The short answer
What Basic Insurance Usually Covers
Standard homeowners policies typically include hail as a covered peril. That means damage to the structure of your home, such as your roof, siding, and windows, is often included. If hail cracks your roof and water leaks in, the repair to the roof and the resulting water damage to ceilings and walls may be covered under the same claim.
However, coverage is not automatic for every situation. The age and condition of your roof can affect whether your insurer pays for a full replacement or only the depreciated value. Your deductible also plays a role. Read your policy's declarations page to see what your deductible is and what limits apply to dwelling coverage.
Coverage for Your Belongings
Hail can break windows and let rain into your living room, damaging furniture, electronics, and clothing. Personal property coverage, often called Contents coverage, is usually part of a basic policy, but the limit may be lower than you expect. Some policies cover belongings at actual cash value, which means depreciation is deducted from the payout.
If you have expensive items like a home office setup or high-end appliances, check whether your policy has sub-limits. For example, jewelry or collectibles might have separate caps. You may need to add a rider or endorsement to fully protect those items. If you are unsure, ask your insurance agent to explain your personal property limits.
- Take photos of damaged items before you throw anything away
- List each item with its approximate age and purchase price
- Keep receipts for temporary repairs, like tarping a roof
- Do not make permanent repairs before your insurer inspects the damage
- Move undamaged belongings to a dry area to prevent further harm
What to Do Right After Hail Hits
Your first step is to protect your home from more damage. If your roof is leaking, place a bucket under the drip and move furniture out of the way. You can cover a broken window with plywood or a tarp to keep rain out. These temporary measures are often your responsibility, and they help limit the overall damage.
Next, document everything. Take photos of the hail damage to your roof, siding, and windows, as well as any water stains on ceilings or walls. Keep a list of all damaged items, including their approximate value. This evidence will be useful when you file a claim with your insurance company.
When Water Damage Follows Hail
Hail often creates openings in your roof or windows, allowing rain to enter. That water can soak drywall, insulation, and flooring, leading to mold growth if not handled quickly. Once you notice water intrusion, you need to act fast to dry the area and remove wet materials. The longer moisture sits, the more damage it causes.
If the water damage is extensive, you may need professional help. Local water damage pros can assess the extent of the saturation and begin drying and sanitizing the affected areas. They can also help identify hidden moisture in walls and under flooring. If you live in Rockwall, keep a list of local restoration services handy before a storm hits.
Filing a Claim and Working with Your Insurer
Contact your insurance company as soon as you can to report the hail damage. They will guide you through their claims process, which may include sending an adjuster to inspect your property. Be prepared to describe the damage and provide the photos and lists you created. Keep records of all communication, including dates and names of people you speak with.
Your insurer may ask you to get repair estimates from contractors. You can choose any qualified professional to do the work, but you should get multiple bids to compare. The pros you hire will handle the restoration, but you are responsible for coordinating with your insurance company. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- File your claim promptly, but do not rush into permanent repairs
- Ask your insurer about deadlines for filing a claim
- Keep all receipts for temporary repairs and lodging if you cannot stay home
- Review your policy to understand your coverage limits and deductibles
- If you disagree with the settlement, you can appeal through your insurer's process
Talk to someone now
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (469) 698-4610Frequently asked questions
Does hail damage to my roof count as a separate claim from water damage?
Usually, hail damage and the resulting water damage are part of the same event. You file one claim for the hail storm, and the insurer covers both the roof repair and the interior water damage, as long as your policy includes both perils. Check your policy to confirm.
What if my roof was already old or damaged before the hail?
If your roof was in poor condition, your insurer may reduce the payout or deny the claim, arguing the damage was pre-existing. You should still file a claim and provide evidence of the hail impact, like photos of dents or holes. The insurer will assess the condition and decide what is covered.
Can I get help with water damage if my insurance claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you can still hire local water damage pros to dry and restore your home, but you will pay for those services yourself. The pros can document the damage and provide a report that might support an appeal with your insurer. Always keep your policy documents for reference.