After a hailstorm, not all damage is obvious from the ground. Here's how to spot hail damage, document it correctly, and build a strong case with your insurance company.
Hailstorms come and go in a matter of minutes, but the damage to your roof can take weeks or months to become obvious. Many homeowners miss the initial damage assessment window with their insurance company because they don't know what to look for. Here's what you need to know to spot hail damage, document it properly, and make sure your insurance claim reflects the full extent of the damage.
What hail damage looks like on different roofing materials
On asphalt shingles:
Indentations or dents in the shingles (sometimes hard to see, but feel with your hand)
Cracked or bruised shingles with soft spots where granules have been knocked off
Black streaks or exposed underlayment where the asphalt has been damaged
Shingles that look freshly weathered or aged compared to the rest of the roof
Splits along the grain of the shingles, especially at the edges
On metal roofing:
Visible dents or dimples in the metal panels (even small ones count)
Crease marks or paint damage where hail hit
Fasteners that are loose or pushed down into the roof
Seams that have been compromised or are opening
On gutters and downspouts:
Dents, dimples, or creases in the metal
Holes or punctures where large hail pieces broke through
Paint damage or exposed metal where the finish has been stripped
Act quickly: Most insurance policies require you to report damage within 30–60 days of the event. Wait too long and your claim might be denied, or the adjuster will claim the damage came from something else. If you see hail, contact your insurance company the same day if possible.
Step-by-step documentation guide
Take photos and video: Capture the damage from multiple angles and in good lighting. Close-ups of individual damaged shingles, wide shots of the roof pattern, and detail shots of gutters all help. Video is especially useful because it shows the overall scope.
Date and location: Include timestamps on your photos and note the specific area of the roof (north side, south-facing section, near chimney, etc.)
Compare to adjacent areas: Photograph damaged shingles next to undamaged ones so the difference is obvious.
Document the weather event: Save your local weather reports, insurance adjuster reports, and news coverage of the storm. These create a record that hail occurred in your area on that date.
Get estimates from professionals: Don't just document damage—get written repair estimates from licensed contractors. This gives your insurance company a concrete number to work with.
Keep records: Save all emails, texts, photos, and documentation in a folder dedicated to this claim.
Working with the insurance adjuster
When the adjuster arrives, walk the roof with them and point out every area of damage. Insurance adjusters inspect thousands of claims, and they're generally honest—but they're also focused on keeping claims costs down. Having your own documentation means:
You have evidence of damage even if the adjuster downplays it
You can refer back to your photos if the adjuster misses something
You can request a second inspection if you disagree with their assessment
You have contractor estimates to reference if the insurance company's quote seems low
You have the right to hire a public adjuster or a contractor's representative (at no cost to you) to advocate on your behalf. Many insurance companies expect this, especially for larger claims.
Common reasons hail damage claims get denied
No documentation of the damage or long delay in reporting it
Damage claimed that doesn't match the storm track (insurance companies map where hail fell)
Pre-existing damage that looks similar to hail damage
Failure to get professional assessment and estimates
Unclear communication with the adjuster about the scope of damage
At Relentless Roofing Endeavors, we provide same-day damage assessments and detailed photo documentation after major storms. We work directly with insurance adjusters and help our customers navigate the claims process. If you've experienced hail in the San Antonio or Hill Country area, call us at (210) 900-8708 for a professional assessment. We'll document everything and give you a clear estimate of repair costs—no obligations.
Call or text (210) 900-8708 for a free estimate.