the ground and a safe vantage point. Then notify your agent or insurance company as soon as possible. Many companies in Indiana have time limits for hail claims some policies and insurers expect notification within a year or less so prompt action protects your rights.
Document everything. Weather, photos, and receipts
Good documentation is the backbone of a strong claim.
- Take clear photos and videos of the roof, gutters, siding, vehicles, and any other hail-dented surfaces. Capture wide shots for context and closeups to show impact marks.
- Record the date and time for every photo. If possible, use a timestamping app or include a dated newspaper or device in a photo.
- Save receipts for temporary fixes (tarps, emergency repairs) and any related expenses.
- If neighbors experienced the same storm, get their contact info a grouped storm event strengthens the case.
A professional roof inspection before you file is critical: trained inspectors know what to look for bruised shingles, granule loss, dented metal, and other subtle signs that homeowners can miss. That inspection report becomes immediate evidence for your claim.
Read your policy (or have us help you read it)
Your homeowner’s policy is a contract it defines covered perils, exclusions, deductibles, and required deadlines. Important things to check:
- What perils are covered (most policies include hail).
- Your deductible and how it applies (per-occurrence vs. annual).
- Any language about “wear and tear” or preexisting damage.
- Required timeframes for notice and documentation.
If policy language is unclear, our advisors can walk through it with you and identify the clauses that matter for a hail claim. Knowing what your policy actually covers prevents common missteps and surprises when the adjuster arrives.
File the claim. Plain, factual, and complete
When you call your insurer:
- Be factual and concise. Describe the storm where hail hit, and the visible damage.
- Avoid speculation like “I think this has been going on for months.” That can be used against you.
- Submit the inspection report and your photo evidence with the claim.
- Ask what documents the adjuster will need, how depreciation is handled, and how payment will be issued.
Filing the claim triggers the insurer’s investigation. Keep copies of everything you give them and write down the name, claim number, and direct contact for any company representative you speak with.
Prepare for the adjuster’s visit
Adjusters will verify the loss and estimate repair costs. Make the visit go smoothly:
- Walk the adjuster through the documented photos and the professional inspection report.
- Point out all damaged areas not just the roof: gutters, soffits, vents, screens, and vehicles may also show hail marks.
- If you have temporary repairs (tarps, boards), show receipts and explain why they were necessary.
We recommend having your contractor (or one you trust) present during the adjuster’s inspection contractors can speak the same technical language and ensure the adjuster documents all storm-related damage the way a repair scope should be written. This collaboration reduces overlooked items and back-and-forth later.
Understand estimates, depreciation, and recoverable amounts
Insurance payouts often involve:
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) the value of the roof today after depreciation.
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV) the full cost to replace the roof (may require receipts or completed work to recover RCV after ACV is paid).
- Recoverable depreciation some policies reimburse depreciation after the work is completed and invoices provided.
Ask your adjuster which method they used and keep a copy of the estimate. If the payment seems low, don’t panic documented contractor estimates and a scope that matches the storm damage can justify an increased settlement.
Watch for common claim pitfalls
- Admitting preexisting damage: Be careful not to say the roof was “already leaking” before the storm that can be used to deny a claim. Stick to observable facts.
- Ignoring small damage: Small hail bruises become leaks later. If a professional finds any hail impact, file the claim. Stay Dry Roofing always recommends inspection after every hail storm.
- Hiring the first low bid: Cheap materials or uninsured contractors can create problems during insurance repair and later with workmanship claims. Check credentials and insurance.
Choosing the right contractor
When selecting a contractor to complete repairs:
- Verify licensing and adequate liability insurance.
- Ask for references and recent local projects.
- Confirm they have experience documenting work for insurance (photos, scope, materials list).
- Avoid “storm-chaser” crews that pressure homeowners with quick promises and high upfront payments.
We follow industry best practices: thorough documentation, clear scopes of work, and open communication with both homeowners and insurers to make the repair and payout process predictable.
If you disagree with the adjuster
If the insurer’s estimate misses storm-related items or undervalues materials, you can:
- Provide your contractor’s written estimate and the professional inspection report.
- Ask for a re-inspection, ideally with your contractor present.
- If needed, you can request an independent appraisal per your policy or ask a public adjuster to review the claim.
We’ll work with you through that process and help present the evidence needed to reach a fair settlement.
Final tips from our team
- File claims for verified hail damage delaying months can complicate proof.
- Keep detailed records of all communication.
- Use a contractor experienced in insurance documentation.
- Consider long-term value: insurance-paid repairs should restore both function and curb appeal.
At Stay Dry Roofing, our mission is to make insurance repairs clear, honest, and complete. If hail has recently hit your neighborhood and you suspect roof damage, schedule a professional inspection we’ll document the damage, explain your policy options, and help you present a strong claim to your insurance company. Visit our website or call our office to get started.