Hail damage on a roof: what counts and what to do

What to do, in order

1. From the ground, check soft metals: gutter downspout bottoms, vent covers, AC condenser fins. Dents = hail big enough to matter.
2. Photograph everything dated: yard evidence (potted plants shredded, car dings) supports the timeline.
3. Check the attic after any storm with reported hail: daylight pinholes and wet insulation confirm penetration.
4. Book an INDEPENDENT inspector ($150–$350) before roofing companies. Their report is the honest baseline; contractor inspections are sales instruments.
5. File or don't file with math: claim only if damage exceeds deductible by a comfortable margin — small claims still count against you at renewal in many states.
6. If claiming: meet the adjuster with your independent report in hand.

Red flags — stop and call a pro

• Contractors offering to 'cover your deductible' — illegal in most states, fraudulent everywhere
• Door-to-door crews the day after a storm with 'today only' pricing — the CL-study classic
• Bruised shingles left unfixed — each bruise is a future leak at the granule loss point; act within the season

Prevention

Impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles on the next replacement — many insurers discount premiums for them in hail states, and they survive storms that destroy standard 3-tab.

This guide is maintained by the ee.ltd editorial team — reviewed for 2026. Browse all home repair guides or compare roofing costs.

Related guides

• Roof leaking now: how to contain it until the roofer comes
• Shingles curling or cracking: repair, section, or replace?
• Wind damaged shingles: the 72-hour checklist for insurance
• Gutters overflowing: 4 root causes (it's not always leaves)

What this repair typically costs

• Roof repair cost guide
• Asphalt roof replacement cost guide
• Metal roof installation cost guide
• Roof inspection cost guide