Hail can damage shingles in ways that are difficult to see without a close inspection. Wind can lift, crease, or loosen roofing materials even when the roof appears intact from the driveway.
That is one reason wind and hail claims often turn into disputes over causation. The insurance company may say the damage is cosmetic, caused by age or wear, the result of installation problems, or unrelated to the reported storm.
We review the physical evidence, the policy, the inspection findings, and the available weather information to determine whether the insurance company’s position is supported by the facts.
Common Issues in Wind and Hail Claims
“Cosmetic” damage. The insurance company may take the position that hail marks, granule loss, or other visible damage affect only appearance and do not impair the roof’s function. Whether that is correct depends on the type and extent of the damage, the roofing system, and the policy.
Mechanical or installation damage. Damage may be attributed to foot traffic, improper installation, maintenance, or other non-storm causes. A close inspection can help determine whether the condition is consistent with wind, hail, or something else.
Repair versus replacement. The insurance company may estimate for limited repairs when the property owner or contractor believes replacement is necessary. The answer can depend on the extent of the damage, whether repairs can be performed effectively, applicable building requirements, and the terms of the policy.
Disputes over the date of loss. The insurance company may argue that the damage came from an earlier storm or developed over time. Weather records, photographs, inspection findings, and the condition of surrounding properties can all become important.
How We Review Wind and Hail Damage
We start with the condition of the property and the insurance company’s explanation for what it did or did not pay.
That may include reviewing photographs of each roof slope, inspection reports, contractor estimates, engineering reports, weather records, and information about the reported date of loss.
When causation is disputed, we look closely at how the inspection was performed and whether the conclusions are supported by the physical evidence.
We also review the scope of repair. Even when the insurance company acknowledges storm damage, there may still be disagreements over how much of the roof or property must be repaired, what materials are required, and what the work should cost.
The goal is to determine whether the claim was evaluated based on the actual storm damage and the coverage provided by the policy.