A hailstorm just moved through Indianapolis. Your neighbors are getting their roofs inspected, and contractors are canvassing the neighborhood. Here is what hail damage looks like, when it matters, and how the insurance inspection actually works.
What Hail Damage Looks Like on Shingles
Hail damage is not always obvious from the ground. Look for:
- Circular dents or bruises in the shingle surface. These show up as dark spots where the hail compressed the asphalt and displaced granules.
- Granule loss in a random, speckled pattern. Unlike normal aging where granule loss is uniform, hail damage creates distinct impact points across the roof.
- Cracked or split shingles. Large hail (1 inch or bigger) can crack shingles outright, especially on older roofs where the material is brittle.
- Dents on metal roof vents, flashing, and gutters. If your aluminum vents have dents, the shingles likely have damage too. Shingles just show it less obviously.
You will not see this from the street. You need to be on the roof or use binoculars to check slopes from the ground.
When Hail Damage Actually Matters
Not all hail damage requires roof replacement. Insurance adjusters look for:
- Number of dents per 100 square feet (one square). Most insurers require 8-12 hits per square before approving replacement. Fewer hits mean repair or denial.
- Whether the damage affects the roof's function. Cosmetic bruising that does not compromise the shingle seal or waterproofing might not meet the threshold for coverage.
- Consistency across multiple slopes. If only one slope shows damage, the claim is weaker than damage across the entire roof.
One or two dents do not mean automatic replacement. The adjuster is looking for widespread functional impairment, not isolated cosmetic marks.
How the Insurance Inspection Works
Here is the typical process after you file a hail damage claim:
- You call your insurance carrier and file a claim. They assign an adjuster and schedule an inspection, typically within 5-10 business days.
- The adjuster inspects the roof. They measure the damaged area, count hits per square, photograph the damage, and check gutters, vents, and other components.
- The adjuster writes a report and estimate. If the damage meets their threshold, they approve payment for replacement minus your deductible. If it does not, they deny or offer a partial settlement for repairs.
- You hire a contractor and submit invoices. Most policies pay actual cash value (depreciation deducted) up front, then release the recoverable depreciation after the work is completed and invoiced.
Should You Get a Contractor Inspection First?
Yes, for two reasons:
- You want to know if filing a claim is worth it before it goes on your record. If the damage is minimal and unlikely to meet the threshold, filing a claim that gets denied can still affect your rates. A contractor inspection (free from most companies) tells you whether you have a case.
- The contractor can be present during the adjuster inspection. Adjusters work for the insurance company, not you. A contractor who knows what to look for can point out damage the adjuster might miss or downplay.
Do not hire the contractor before the claim is filed, and do not sign anything that commits you to using them for the work. A legitimate contractor will inspect for free and wait until the claim is approved before asking for a contract.
Avoiding Storm-Chaser Scams
After every hailstorm, unlicensed contractors canvass neighborhoods offering "free inspections" and pressuring homeowners to sign contracts immediately. Red flags:
- They show up unsolicited and pressure you to sign today.
- They offer to waive your deductible. This is insurance fraud.
- They ask you to sign a contract before the insurance claim is approved. Once you sign, you are committed even if the claim is denied.
- They have an out-of-state address or no local office. They will be gone when you need warranty work.
Legitimate contractors provide a free inspection, document the damage with photos, and wait for claim approval before asking for a signed agreement.
The Bottom Line
If hail hit your neighborhood, get a professional roof inspection before you file a claim. If the damage is real and meets the threshold, file promptly. Most policies have a one-year window from the date of loss. If it is borderline or cosmetic only, you might be better off skipping the claim and monitoring the roof for actual functional problems.
We do free hail damage inspections with photos and documentation, including the high-hail corridor through Fishers and Noblesville. Our storm damage inspection page covers exactly what we document for a claim. Call (317) 760-2666 or schedule your free hail inspection.