First-Party Hail Damage Claims
Protecting Homeowners After Severe Storms – William McBride Law Group
When a severe rainstorm hits, it can leave behind more than just a mess—especially when hail is involved. Hail can batter roofs, loosen shingles, break gutters, and lead to serious structural issues over time. If your home suffered roof damage from hail, you may be relying on your homeowners insurance to cover the repairs. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to delay, underpay, or deny these claims, even when policyholders have done everything right. At William McBride Law Group, we help homeowners navigate 1st party insurance claims after hailstorms. If you’re struggling to get a fair settlement from your insurer for roof damage caused by hail, we’re here to help you stand up for what your policy promises.
What Is a First-Party Hail Damage Claim?
A first-party insurance claim is a claim you file with your own insurance company. In the case of hail damage to your roof, you’re relying on your homeowner’s insurance to pay for the cost of repairs or replacement, minus your deductible. These claims are supposed to provide peace of mind. You pay your premiums, and in return, your insurer steps in when disaster strikes. But too often, homeowners discover that the claims process is full of obstacles, from confusing paperwork to denied coverage that should be valid.
Common Types of Roof Damage Caused by Hail
Hail doesn’t have to be the size of a baseball to cause damage. Even smaller hailstones can lead to long-term roof problems. Here are a few common ways hail can damage your roof:
- Cracked or Missing Shingles: Hail can break or dislodge asphalt shingles, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks.
- Bruised Shingles: The impact can cause dents or bruises that weaken the integrity of your roof over time.
- Granule Loss: The granules on shingles protect your roof from UV damage. Hail can knock these off, accelerating wear and tear.
- Leaking Roofs: Once shingles are compromised, rain can find its way inside, causing water damage to your attic, ceilings, or walls.
- Damaged Flashing or Gutters: Hail often hits metal components like flashing and gutters, which can lead to drainage problems and further structural issues.
If you suspect your roof has been damaged by hail, it’s important to act quickly—even if the damage seems minor. Delays can complicate your insurance claim and may allow the damage to get worse.
What to Do After Your Roof Is Damaged by Hail
Filing a first-party hail damage claim can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re trying to manage the stress of home repairs. Here are some key steps to take:
1. Document the Damage
Take clear photos of your roof and surrounding property. Capture dents, broken shingles, and any water intrusion inside your home. Keep copies of any estimates or receipts related to repairs.
2. Review Your Insurance Policy
Look at the section of your policy that covers wind and hail damage. Make a note of exclusions, your deductible, and any deadlines for filing a claim.
3. File the Claim Promptly
Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Many policies require you to file within a certain timeframe after the storm.
4. Schedule an Inspection
Your insurer will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage. If possible, have a contractor or roofer present to provide a second opinion.
5. Don’t Accept the First Offer Without Review
Insurance companies often offer less than the full value of a roof repair or replacement. It’s okay to push back—especially if you have evidence the damage is more severe than their assessment.
Common Challenges With Hail Damage Claims
Homeowners often face resistance from insurance companies when filing roof damage claims. Some common tactics insurers may use include:
- Downplaying the Extent of Damage: An adjuster may say the damage is cosmetic or pre-existing to avoid paying for repairs.
- Claiming Negligence: The insurer might argue the damage was due to poor maintenance, not the hailstorm.
- Delays in Processing: Some insurance companies drag their feet, hoping claimants will give up or settle for less.
- Partial Denials or Lowball Offers: Instead of replacing the entire roof, the insurer might only approve patchwork repairs, even if a full replacement is necessary.
You have the right to question and appeal decisions that don’t align with the facts. Having a legal advocate on your side can make a major difference in how your claim is handled.
How William McBride Law Group Helps With First-Party Hail Claims
We understand how disruptive hail damage can be—especially when your home is your greatest investment. At William McBride Law Group, we step in when insurance companies don’t hold up their end of the deal. Here’s how we help:
Thorough Review of Your Policy
We’ll go over your insurance policy with you and explain what is—and isn’t—covered. We’ll identify any clauses your insurer may try to use to reduce your payout.
Independent Damage Assessments
We can coordinate with roofing experts and contractors to provide a detailed report on the actual condition of your roof. This can be used to challenge inaccurate assessments by your insurer.
Negotiation With Insurance Companies
We’ll handle communication and negotiation with your insurer on your behalf. Our goal is to recover the full amount needed to repair or replace your roof, not just a portion.
Litigation When Necessary
If your insurance company continues to deny or underpay your claim in bad faith, we’re prepared to take the matter to court. We build strong cases based on evidence, policy language, and state law to hold insurers accountable.
Your Rights Under the Law
Insurance companies have a legal obligation to treat policyholders fairly. This includes:
- Processing claims promptly
- Conducting a reasonable investigation
- Paying valid claims without unnecessary delay
- Providing written reasons for denials
If your insurance company violates these duties, it may be acting in bad faith. In such cases, you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond the original value of your claim.
We Handle Claims Across the State
Whether you’re in a major metro area or a smaller community, we’re here to help. Roof damage from hail doesn’t discriminate based on ZIP code, and neither do we. We help homeowners across the state stand up to insurance companies that delay, deny, or underpay.
Even if your insurehas r already closed your claim or issued a payment that doesn’t cover your repair costs, you may still have options. We can review your situation and help you decide your next steps.
No Upfront Costs – We Only Get Paid If You Do
We believe everyone should have access to legal help after a storm damages their home. That’s why we handle hail damage cases on a contingency basis. You won’t pay any upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hail Damage Claims
How long do I have to file a hail damage claim?
It depends on your policy, but many insurance companies require claims to be filed within a certain period—often one year from the date of the storm. Don’t wait to take action.
What if my insurance company says the damage is cosmetic?
Some policies cover cosmetic damage, especially if it affects the function or lifespan of your roof. We can review your policy language and help you dispute an unfair denial.
Can I reopen a claim if the insurance company didn’t pay enough?
In many cases, yes. If new damage is discovered or if the initial payout was too low, you may be able to reopen the claim or file a supplemental claim.
Do I need a lawyer for a hail damage claim?
You’re not required to hire a lawyer—but many homeowners find it helpful when insurance companies start playing games. We can protect your rights and deal with the insurer for you.
Talk to a Hail Damage Insurance Lawyer Today
You paid for peace of mind. You deserve to get what you were promised. If your insurance company is making the claims process more difficult than it should be, we can step in.
At William McBride Law Group, we help homeowners get fair compensation for roof damage after hailstorms. Our team is here to listen, evaluate your situation, and guide you through the process—every step of the way.
Call us today for a free consultation. Let’s talk about how we can help with your hail damage insurance claim.