Spring Hail Storm Damage Claims: What to Do After May Storms in St. Louis
May is the peak month for hail storms across Missouri and Illinois. If you've just experienced a severe spring thunderstorm with hail in the St. Louis metro area, you're likely facing property damage—and you have only a limited window to act before insurance companies move forward with their assessments.
What you do in the first 24–48 hours after a hail storm can determine whether you receive fair compensation or get stuck with an undervalued settlement. Here's what every homeowner and business owner in Missouri needs to know.
Why Hail Storms Are Different (and More Damaging Than You Think)
Hail damage isn't always visible from the ground. That's the core problem. While wind damage leaves obvious signs—broken windows, downed trees, torn siding—hail damage is subtle and cumulative.
A typical hail storm in the St. Louis area produces stones 0.75 to 1.5 inches in diameter, traveling at 40–60+ mph. Those stones create:
- Roof dimples and punctures: Modern asphalt shingles show impact marks that compound with weather exposure, leading to premature deterioration and leaks months later.
- Soft metal damage: Gutters, downspouts, and metal flashing dent easily under hail impact. These dents trap water and accelerate corrosion.
- Siding damage: Vinyl, wood, and composite siding can crack, dent, or split under hail impact. Even small cracks allow water infiltration.
- Skylight and window damage: Hail frequently cracks or shatters skylights, glass block windows, and outdoor lighting fixtures.
- HVAC and exterior units: Air conditioner condensers, heat pumps, and exhaust vents are vulnerable to hail strikes that affect functionality.
- Vehicle damage: Cars, trucks, and RVs suffer dents and broken glass—often covered under your auto or homeowners policy's comprehensive or collision coverage.
Many insurance adjusters only identify the most obvious damage. Hail strikes that don't break through materials but compromise their structural integrity often go unnoticed—until your roof starts leaking or your siding fails months later.
The First 24 Hours: What You MUST Do
The period right after a hail storm is critical. Follow these steps:
1. Check for Immediate Safety Issues
Look for broken glass, downed power lines, or unstable structures. If there's a safety risk, stay clear and call the utility company or emergency services as needed.
2. Document Everything With Photos and Video
Do this BEFORE cleanup begins:
- Wide shots of your entire roof from the ground
- Close-ups of impact marks on shingles, focusing on the granule damage and exposed underlayment
- Photos of gutters, downspouts, and flashing showing dents and damage
- Siding damage, window cracks, and skylight damage
- Any visible water stains inside your home that might indicate roof leaks
- Damaged vehicles from multiple angles
- Exterior HVAC units and other damaged components
- Timestamp your photos—your phone automatically dates them, which helps establish the timing of the damage
Video is especially valuable: walk your property slowly, narrate what you're seeing, and capture wide angles of affected areas.
3. Make Temporary Repairs Only if Safe
If there's active water intrusion, cover the damaged area with a tarp to prevent further damage. Document this temporary repair with photos. Do NOT make permanent repairs yet—your insurance adjuster needs to see the original damage.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your agent or the insurer's claims line immediately. Provide:
- Your policy number
- Date and time of the storm
- General description of damage (roof, siding, vehicles, etc.)
- Your contact information and preferred appointment window
In Missouri, insurers must acknowledge your claim within 10 working days under RSMo §375.920. Ask for a claim number and write it down.
5. Create an Inventory of Damage
List every damaged item you've identified: roof sections, gutters, siding panels, windows, vehicles, outdoor equipment. This inventory becomes part of your proof of loss and helps ensure nothing is overlooked during the adjuster's inspection.
Common Hail Damage Insurance Claim Mistakes
We see these errors repeatedly after spring hail storms in the St. Louis area:
Mistake #1: Not Getting a Roof Inspection
Many homeowners accept a ground-level assessment. Roof damage from hail often requires a roofing contractor or professional inspector to properly evaluate. Insurance adjusters may miss granule loss, minor punctures, or areas where shingles are compromised but not visibly torn. Ask about having a licensed roofer inspect alongside the insurance adjuster.
Mistake #2: Accepting the First Estimate
After a major hail event, it's common for insurers to issue a lower initial estimate. They'll often add items later if you push back with documentation and contractor quotes. Don't accept an initial estimate without comparison shopping—get at least two or three independent repair quotes.
Mistake #3: Focusing Only on Visible Damage
The most costly hail damage is often hidden. Water that infiltrates through compromised roof sections, siding cracks, or gutter failures can lead to mold, wood rot, and structural damage. Photograph everything, even minor damage.
Mistake #4: Cleaning or Making Repairs Too Quickly
Removing debris or making repairs before the adjuster inspects removes evidence of damage extent. Always wait for the insurance inspection, then get written approval before proceeding with major work.
Mistake #5: Not Itemizing Vehicle Damage Separately
Vehicle hail damage is typically covered under your auto insurance policy, not your homeowners policy. Many people forget to file separate auto claims. Each claim should be filed independently to maximize recovery.
What Should Be Covered Under Your Missouri Homeowners Policy
Hail damage is a covered peril under standard homeowners and renters policies in Missouri. Your policy should cover:
- Dwelling: Structural damage to your home's roof, siding, windows, and attached structures
- Personal property: Damage to contents inside your home (furniture, electronics, clothing) if damaged during the storm
- Additional living expenses (ALE): If your home becomes uninhabitable due to storm damage, ALE covers temporary housing, meals, and other necessary expenses
- Debris removal: Costs associated with clearing hail-damaged materials and debris
Your policy will have a deductible (typically $500–$1,000 per claim). You pay this before insurance pays their portion.
Important: Some older policies include a hail deductible that's higher than your standard deductible—sometimes $1,000 or more. Check your declarations page now to know what applies to your claim.
When to Call a Public Adjuster
You should strongly consider hiring a public adjuster if:
- The insurance company's initial estimate seems low compared to your contractor quotes
- The adjuster refuses to inspect certain areas you've documented as damaged
- Significant structural or water damage is involved (roof leaks, interior water damage, potential mold)
- The damage affects multiple areas of your property (roof, siding, gutters, vehicles)
- You have a commercial or rental property with more complex coverage questions
- The insurer is delaying the claims process
A public adjuster works exclusively for you, not the insurance company. We conduct independent inspections, obtain professional repair estimates, and negotiate with the insurer to ensure your settlement reflects the actual cost of repairs.
After the Adjuster's Inspection: Next Steps
Once the insurance adjuster has completed their inspection and issued a formal estimate:
- Review carefully. Check that all damage you documented is included. Hail claims often go through two stages—an initial estimate plus additional items discovered during repairs.
- Get contractor quotes. Have licensed roofers and repair contractors provide written quotes for the work. If these quotes exceed the insurance estimate, submit them to your adjuster as supplemental documentation.
- Request an appraisal if you disagree. If you and your insurer can't agree on the claim value, Missouri law allows you to demand an appraisal (usually binding). Under Missouri law, each party selects an appraiser, and those two appraisers select an umpire. The umpire's decision is binding.
- Don't hesitate to negotiate. Insurers expect some back-and-forth. Submit documentation, quotes, and photos supporting your position.
Looking Ahead: Preventing Future Damage
After hail damage repairs are complete, consider:
- Impact-resistant roofing: Some asphalt and architectural shingles are rated for hail resistance (Class 4 or higher). These cost more but reduce future damage and may qualify for insurance discounts.
- Gutter protection: Gutter guards reduce debris accumulation and protect against future impact damage.
- Comprehensive vehicle coverage: For cars and trucks, comprehensive coverage protects against hail (and covers hail damage above your deductible).
Missouri and Illinois Hail Laws You Should Know
- Missouri: Hail is a covered peril. Claim acknowledgment is required within 10 working days. You can request an appraisal if you disagree with the insurer's valuation.
- Illinois: The Illinois Insurance Code requires timely response to claims. Penalties apply for bad-faith delays or unreasonable denials.
- Both states: You have the right to hire a public adjuster. Insurers cannot penalize you for doing so, and they cannot require you to use their preferred contractor.
The Bottom Line
Hail season in May means many homeowners will file claims. The difference between a fair settlement and an underpaid claim often comes down to documentation, persistence, and having professional advocates in your corner.
If you've experienced hail damage in St. Louis, Missouri, or Illinois, don't settle for the first offer. Contact STL Public Adjusting for a free claim review. We'll inspect your property, document the full extent of the damage, obtain professional repair estimates, and negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you get the settlement you deserve.
Need help now? Call 314-922-3083 or use our contact form to request an inspection today.