Central Florida is no stranger to severe weather, and hailstorms are a particularly destructive force. When a hailstorm strikes, it can inflict serious, yet often hidden, damage to your roof. What might look like a few minor dings from the ground can be a systemic problem of bruised shingles, cracked tiles, and compromised seals that lead to costly leaks, mold growth, and even structural issues down the line. The aftermath of a storm is a confusing and stressful time, and navigating the complexities of a roof insurance claim can feel overwhelming.
That’s why understanding the process is critical. Knowing the right steps to take—and the common pitfalls to avoid—can be the difference between a quick, successful claim that restores your home’s most important protector and a frustrating denial that leaves you paying out of pocket for expensive repairs. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from the moment the hail stops to the final nail being driven into your brand-new, secure roof.
Step 1: Safety First & Initial Ground Assessment
Before making any calls, your first priority is safety. Do not climb on your roof. A storm-damaged roof can be incredibly slippery and unstable, and the risk of a fall is not worth it. Instead, you can perform a safe and effective initial inspection from the ground.
Walk the perimeter of your property and look for tell-tale signs of hail:
Dents in Soft Metals: Check your gutters, downspouts, roof vents, and air conditioning units. Dents in these areas are a strong indicator that your roof likely sustained similar impacts.
Damage to Other Property: Look for dings on your car, mailbox, or patio furniture.
Granules in Downspouts: Check the areas where your downspouts drain. A large accumulation of asphalt granules (they look like coarse, dark sand) is a sign that the hail has knocked off the protective top layer of your shingles.
Visible Debris: Note any fallen tree limbs or other debris that may have impacted the roof.
Take detailed photos and videos of everything you find. This initial evidence is valuable for your claim.
Step 2: Schedule a Professional, No-Cost Roof Inspection
Once you’ve done your ground assessment, your next call should be to a trusted, local roofing contractor. A professional inspection is the most critical step in the entire process. At Orange Contracting & Roofing, we utilize advanced drone technology to get a comprehensive, high-resolution view of your entire roof system without anyone having to take a risky step onto a potentially damaged surface.
An expert inspector is trained to spot damage that is virtually invisible to the untrained eye:
Hail Bruising: On asphalt shingles, hail doesn’t always crack the surface. More often, it creates a “bruise” where the impact has softened the shingle and fractured the underlying fiberglass mat. This compromises the shingle’s integrity and ability to shed water.
Cracked Tiles: For tile roofs, hairline cracks can be difficult to see but allow water to seep through to the underlayment.
Compromised Seals: The impact of hail can break the adhesive seals that hold shingles down, making them vulnerable to wind lift in the next storm.
Our inspections also include a thorough check of your attic to look for any signs of hidden leaks or water intrusion that can signal a problem long before a stain appears on your ceiling. This comprehensive, free inspection provides you with the detailed documentation you need to confidently file your claim.
Step 3: Filing Your Insurance Claim the Right Way
With a professional damage report in hand, you are now ready to contact your insurance company. This is where many homeowners make critical mistakes. Call the dedicated claims hotline provided by your insurer, not your local agent’s office, to ensure the process is started immediately.
Be prepared with your policy number and the “date of loss” (the date the hailstorm occurred). When the representative asks about the damage, be clear and concise. State that your home was hit by a hailstorm and that a professional roofer has inspected the property and confirmed functional damage to the roof. Avoid speculating or minimizing the damage. Simply state the facts as documented in your inspection report. The insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to inspect your property.
Step 4: Never Meet the Adjuster Alone
The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. Their job is to assess the damage and close the claim while protecting the insurer’s financial interests. They are not your advocate. For this reason, it is crucial to have your roofing contractor present during the adjuster’s inspection.
Having your roofer on-site levels the playing field. We speak the same technical language as the adjuster and can walk the roof with them, pointing out every instance of damage they might otherwise overlook or dismiss. We can ensure they use proper, industry-standard methods for their assessment, like creating a 10x10 foot “test square” to accurately count hail strikes per area. This collaborative approach ensures that nothing is missed and that the scope of damage is accurately and fairly documented from the start, dramatically increasing the likelihood of a full approval.
Step 5: Understanding the Scope of Work and Fighting for Full Coverage
Insurance companies often try to limit their payout by approving only partial repairs or omitting crucial components required for a complete and durable roof system. They might offer to replace only the damaged shingles, creating a “patched” roof that won’t last and will have mismatched colors.
Furthermore, they may neglect to include essential upgrades that are required by current Florida Building Codes. If codes have changed since your roof was last installed, your insurer is typically obligated to pay for the costs to bring it into compliance. We fight to ensure your settlement covers everything you are owed, including:
- Full Replacement: Not just a patch job.
- Upgraded Materials: Such as high-quality synthetic underlayment instead of basic felt paper, and durable architectural shingles.
- Ice and Water Shield: A critical moisture barrier for valleys and other vulnerable areas.
- Proper Ventilation & Flashing: To ensure the longevity of your roof system.
- Code-Required Decking or Nailing Improvements.
Don’t Call a Lawyer — Call a Roofer First!
It’s natural to feel frustrated after a claim is denied or underpaid and to think a lawyer is the next step. However, in most cases, this is not the most effective route. Litigation is a long, stressful process, and law firms can take a significant percentage of your final settlement—money that should be going toward your new roof.
An experienced roofer who specializes in insurance claims can often get a denial overturned through a process of re-inspection and negotiation. We know how to present evidence and communicate with the insurance company’s internal teams to get claims re-evaluated and approved. We’ve helped countless Central Florida homeowners get a fair settlement without ever needing to involve lawyers.
Why Choose a Local Expert Like Orange Contracting & Roofing?
After a major storm, “storm chasers”—out-of-state roofing companies—flood the area. They knock on doors, promise big, and often disappear as quickly as they came, leaving homeowners with shoddy work and voided warranties.
Choosing a local, established contractor is your best defense. We’ve been roofing homes in Central Florida for years. We live here, we understand the unique challenges of Florida weather, and we stand by our work. Our reputation in the community is everything. You can count on us for honest guidance, expert coordination with your insurer, and the highest quality materials and workmanship, all backed by robust warranties.
Don’t Wait — Your Roof Won’t Fix Itself
If your roof was damaged by hail, time is not on your side. Insurance policies have strict deadlines for filing claims, and the longer you wait, the more likely hidden damage is to turn into a major interior problem.
Contact Orange Contracting & Roofing today to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection. Let us help you navigate the claims process with confidence and ensure your home and your peace of mind are fully protected.
Call Orange Contracting and Roofing at 407-205-2676 or email: [email protected]
The company’s office is located at 105 Candace Dr., Suite 129, Maitland, FL 32751. Taking this step can help ensure a home is well-prepared to face the demands of the Central Florida climate for years to come.