“Hail damage” is a broad term and can refer to anything from a few dents in the hood of your car to a caved-in roof. As a result, wading through the fine print of insurance policies feels a little overwhelming at times. How much hail damage does your homeowner’s insurance actually cover, and how can you receive the maximum amount of coverage? Here is what you need to know.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
In a nutshell, the answer to this question is “yes.” Pretty much every homeowner’s insurance policy covers hail damage to a certain extent. After all, hail damage is extremely common in most areas. The important thing to remember here is that while most basic homeowners insurance covers structures, it doesn’t necessarily cover landscaping. So, make sure you research exactly what your provider will help with. Roof? Overhangs? Sheds? If landscaping is a big deal to you, look for an insurance provider who will help with the whole scene.
States and Stipulations
While you can assume that your insurance provider will help you pay for hail damage to some extent, details matter. Keep the following things in mind.
1. Coverage varies from state to state.
In addition to varying based on provider and package, each state also has a different set of standards when it comes to hail damage. Why? Well, not every state sees hail regularly. Hurricane insurance in Kansas won’t look the same as it does in Florida, and the same is true of hail. Take the time to research how often your state receives hail to determine what type of insurance package you need.
2. Premiums might be higher in an area prone to hail.
Additionally, keep in mind that premiums are likely to be higher in states or cities that see a lot of hail. After all, if an insurance company knows that they’ll have to pay out lots of money for hail damage at some point, they will want to collect more money ahead of time. Some areas make you pay a separate deductible for hail damage. However, your monthly premium will not increase after a payout the way it would after a car accident because hail damage is not necessarily preventable.
3. Not every policy covers cosmetic issues.
Make sure to read the fine print; some policies only cover structural damage (leaks, missing shingles, etc.). If the damage is cosmetic (chipped paint or cracked shingle), you might be out of luck.
4. Exceptions may apply to coverage if wind and water damage also occurred.
Where things start to get hairy is when damage to your home could have been caused by a variety of things. Did wind damage ruin your roof, or is hail damage to blame? This is one reason it is a good idea to hire a professional storm damage assessment company to help you with insurance claims.
How to Receive Maximum Coverage for Your Hail Damage
Of course, whether your insurance company is reliable or not, many try to find loopholes so as to reduce their payout. To protect your home and receive maximum coverage for hail damage, take the following steps.
- Do your research regarding both location and policy.
- Take pictures before hail damage occurs so that you can prove that your roof or home was not damaged prior to the storm.
- Hire a professional storm damage assessor to help you navigate insurance claims.
The above-mentioned tips are the best ways to ensure that you receive what is owed to you and that your home stays happy, healthy, and protected.
How Can DMRG Help You?
Disaster Management Recovery Group is here to assess your storm damage and determine the next step. If you need a roofing evaluation or have suffered exterior damage due to storms or other natural disasters, contact us and schedule a storm damage evaluation and start on the road to recovery
