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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wind and Hail Damage?

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

What Wind and Hail Damage Typically Involves

Wind and hail storms can cause significant exterior damage to your home. High winds may tear off shingles, lift flashing, or cause trees to fall. Hail can pockmark siding, crack roof tiles, and break windows. This damage often creates openings that allow water to enter your home, which can lead to interior water damage and mold if not addressed quickly.

The extent of damage depends on the storm's severity. A minor hailstorm might only dent gutters, while a severe one can compromise your roof's integrity. After such an event, a thorough inspection is crucial to identify all compromised areas. Moisture can quickly worsen any breach in your home's envelope, leading to more extensive problems.

Understanding Your Policy's Specifics

You must read your policy declarations page and exclusions section. Some policies cover wind damage but exclude hail, or vice versa, though this is less common. More frequently, policies in certain regions may have a separate, higher deductible specifically for wind or hail claims. This deductible is often a percentage of your home's value, not a flat dollar amount.

Your policy may also have limitations on coverage for certain types of siding or older roofing materials. It is essential to know these details before a storm hits. Contact your insurance agent to clarify your coverage limits and deductibles. Remember, policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Do not assume a specific repair is covered without confirmation.

  • Review your policy's declarations page for covered perils.
  • Check for a separate wind or hail deductible, often 1% to 5% of your home's value.
  • Look for any exclusions related to cosmetic damage from hail.
  • Note any requirements for roof age or material to maintain coverage.
  • Understand your duty to mitigate further damage after a storm.
  • Confirm whether living expenses are covered if your home is uninhabitable.

The Claims Process for Storm Damage

If your home sustains damage, your first step is to prevent further harm. This means placing tarps over roof holes or boarding up broken windows. Take extensive photos and videos of all damage, both close-up and from a distance, before making any temporary repairs. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim. Create a detailed list of all damaged items and areas.

Next, contact your insurance company to start the claim. An adjuster will be assigned to inspect the damage. It is often wise to get your own independent assessment from a local water damage pro. Their detailed report on the cause and extent of damage can support your claim. Keep all receipts for temporary repairs and materials, as these costs may be reimbursable.

When Water Damage Follows the Storm

Wind and hail damage frequently leads to water intrusion. A compromised roof or window allows rain to enter walls, ceilings, and insulation. This hidden moisture can cause structural rot and mold growth within days. Addressing the water damage promptly is as important as fixing the exterior hole. Mold remediation is a separate, complex process that may not be fully covered.

Local water damage pros can perform a moisture inspection to find all wet areas. They use specialized equipment like thermal cameras and moisture meters. Their documentation provides a clear record for the cause-and-effect chain from the storm to the interior damage. This professional assessment strengthens your insurance claim for the full scope of necessary repairs, including structural drying and potential mold prevention.

Managing Repairs and Working with Pros

Do not hire the first contractor who knocks on your door after a storm. Seek reputable professionals for specific trades: a roofer for roof repair, a siding contractor for siding, and water damage restoration pros for interior drying. Get multiple written estimates that detail the scope of work. Ensure the contractors carry appropriate insurance.

Your insurance adjuster will provide a claim settlement amount. You can use this to pay your chosen contractors. The pros handle the physical restoration, from structural drying to rebuilding. You manage the communication and payments. Keep a file of all correspondence with your insurer and contractors. If disputes arise over coverage, you may need to consult a public adjuster or an attorney.

Water damage does not wait

Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.

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Frequently asked questions

Does insurance cover the water damage from a roof leak caused by hail?

Often, yes. If the hail is a covered peril and it directly caused the roof leak, the resulting water damage is typically covered. You must prove the chain of events. Document the hail damage and the subsequent leak thoroughly. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

What if my claim is denied or underpaid?

Request a detailed explanation in writing from your insurer. Review your policy to see if the denial matches the exclusions. You can provide additional evidence, like a pro's inspection report, and ask for a re-inspection. If unresolved, you may file a complaint with your state's insurance department or seek legal advice.

How can I prepare my home for wind and hail storms?

Trim trees away from your house and secure loose items like patio furniture. Ensure your roof is in good repair and consider impact-resistant roofing materials if replacing it. Know how to shut off your utilities. Keep your insurance agent's contact information and your policy number in a safe, accessible place.

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