Hail damage to your home and roof is usually covered by homeowners insurance, though coverage depends on your location, the nature of the damage, and the specific terms outlined in your policy.
Key Takeaways
- Most homeowners insurance policies include coverage for roof damage or collapse caused by hail.
- If you live in a region frequently hit by severe storms, you might be required to carry a separate windstorm and hail policy.
- To help reduce hail-related damage, consider installing impact-resistant shingles and windows designed to withstand strong winds.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for hail and wind damage to your home’s structure and other buildings on your property, such as a garage or shed. If a hailstorm damages your roof or siding, your policy will typically help pay to repair or replace those materials.
Coverage often extends to the interior of your home and personal belongings if the damage results from a compromised roof or wall during the same storm. If hail or wind causes a tree to fall on your house or other covered structures, your policy may also cover the resulting damage.
If your home becomes uninhabitable due to hail or wind damage, your policy’s additional living expenses (ALE) coverage may apply. ALE helps cover costs like hotel stays, extra food, and transportation while you’re displaced.
Once your claim is approved, you’ll need to pay the deductible listed in your policy before your insurer covers the remaining costs. Always review your policy to understand your coverage limits.
When Doesn’t Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
If your homeowners insurance policy includes a wind and hail exclusion, it won’t cover damage caused by those perils. In areas frequently hit by severe storms, insurers may reduce coverage for wind or hail damage or exclude it entirely from your policy.
Additionally, the deductible for windstorm or hail damage may differ from the one applied to other covered events. It’s important to understand these differences before filing a claim.
If your current coverage is limited or doesn’t include protection against wind and hail, here are some options to consider:
- Buy a separate windstorm and hail policy: Private insurers may offer standalone policies specifically for wind and hail damage.
- Apply for your state’s FAIR plan: Some states provide access to wind insurance through a Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan, often considered a last-resort option. For instance, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Agency helps residents in certain counties secure coverage when other options aren’t available.
- Add an endorsement to your existing policy: You might be able to include windstorm or hail coverage as an endorsement to your current homeowners policy. This add-on may come with its own separate deductible.
Understanding Wind and Hail Deductibles
A wind or hail deductible is distinct from the standard deductible in your homeowners insurance policy. Depending on your state, this deductible is usually calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value or as a fixed dollar amount.
When filing a claim for wind or hail damage, you’ll need to pay this deductible before your insurer covers the remaining costs.
Example: With a 1% wind/hail deductible on a home insured for $250,000, your out-of-pocket cost would be $2,500.
Which States Are Most at Risk for Hailstorms?
The NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory identifies “Hail Alley” — where Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming converge — as a region historically hit hardest by hail.
In 2023, the Insurance Information Institute ranked Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and Missouri as the top five states for severe hail storms.
Research from insurance rating bureau Verisk reveals that hail is beginning to affect regions that previously saw little to no hail activity, including parts of California.
Even if you don’t live in a high-risk area, it’s wise to prepare for potential storm damage to your home.
How Can I Prevent Hail Damage?
While you can’t control when hail strikes or how severe a storm will be, there are practical steps you can take to reduce potential damage:
- Park vehicles under cover: Use a garage or carport if available to shield your car from hail. In high-risk areas, consider inflatable car covers for added protection. If you’re caught off guard, layering blankets over your windshield may help minimize damage.
- Inspect your roof regularly: Hail damage can be hard to spot, so routine roof checks are essential. Look for loose or damaged shingles and make repairs before a storm hits.
- Upgrade to impact-resistant roofing: Even if you don’t live in a hail-prone area, switching to stronger roofing materials can make your home more resilient. Some insurers offer discounts for this upgrade. Standard shingles typically withstand hail up to 2 inches in diameter, but according to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, 15% of severe hailstorms in 2023 produced hailstones larger than that.
- Secure your windows: Close blinds and shades to reduce damage from shattered glass. If you’re replacing windows, consider wind-resistant options for added protection.
- Maintain your trees: Trim branches regularly and remove any trees showing signs of disease. This helps prevent falling limbs from damaging your home during a storm.
- Anchor outdoor items: Before a storm, secure or store patio furniture, plants, and other loose items. Anything not properly anchored can become hazardous in high winds.