Hail Just Hit. Now What? Your Two-Day Roof Damage Game Plan

The storm passes. The sun comes out. And your phone starts ringing — sometimes before you've even been on your own roof yet.

Welcome to the 48 hours that matter most. At 10 Stars Roofing, we've ridden out plenty of hail seasons from Texas to the Plains to the Midwest, and we can tell you: homeowners who follow a clear game plan end up with better repairs, smoother claims, and fewer horror stories. Here's your playbook.

Hours 0–6: Safety First, Roof Second

Resist the urge to climb up and assess. Wet decking, dislodged shingles, and downed power lines make post-storm roofs genuinely dangerous. Instead:

• Walk the perimeter from the ground. Look for shingle pieces in the yard, dented gutters, damaged siding, and cracked window seals.
• Check your attic with a flashlight for active drips or wet insulation.
• If water is coming inside, place buckets, move valuables, and tarp only if you can do it safely from ground level.

Hours 6–24: Document Like an Adjuster

Your claim will live or die on documentation. Photograph and video everything:

• Wide shots of the whole property, then close-ups of every dented vent, bruised shingle, and cracked siding panel.
• Timestamped photos — most phones do this automatically.
• Hail itself, if there's still any on the ground. A photo of hail next to a quarter gives the adjuster a size reference.
• Any pre-existing issues you're aware of. Being upfront protects you from accusations of inflated claims.

Don't throw away damaged items, and hold off on permanent repairs until you've filed.

Hours 12–24: Call Your Insurance Company

File the claim promptly — most policies have deadlines, and delays can complicate coverage. Before you hang up, ask three questions:

1. What's my deductible? Many insurers have moved to percentage-based deductibles (1–2% of your home's insured value), which can mean thousands out of pocket on a single claim.
2. How is the payout calculated — RCV or ACV? Replacement Cost Value pays what it costs to replace your roof today. Actual Cash Value subtracts depreciation, meaning an older roof pays out significantly less.
3. Is there a depreciation holdback? Some ACV-adjacent policies release withheld depreciation only after repairs are completed and invoiced. Knowing this upfront prevents sticker shock.

Get your claim number and the adjuster's expected timeline in writing.

Hours 24–48: Vet Every Contractor Who Knocks

Here's where storm-chasing contractors come in. They flood neighborhoods after major weather events, sign as many roofs as possible, and vanish before the warranty work is ever needed. Some are legitimate out-of-town crews; many are not. Watch for these red flags:

• "We'll cover your deductible." That's insurance fraud in most states, full stop.
• High-pressure door knocks with "today only" pricing. Legitimate roofers don't discount based on your hesitation.
• No local address or license number. Verify licensing with your state's contractor board and check that they're insured.
• Asking you to sign an assignment of benefits (AOB) before any work or inspection happens. This hands your claim rights to the contractor. Politely decline.
• No written estimate. Every reputable roofer provides a detailed, itemized scope in writing.

A quality local contractor will inspect first, document second, and talk money third. They'll also meet your insurance adjuster on-site — a service we offer on every storm claim we handle.

The Days After: Do It Right the First Time

Once you've chosen a contractor, confirm materials in writing (brand, line, and warranty terms), and never pay the full amount upfront. A reasonable deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, and final payment after inspection is the standard structure.

The Bottom Line

Storm damage is stressful, but it doesn't have to be chaotic. Document thoroughly, know your policy, hire locally, and take your time — even in the 48-hour window. When the next storm rolls through, you'll be the neighbor with the plan, not the one wondering who just hammered shingles on your roof and drove out of town.

If you've got storm damage and want a straight answer from a five-star local team, 10 Stars Roofing offers free, no-pressure inspections. Every home. Every time.