Hailstorms are a fact of life in Central Minnesota. Every summer, powerful storms sweep across the region, leaving a trail of damaged roofs, dented siding, and stressed-out homeowners in their wake. If your home has been hit by hail, filing an insurance claim may feel overwhelming — but it doesn't have to be. This guide walks you through the entire process, from initial damage assessment to final payment, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: How Do You Document Hail Damage?
As soon as it's safe after a hailstorm, begin documenting the damage. This documentation is crucial for your insurance claim:
- Take photos and videos of all visible damage from the ground — damaged shingles, dented gutters, cracked siding, and any debris.
- Photograph your entire property, not just the obvious damage. Include all sides of your home, outbuildings, vehicles, and landscaping.
- Note the date and time of the storm, and save any weather alerts or news reports about the event.
- Document interior damage if water has entered your home — water stains, wet insulation, damaged belongings.
- Keep damaged materials if any shingles or other materials fell from your roof. These serve as physical evidence.
Step 2: When Should You Contact Your Insurance Company?
Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies have time limits for reporting storm damage — typically 30 to 60 days, though some are shorter. When you call:
- Provide your policy number and the date of the storm
- Describe the damage you've observed
- Ask about your deductible and coverage limits
- Request a claim number and the name of your assigned adjuster
- Ask about the timeline for the adjuster's inspection
Be factual and thorough in your description, but don't speculate about damage you haven't seen. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to conduct their own inspection.
Step 3: Why Should You Get a Professional Roof Inspection First?
Before the insurance adjuster visits, we strongly recommend having a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof. This is where working with an experienced local company like Midsota Roofing LLC makes a significant difference.
A professional roofer can identify damage that an untrained eye would miss. Hail damage to asphalt shingles, for example, often appears as subtle bruises that are easier to feel than to see. Wind damage may have loosened shingles that look intact from the ground but are no longer properly sealed.
At Midsota Roofing, our storm damage inspections include detailed photo documentation and a comprehensive damage report — exactly what insurance companies need to process your claim fairly.
Step 4: What Happens During the Adjuster's Inspection?
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and estimate the cost of repairs or replacement. Here are some important tips for this visit:
- Be present during the inspection if possible. You have the right to be there.
- Have your roofer present. Midsota Roofing can meet with your adjuster to walk them through the damage. This ensures nothing is overlooked and that the adjuster understands the full scope of work needed.
- Share your documentation — your photos, your roofer's inspection report, and any other evidence.
- Don't sign anything that waives your rights or agrees to a specific repair amount on the spot.
Step 5: How Do You Review the Estimate and Settlement?
After the inspection, your insurance company will provide a written estimate and settlement offer. Review this carefully:
- Compare the insurance estimate with your roofer's estimate. If there's a significant discrepancy, your roofer can help you understand why and whether a supplement request is appropriate.
- Understand the difference between ACV (Actual Cash Value) and RCV (Replacement Cost Value) policies. ACV policies deduct depreciation; RCV policies pay the full replacement cost once work is completed.
- If you disagree with the settlement, you have the right to request a re-inspection or file a formal dispute.
Step 6: How Do You Choose a Contractor for the Repairs?
Once your claim is approved, it's time to get the work done. Choose a reputable, local roofing contractor — not a storm chaser. Here's why working with a local company like Midsota Roofing matters:
- We're locally owned and based in Long Prairie — we're not going anywhere after the job is done.
- We carry full insurance and licensing to protect you.
- We provide warranty coverage on our workmanship.
- We handle supplement requests if additional damage is discovered during the project.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid With Hail Damage Claims?
- Don't wait too long to file. Insurance policies have deadlines, and damage worsens over time.
- Don't hire storm chasers. Out-of-town contractors who follow storms often do subpar work and disappear. Work with a trusted local company.
- Don't accept the first offer if it seems low. You have the right to negotiate and request supplements.
- Don't pay large deposits upfront. Reputable contractors don't require large upfront payments for insurance work.
- Don't sign over your insurance check. Maintain control of your claim funds.
How Can Midsota Roofing Help With Your Claim?
Navigating an insurance claim after hail damage shouldn't add more stress to an already stressful situation. Midsota Roofing LLC has helped homeowners across Central Minnesota — from St. Cloud and Sauk Centre to Brainerd and Alexandria — successfully navigate the insurance process and get their roofs restored to full protection.
Contact us today for a free hail damage inspection. We'll help you understand your options and guide you through every step of the insurance claim process.