After a hailstorm, wait until conditions are safe, check people and pets, and look for urgent hazards such as broken glass, downed lines, active leaks, or structural damage. Photograph the overall property before close-ups, make only safe temporary measures to prevent additional damage, save receipts, and contact your insurance carrier or licensed agent for instructions specific to your policy.
What should you do first?
Treat safety as the first inspection. Stay away from downed lines, unstable trees, flooded areas, broken glass, and damaged roofing. Call emergency services for immediate threats. Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof.
How should you photograph storm damage?
Start with wide photos that show the address and overall scene. Then capture each affected side of the home, roofline from the ground, windows, siding, gutters, outdoor equipment, fencing, and vehicles. Add close-ups only after context photos.
- Photograph before moving or cleaning items when safe
- Record date and approximate time
- Keep original files and back them up
- Include a ruler or familiar object only when safe and useful
- Write a short factual note for each damaged area
What temporary steps are reasonable?
Only take measures you can complete safely, such as placing a container under an interior drip or covering a broken window opening from indoors. Avoid permanent repairs before you understand documentation and inspection needs. Keep every receipt.
Who should you contact?
Contact your insurance carrier or licensed agent for policy-specific reporting instructions. If you need emergency mitigation or inspection, verify contractor identity, scope, licensing or registration where applicable, and written terms. Do not sign under pressure.
What should you avoid?
Avoid promising a cause or dollar amount you cannot verify, discarding damaged items too early, making unsafe inspections, or assuming what a policy covers. Coverage, deductibles, duties, and timelines depend on the actual policy and circumstances.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Should I get on the roof to photograph hail damage?+
No. Photograph from the ground or a safe window. Use a qualified professional if a close roof inspection is needed.
Should I throw damaged items away?+
Not until you have documented them and confirmed with your carrier what records or inspection may be needed, unless an item creates an immediate health or safety hazard.
Does hail damage mean my insurance will pay for a new roof?+
Not necessarily. Coverage and settlement depend on the policy, cause, condition, deductible, inspection, and other facts. Ask your carrier or licensed agent about your situation.
Sources & further reading
Accessed and reviewed Sep 10, 2026. Time-sensitive details should be confirmed at the source.
National Weather Service Norman — severe weather safety↗Ready.gov — severe weather↗