1. Hail Doesn’t Always Look Serious—But It Can Be
Small hailstones may only dent shingles or scatter granules, but these seemingly minor effects can degrade your roof’s integrity over time—leading to leaks, structural damage, or mold growth. Even “minor” damage is worth inspecting.
2. Commercial vs. Residential Policies: What Gets Covered?
- Commercial Insurance: Most standard commercial property policies include coverage for hail damage (and tornado impacts) — but how that coverage applies (repair vs. full replacement) depends on roofing materials, damage severity, and policy details.
- Residential Insurance: Coverage can vary more widely. Many policies shift from Replacement Cost Value (RCV) to Actual Cash Value (ACV) as the roof ages—sometimes as early as 10–15 years. This means depreciation might drastically reduce your payout.
3. When Does Hail Damage Trigger a Replacement?
Key factors:
- Extent of Damage: If hail fractures the shingle’s mat, strips granules, cracks asphalt, or compromises underlying layers—insurers are more likely to approve full replacement.
- Roof Age & Policy Type: Newer roofs under RCV policies stand a stronger chance of full replacement. Older roofs under ACV require you to cover depreciation. Source
- Deductible Structure: Some insurers now impose elevated deductibles specifically for wind or hail damage, which can significantly affect out-of-pocket cost—even when damage qualifies for replacement. Source
4. Pro Tips: Don’t Wait, Document & Act
- Immediate Inspection: Bring in a qualified roofing professional for an official assessment right after the storm.
- Document Everything: Before-and-after photos, videos, and written damage logs can be critical.
- Engage Early with Adjuster: Prompt contact improves likelihood of coverage and ensures damage isn’t later deemed “pre-existing.”
- Look for Impact-Resistant Upgrades: Many insurers offer RCV coverage or discounts for hail-resistant materials.
5. Consequences of Ignoring Damage
Failing to repair hail damage can make your property ineligible for insurance renewal in the future—or may lead to claim denial if you file for new damage after an old issue wasn’t fixed.
Summary Table
| Factor | What Triggers Replacement? |
|---|---|
| Roof Damage | Cracked/missing shingles, granule loss, dented exposure areas |
| Policy Type (RCV vs. ACV) | RCV policies for newer roofs favor replacement; ACV reduces payout due to depreciation |
| Age of Roof | Older roofs face depreciation penalties; some policies limit full coverage for roofs over 10–15 years old |
| Deductible Terms | Higher wind/hail deductibles may increase out-of-pocket cost |
| Documentation | Critical for proving damage and securing a fair claim |
If you suspect hail damage to your roof, contact us at our homepage. We will help you determine if you should file a claim, and manage the entire claims process for you.