7 Steps to Take After a Hailstorm: Protect Your Property & Handle Your Insurance Claim

Hailstorms they come fast, hit hard, and leave behind millions of dollars in damage. And according to a new study from Northern Illinois University, climate change is only making things worse. With hailstones growing larger and storms becoming more severe, some states are at higher risk than ever before. Today, I’m breaking down seven steps you should take after a hailstorm to protect your property and handle your insurance claim the smart way.

1. Take Photos of the Damage Right Away

First, start with lots of pictures. Pull out your phone and take photos or videos of all the damage—roof, siding, windows, and vehicles. Your insurance company will want a full record. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be clear.

2. Prevent Things From Getting Worse

Next, you must mitigate additional damage. If your roof is leaking or your car’s windshield is cracked, take steps to prevent more damage—use tarps, boards, or covers. Insurers often expect you to limit further harm, or they might reduce your payout.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company or Agent

Third, if you work with an independent insurance agent, get in touch with them as soon as possible. They can walk you through your options and help you decide the best way to move forward.

Now, if you’re with a large national carrier like State Farm, Farmers, or USAA, things work a bit differently. Many of those companies won’t offer advice before opening a claim they just open the file and start the process. That’s why it’s often smart to get an estimate first. If the repair costs are lower than your deductible, filing a claim could result in a zero-dollar payout, and unfortunately, even a zero-dollar claim can still affect your rates.

Independent agencies like Trailstone will help you figure out whether a claim makes sense before you officially file it so you don’t risk filing a claim that increases your rates unnecessarily. Either way, don’t delay. If you wait too long to address the damage, your claim could be denied for not making timely repairs.

4. Understand Your Deductibles

Check your policy for wind or hail deductibles. They’re often a percentage of your home’s value. So, if you’ve got a 2% deductible on a $300,000 home, that’s $6,000 out of pocket. For a hail claim on your car, comprehensive coverage is what you’ll need.

5. Be Cautious With Contractors Who Show Up Unsolicited

After a hailstorm, it’s common for contractors—often called ‘storm chasers’ or ‘door knockers’ to show up uninvited. Don’t let them pressure you into anything. And avoid signing documents on the spot or letting anyone climb onto your roof without doing your homework.

Instead, be proactive reach out to local roofing companies yourself, get multiple estimates, and check their reviews for credibility. Another thing to be aware of with roofers don’t give any contractor permission to file an insurance claim on your behalf until you’re confident it’s the right move for you.

6. Ask for Clarification on Your Settlement

Once the adjuster has done their walkthrough, ask for an itemized breakdown. If something seems off, ask questions. You’re entitled to know how they calculated your payment.

7. Don’t Rush Into Accepting the First Offer

Initial estimates are rarely the final word. If repairs reveal more damage, your contractor can submit a supplement. If the insurance company’s initial offer seems too low, you can negotiate just be sure to support your case with quotes from trusted contractors.

To Wrap Up

The truth is, dealing with storm damage isn’t fun, but knowing what to do makes it manageable. Stay safe out there, and remember… you don’t have to figure this out alone. Give us a call here at Trailstone, we are happy to help even if you’re not a customer.