Roof damage from hail storm in oklahoma????

Question

We had a bad hail storm here in oklahoma and was wondering how to determine if i had roof damage? Some of my neighbors called there insurance companys and they replaced there roof. My roof is only 4 yrs old or so. What do insurance companys look for in Hail damage?? I was guna crawl up there in look to check it out but dont even know what to look for. I dont wanna bother with insurance unless i think they will give me a new roof. thanks!

Answer 1

What part of OK are you in?

The Fort Smith, Arkansas area  got some large size hail. Even the new roofs were beat up. I know that storm (April 9) also hit Oklahoma.  If the damage you are talking about is that storm or you are in that area - call in the claim.

When in doubt - have a roofer come out and check your roof and tell you if you have damage. Reputable roofers won't charge to check your roof.

Hail leave bruises on the shingles of a roof.

Answer 2

Get a pair of binoculars, and see if you have dings in the flashing, or dents in the shingles.   Or, of course, a hole in the roof.

Answer 3

You would call a roofing company and ask them:

1.  Do you provide free estimates?

2.  Do you work with insurance companies?

3.  Do you have any references?

These companies will come out and do an estimate, and if in their professional opinion the damage seems to be cause by the hail, they will write a report and provide it to your insurance company.

Keep in mind, that when you do file an insurance claim, your rates could increase.  And depending on how many claims were filed, you could be dropped by your insurance provider.

Insurance is basically pooled risk.  So if you have 10,000 people wanting to file a claim for a lawn mower that was stolen.  It in turn could increase insurance for everyone with the company.

Answer 4

There are a lot of variables that go into this situation. A four year old of good quality can withstand a good amount of hail without getting damaged. However, you state that your neighbors have had their roofs replaced. So if you live in a newer development where everyones roof is about 4 yrs old then you should call your company and have them inspect your roof. The inspection process is pretty simple and not much of a bother. You don't have anything to lose in having them inspect the roof.

Answer 5

Call a person that specializes in roofs.  Ask for a quote and estimate.  That will be what you need in for the insurance people anyway.

Answer 6

We always suggest having a roofer come out to look at it and make sure it would even be worth filing the claim.  In tx claims will effect your rate so if it isnt worth it and you do file, it will still effect your rate.  Have a roofer come out and give you an estimate.  If the insurance company is the first to inspect it they will automatically start a claim whether or not it meets your deductible.