After a hail storm rolls through the Twin Cities, our phone starts ringing — and the first question is almost always the same: how does this process actually work? We’ve filed hundreds of hail damage insurance claims across Minneapolis, St Paul, Woodbury, Minnetonka, and the surrounding metro. The process is manageable when you know the steps, but the mistakes homeowners make early on — calling their insurance before getting an inspection, signing with the first contractor who knocks, or not documenting enough — can cost thousands in coverage they were entitled to. Here’s the process we walk every homeowner through, from the moment the storm passes to the final payout.
Step 1: Assess and Document the Damage
Before contacting anyone, safely inspect your property when the storm has passed. Look for dents on the roof, cracked shingles, damaged siding, broken windows, or dents on gutters/vehicles. From the ground, take extensive photos and videos of all affected areas—inside and out—including close-ups and wide shots. Make a detailed list of the damage. Do not make permanent repairs or discard damaged items yet, as your insurer may need to see them. If safe, note the date and time of the storm for reference.
- Tip: In Minnesota, hail can lead to hidden roof damage that worsens over time due to freeze-thaw cycles. If you’re unsure, hire a reputable contractor for a free inspection (avoid door-to-door solicitors).
Step 2: Review Your Insurance Policy
Pull out your homeowners policy and check for hail coverage details, including your deductible (often 1-2% of your home’s insured value for wind/hail claims). Understand exclusions, such as cosmetic damage (e.g., minor dents on metal roofs). Note any time limits for filing and what temporary repairs (like tarping) are reimbursable. If your home is older, confirm if coverage is for actual cash value (depreciated) or replacement cost. This step helps set expectations—filing multiple claims in a short period could raise premiums.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company to File the Claim
Notify your insurer as soon as possible—ideally within days of the storm—to start the process. Use their app, website, or call your agent/claims hotline (e.g., 800 numbers for major insurers like State Farm or Allstate). Provide your policy number, storm details, and initial damage description. They’ll assign a claim number and an adjuster. Keep records of all communications, including names, dates, and summaries.
- Tip: If damage is extensive (e.g., making your home uninhabitable), ask about additional living expenses coverage for temporary housing.
Step 4: Prevent Further Damage and Make Temporary Repairs
While waiting for the adjuster, mitigate additional harm to avoid claim denials for negligence. Cover holes with tarps, remove standing water, and board up broken windows. Save receipts for these emergency fixes, as they’re often reimbursable. Do not start major repairs until approved.
Step 5: Schedule the Adjuster’s Inspection
Your insurer will send an adjuster (sometimes from out of state after big storms) to assess the damage. Be present during the inspection, and consider having a trusted contractor join you to point out subtle hail impacts (e.g., bruised shingles). Provide your documentation to ensure nothing is missed. The adjuster may use photos or drones for a thorough evaluation.
Step 6: Get Repair Estimates and Review the Adjusters Report
Obtain at least 2-3 estimates from licensed contractors (not just the insurer’s recommendation). Compare them to the adjuster’s report. Once approved, you’ll receive an initial payment (minus deductible), with the rest after repairs.
Step 7: Complete Repairs and Finalize the Claim
Hire your chosen contractor to perform the work. Upon completion, submit invoices for the final payout. Inspect the repairs yourself to ensure quality.
Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Money
Filing before getting inspected. Once you open a claim, you’re on the insurance company’s timeline. Get the damage assessed by your own contractor first so you know what you’re dealing with.
Signing with door knockers. After every major storm, contractors from out of state flood neighborhoods looking for quick work. Many offer to “cover your deductible” (which is illegal in Minnesota) or pressure you to sign an assignment of benefits before you’ve even talked to your insurance company. Take your time. Research contractors. Check their Minnesota license, their BBB rating, and their local reviews.
Not being present for the adjuster inspection. If you’re not there — or your contractor isn’t — the adjuster inspects alone and writes the estimate based solely on what they find. They may miss items that your contractor would have identified.
Accepting the first estimate without review. The initial settlement is rarely the final number. Missing line items, code-required upgrades, and supplemental damage are common. Your contractor should review the estimate before you accept.
Making permanent repairs before the adjuster visits. Emergency repairs like tarping a hole are fine and expected. But replacing shingles or siding before the adjuster documents the damage can jeopardize your claim.
Not understanding ACV vs RCV. If your policy pays actual cash value, the check you receive won’t cover a full replacement. Know this before you commit to a scope of work.
Hail Claims in Minnesota — What You Should Know
Minnesota ranks among the top 10 states for hail activity. The Twin Cities metro sees significant hail events most years, typically between May and August. Here are Minnesota-specific factors that affect your claim:
Minnesota Statute § 65A.01 requires all homeowner policies to include coverage for hail and windstorm damage. You don’t need a separate endorsement — it’s built into your policy by law.
Minnesota’s Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act (§ 72A.201) establishes timelines your insurer must follow. They must acknowledge your claim within 10 business days and begin their investigation promptly. If you feel your claim is being handled improperly, you can file a complaint with the <a href=”https://mn.gov/commerce/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Minnesota Department of Commerce</a>.
Wind/hail deductibles are increasingly common in Minnesota. Many policies now carry a percentage-based deductible (typically 1-2% of insured value) specifically for wind and hail claims, rather than a flat dollar amount. On a home insured for $350,000, a 2% wind/hail deductible is $7,000 — significantly more than a standard $1,000 or $2,500 deductible. Know this number before you file.
Freeze-thaw damage is a secondary concern after hail. Hail damage that isn’t repaired before winter can worsen dramatically as water enters cracks, freezes, expands, and opens them further. This is why prompt filing and repair matter more in Minnesota than in warmer climates — waiting until spring can turn a $15,000 roof replacement into a $25,000 roof plus interior water damage restoration.
Matching requirements. Minnesota’s code compliance provisions often require that repaired sections match existing undamaged areas in material, color, and profile. If your siding color has been discontinued, your policy may cover replacement of the entire elevation — not just the damaged section. Your contractor should identify these matching issues and include them in the claim scope.
Additional Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Act fast but carefully: Delaying can worsen damage, but don’t sign with the first contractor who knocks—research to avoid scams.
- Document everything: Keep a log of all interactions with your insurer.
- Understand your deductible: In hail-prone states like Minnesota, it might be higher for wind/hail claims.
- Avoid over-claiming: Only file if damage exceeds your deductible to prevent premium hikes.
- Consider supplements: If hidden damage is found during repairs, your contractor can file for additional funds.
- Local note: In Minnesota, insurers must respond to claims within 10 business days. Check with the Minnesota Department of Commerce if issues arise.
Filing a hail claim can be straightforward with preparation, but if the damage is extensive, consulting a professional like a public adjuster or attorney may help. For roof-specific claims in Oakdale, MN, working with local contractors experienced in hail restoration ensures compliance with building codes and optimal results. If you need recommendations, reach out to trusted services in your area.
Presidential Construction and its authorized representatives are not licensed public adjusters and do not act as public adjusters. We do not negotiate insurance claim settlements on behalf of homeowners. Our role is limited to documenting damage, providing repair estimates, and being present during adjuster inspections to ensure the full scope of damage to the property is identified. All claim decisions, negotiations, and settlements are between the homeowner and their insurance company. Homeowners who wish to have someone negotiate on their behalf should consult a licensed public adjuster or attorney.
Commonly Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Minnesota?
Most policies require filing within one year of the storm, but we strongly recommend filing within days or weeks. The sooner you file, the easier it is to connect the damage directly to a specific storm event. Waiting months creates ambiguity about when the damage occurred, which gives insurers grounds to question or deny the claim.
Will filing a hail claim raise my insurance premiums?
Hail claims are typically classified as “Act of God” events and may not raise your rates the way an at-fault claim would. However, multiple claims in a short period can affect your insurability or renewal terms. This is another reason to get inspected first — if the damage doesn’t justify a claim, don’t file one unnecessarily.
What’s the difference between ACV and RCV?
Actual Cash Value (ACV) is the replacement cost minus depreciation based on the age and condition of the damaged component. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) covers the full cost to replace with equivalent new materials. Most modern policies are RCV, but the initial check you receive is typically the ACV amount. The remaining depreciation is released after repairs are completed and documented.
Can my insurance company force me to use their preferred contractor?
No. You have the right to choose your own contractor. Your insurer may have a preferred vendor list, but you are not obligated to use them. Choose a licensed Minnesota contractor with storm restoration experience and a track record of handling insurance claims.
What if my claim is denied or underpaid?
Request a written explanation of the denial. Then consider having your contractor file a supplement with additional documentation. You can also invoke Minnesota’s appraisal clause, where independent appraisers determine the damage value. As a last resort, you can hire a public adjuster or attorney who specializes in insurance disputes.
What does a contractor do during the adjuster inspection?
We walk the property with the adjuster, pointing out damage they may miss — bruised shingles, cracked pipe boots, dented flashing, soft metal impacts, and code-required items that belong in the scope. We don’t argue with adjusters — we collaborate to make sure the full extent of damage is documented accurately. The goal is a complete estimate the first time, which speeds up the process for everyone.
How does the payment process work?
After the claim is approved, your insurer sends an initial check based on ACV minus your deductible. Once repairs are completed, you submit invoices and the insurer releases the recoverable depreciation — the remaining balance. Your contractor should explain this upfront so you understand the cash flow before work begins.
