Living in Minnesota, we’re familiar with how severe the weather can be here at times, along with the type of damage that it can cause. Hail can end up causing anything from minor dents to cracked shingles and structural issues. If your roof has been hit by hail, it’s essential to act quickly and file an insurance claim for repairs.
If you’ve experienced hail damage that is significant enough to file a claim, we’ll discuss what you can expect during the hail damage roof insurance claim process in Minnesota.
A Simple Guide To The Hail Damage Roof Insurance Claim Process In Minnesota
Here is a brief overview of what’s involved when it comes to filing a hail damage insurance claim.
#1. Assessing Hail Damage
Identifying the extent of your roof’s damage is the first step in making an insurance claim for hail damage. Identifying hail damage can be challenging, particularly if you are not familiar with the symptoms. Hiring a contractor who has experience with hail damage can be beneficial at this point in that they’ll be able to provide a detailed inspection and report. Many of them even have experience with insurance claims and can walk you through the process.
#2. Document the Damage
Documenting the damage in great detail is the first step in the claims process. Make sure you capture as many high-quality pictures and videos as you can of the damaged sections of your roof from different perspectives.
You’ll want close-up pictures that display the hail-related dents, cracks, or missing shingles. Along with any additional property damage, like broken windows, dented siding, or damaged vehicles, don’t forget to record the date and time of the hailstorm.
#3. Review Your Insurance Policy
Before proceeding with the claim, carefully take a look at your homeowner’s insurance policy. You’ll want to be familiar with it in order to understand the level of coverage, deductibles, and any specific requirements or exclusions related to hail damage.
Make sure to note whether there’s a separate deductible for wind and hail damage or if it’s included in the standard one. Also, check if there’s a timeframe for notifying the insurance company after the hailstorm.
- Coverage: Check if hail damage to your roof is covered and be aware of any limits or exclusions in your policy.
- Limits: Know the overall maximum amount your insurance will pay for repairs to understand the extent of your coverage.
- Exclusions: Review situations not covered by your policy to avoid surprises when filing a claim.
| Roof Damage Typically Covered by Homeowners Insurance | Roof Damage Typically Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance |
| 1. Smoke damage 2. Falling debris 3. Ice and snow damage 4. Fire damage 5. Hailstorms 6. High winds 7. Vandalism 8. Lightning strikes | 1. Damage caused by wear and tear 2. Maintenance issues 3. Pest infestations 4. Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance) 5. Gradual damage, like a small hole in the roof worsening over time 6. Earthquake damage (requires separate earthquake insurance) |
#4. Understanding Actual Cash Value (ACV) vs. Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
Ensure you understand whether you are receiving RCV or ACV coverage if you are buying a homeowners insurance policy or are considering filing a hail roof damage insurance claim.
> Actual Cash Value (ACV)
ACV is the value of an item or property when it was damaged or lost, accounting for depreciation. This means you receive the current value of the damaged property, which may be less than what you originally paid.
> Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
RCV, on the other hand, covers the cost of replacing or repairing the damaged property with a similar item of equal value without considering depreciation. This typically provides more comprehensive coverage but may come with higher premiums.
#5. Initiating the Insurance Claim Process
Once you have assessed the damage and reviewed your policy, it’s time to initiate the insurance claim process. Follow these comprehensive steps:
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company promptly after the hail event. Provide them with details of the damage and any evidence you have gathered. Be ready to share:
- Date and time of the hail event
- Location of your property
- Description of the damage to your home and other structures
- Estimated cost of repairs (if available)
Submit a Claim
After that, submit a claim to your insurance company with all necessary documentation, including:
- A detailed description of the overall damage, including the location and extent
- Photos of the damage that clearly show the hail impact on your roof, siding, and other affected areas
- A copy of your insurance policy
- A professional roof inspection report from a licensed and insured roofing contractor
#6. Schedule an Adjuster Inspection
Usually, an adjuster from your insurance company will come out to personally inspect the damage after you’ve filed the claim. This inspection is essential because it will establish the scope of coverage and the approximate cost of repairs. Some roofing companies will meet with the insurance adjuster to ensure that all the necessary damage is accounted for.
#7 Negotiate and Settle the Claim
Your insurance provider will make you a settlement offer after evaluating the estimates and the adjuster’s report. Carefully review this offer to ensure it includes all necessary repairs. If it is insufficient or does not sufficiently address the damage, negotiate for a fair settlement.
You may reject the offer and counter with more proof or estimates that back up your argument. In order to negotiate the best possible settlement, think about engaging a public adjuster, a certified specialist who works for you rather than the insurance company.
#8. Schedule the Repairs
Once your insurance company and you have reached a satisfactory settlement, it’s time to arrange for a reliable roofing contractor to perform the necessary repairs. To make sure you’re getting a fair price, thoroughly investigate potential contractors, verify their insurance, licenses, and reviews, and get multiple quotes.
Hire The Team At Clear Cut Xteriors For Help With Your Hail Damage Insurance Claim
Filing a hail damage roof insurance claim as a homeowner in Minnesota can be challenging, but following these steps can secure the compensation you deserve. If you are uncertain about any aspect of the process, consider professional assistance from a public adjuster or an attorney.
For expert help with your hail roof damage insurance claim, turn to Clear Cut Xteriors. Our dedicated team specializes in navigating the difficulties of insurance claims to ensure you get the maximum compensation and the quality service you need. Call us at (651) 340-3410 to learn more about how we can help you.
