Schedule Free Inspection

Hail Damage Roof Inspection: The Homeowner's Insurance Claim Guide

Most Black Hills homeowners leave money on the table after a hailstorm because they don’t know what their policy covers, what damage looks like from roof level, or how to push back when an adjuster undervalues a claim. This guide walks you through the entire process.

  • We Fight For Homeowners. Not Insurance Companies.
  • Free Roof Inspection. Written Report Included.
  • We Meet Your Adjuster. On-Site.
Schedule Free Inspection
(605) 983-7050
* Required
Your message was sent!
Thank you! We'll be in touch soon.

4.9 / 5

156+ Google Reviews

Licensed & Insured

South Dakota Contractor

Family-Owned

Rapid City since 2016

Minimal

Out-of-Pocket Goal

1-Day Installs

Most roofs done in a day

Understanding the Damage

What Hail Actually Does to Your Roof

Hail does not have to punch a hole to total your roof. When hailstones strike asphalt shingles, they knock loose the protective granules that shield the asphalt mat from UV. Without those granules, the asphalt degrades in the sun, dries out, cracks, and lets moisture seep to the decking.

The damage often is not visible from the ground. No missing shingles or gaping holes. What you will see from roof level are circular bruises where granules were knocked loose, soft spots where the fiberglass mat was fractured, and dents on metal flashing and vents. A trained inspector spots these in minutes.

Insurance adjusters know what to look for — but they work for the insurance company. Their employer has a financial interest in keeping payouts low. That is not conspiracy, that is business. You need someone on your side.

Granule Loss

Circular bare spots where granules were knocked loose — the most common form of hail damage and the most important to document

Mat Fracture

Fiberglass mat inside the shingle is cracked or fractured — accelerates failure of the entire shingle

Metal Dents

Flashing, vents, pipe boots, gutters — dented metal is documented proof of hail size and impact force

You Need Someone on Your Side

Insurance adjusters are professionals who do this every day. Most homeowners do it once in a lifetime. We have been through hundreds of Black Hills claims. We know exactly what adjusters should be documenting and we make sure they document all of it.

  • We meet your adjuster on your roof
  • We walk them through our full inspection report
  • We file supplements if damage was missed

Know Your Rights

What Adjusters Won't Tell You

Adjusters work for the insurance company. You deserve to know your rights.

This isn't about bad faith — it's about information asymmetry. Adjusters do this every day. Most homeowners do it once in a lifetime. Here's what most homeowners never find out until it's too late.

Your Rights

You Can Choose Your Own Contractor

The insurance company cannot force you to use their preferred vendor. You have the legal right to hire any licensed contractor you choose. Preferred vendor lists exist for the insurer's convenience, not yours.

Dispute Rights

You Can Request a Re-Inspection

If you disagree with the adjuster's findings, you have the right to request a re-inspection. Bring your contractor. Bring our report. A second opinion changes outcomes regularly.

Supplements Are Normal

Supplemental Claims Are Standard

If additional damage is discovered during tear-off, your contractor can file a supplement for the extra work. This is a normal, accepted part of the claims process — not an accusation of fraud.

Full Replacement Value

RCV vs ACV — Know the Difference

If your policy has Replacement Cost Value (RCV), you're entitled to the full cost of new materials — not the depreciated value. The depreciation portion is released after repairs are completed and documented.

Don't Accept Lowball

You Don't Have to Accept the First Estimate

The adjuster's first estimate is not the final word. If your contractor's scope exceeds the adjuster's estimate, a supplement resolves the gap. You never have to accept a payout that doesn't cover the legitimate scope of work.

Policy Details

Cosmetic Exclusions Aren't Universal

Some policies exclude purely cosmetic damage. Others don't. Read your policy or call us — we'll help you understand what your specific policy covers before you file so there are no surprises.

Signs Your Roof Has Hail Damage

You don't need to get on your roof to spot these warning signs after a storm. If you see any of these, call us for a Free Inspection.

Schedule Free Inspection

Granules in Gutters

Granules collecting in gutters or at the base of downspouts after a storm are a direct sign of shingle impact damage.

Dark Circular Spots

Circular dark spots on shingles are bruises where granules were knocked off. Visible from a ladder or from the street on steep slopes.

Cracked Shingles

Cracked or fractured shingles visible from a ladder — usually on south-facing slopes that took the most direct impact.

Dented Metal Vents

Dents on metal roof vents, exhaust caps, or pipe boots are documented proof of hail impact that's hard for adjusters to dispute.

Dented Gutters

Gutters and downspouts dented by hail confirm impact size and force — strong evidence when paired with your roof inspection report.

Dented Car or AC Unit

If your car hood, mailbox, or outdoor AC unit is dented, your roof almost certainly took damage too. These are corroborating evidence.

Common Questions

Hail Damage Insurance FAQs

Will my insurance go up if I file a hail claim?

Hail claims in South Dakota are considered weather events, not at-fault claims. Most carriers do not raise your rates for a single weather-related claim. However, multiple claims in a short period can affect rates. Ask your agent about your specific policy before filing.

Most policies require you to report damage within a reasonable time — typically 60 days to one year after the storm event. Do not wait. The longer you delay, the harder it is to prove the damage was storm-related and not pre-existing wear and tear.

Your insurer initially pays the Actual Cash Value — the depreciated amount. The remaining Recoverable Depreciation is only released after repairs are completed and documented. If you do not repair, you only receive the depreciated portion and leave money on the table.

Request a re-inspection. You have the right to have your contractor present. Bring our inspection report with photos. If the second inspection still denies, you can file a complaint with the SD Division of Insurance or hire a public adjuster. Do not accept the first denial as final.

Yes. Your deductible is your responsibility under the terms of your policy. Any contractor who offers to waive your deductible is facilitating insurance fraud and putting your claim and potentially your coverage at risk. We never waive deductibles. We fight to maximize coverage above it.

Look for a locally owned contractor who has been in the community for years, understands the insurance process, and will meet your adjuster on-site. Avoid storm chasers who show up after hail season and disappear once the work is done. Check Google reviews, ask for references, and verify their SD contractor license.

Testimonials

What Black Hills Homeowners Say

Over 155 five-star Google reviews from homeowners across Belle Fourche, Newell, and Butte County.

Act Now

Don't Leave Money on the Table

Every day you wait after a hailstorm makes your claim harder to file and easier for the adjuster to deny. Get your Free Inspection today and find out exactly what your insurance owes you.

Or call us directly — we answer 7 days a week:

(605) 983-7050

* Required
Your message was sent!
Thank you! We'll be in touch soon.