Extreme hail is one of the most common weather-related damage claims in Louisiana. These claims have increased by over $1 billion since 2022. Hailstones no larger than peas can inflict significant damage on homes, motor vehicles, and other property. Moreover, much like hurricanes, hailstorms often cause widespread damage over large areas.
Because hailstorms often cover such wide areas, and because they are relatively rare in Louisiana, many insurance companies are not prepared to deal with the sudden surge of these specialized claims. But insurance companies earn over $1 trillion a year. They have plenty of resources to deal with any emergency. If they make excuses instead of paying claims, a determined New Orleans insurance lawyer holds their feet to the fire.
Hail Damage Insurance Coverage: A Primer
Unlike fires or floods, standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover most hail damage events. Hail damage is usually in the same basic category as wind damage and other weather-related events.
Homeowners’ insurance usually covers structural home damage caused by hail. These policies generally cover doghouses, tool sheds, and other personal property, if that property is listed in the policy. They may also cover vacation cabins in Colorado and other off-site properties. Co
Coverage limits vary significantly, but they are typically low, and deductibles are usually high. Paying a little extra for enhanced hail damage insurance is usually a good investment, especially in hail damage-prone areas.
Am I Covered?
The answer to this burning question is yes, in most cases. As mentioned, homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover hail damage under the dwelling protection and personal property sections, such as:
- Roof Damage: Even small hailstones often crack or damage wood and tile roof shingles. Insurance usually covers the cost to repair or replace the roof, mostly depending on the extent of the damage, the age of the roof, and an adjuster’s assessment.
- Exterior Walls and Siding: Many people don’t think about such damage. But the high winds that cause hail often push it horizontally as it falls. Most standard policies cover dents, holes, or cracks in siding caused by hail. These provisions usually include shattered, cracked, or broken windows.
- Personal Property: Hail damage usually produces water leaks. Usually, these leaks aren’t big enough to cause floods. But they are big enough to damage floors, electronics, and anything else underneath them.
The cosmetic damage exclusion is the most common hail damage exclusion. All weather-related damage is, to a certain extent, cosmetic. So, the real question is how much damage is cosmetic, and how much is structural.
Here is one scenario our New Orleans hail damage lawyers see frequently. Assume hail pelts Leon’s house and damages the eaves. The insurance company says the damage is cosmetic and hires a contractor to patch the eaves. However, the hail weakened the underlying structure.
The following month, a moderate storm moves through the area, and Leon’s roof cannot take the punishment. The insurance company denies coverage for that event because no other homes in Leon’s neighborhood suffered such damage.
Insurance company adjusters are very one-sided. They only approve claims if no other option is available. For this reason, we often partner with independent adjusters who offer a more neutral assessment of hail and other damage.
On a related note, roof damage, unlike other insured property, may be subject to depreciation. In other words, the insurance company may pay a claim based on the current value of the roof, rather than its original value.
Included and Excluded Hail Damage
Exterior hail damage (roof dents, broken windows, chipped paint, etc.). Extreme weather, such as hail, is almost always a covered peril.
Usually, these policies do not cover interior or mechanical hail-related damage, unless a water leak caused such damage. Additionally, higher deductibles often apply to claims for hail damage. Furthermore, in coastal areas, like New Orleans, homeowners may need to purchase a separate windstorm policy or rider.
Most types of hail insurance policies typically exclude pre-existing damage. The line between pre-existing and weather-related is fuzzy, to say the least. For example, a hailstorm might transform a small rock crack into a fissure that basically splits a window in half.
Filing a Claim
First and foremost, do not assume the insurance company will “take care of everything.” Life is not like TV commercials, which often imply otherwise.
Instead, assess and record the damage yourself. Take lots of pictures and speak with neighbors about the damage their property sustained. Additionally, carefully review the policy so insurance agents and adjusters cannot take advantage of you.
In most cases, insured parties must immediately notify their insurance companies of a covered loss. Do not share the details at this point. Usually, the insurance company must acknowledge a claim within two days and send an adjuster to the site within two weeks.
Sometimes, the adjuster makes an on-the-spot offer. So, do a little legwork before the adjuster arrives and know how much the repairs will cost.
When to File a Claim
Hail damage does not always trigger a hail damage claim. First, consider the extent of the damage relative to the deductible. For example, if roof repair costs $6,000 and the deductible is $1,000, filing a claim may be a worthwhile option. However, if hail left just a few minor dents on the eaves and the repair costs are under or close to the deductible amount, many people do not file claims and pay out of pocket to avoid the inevitable rate hikes.
On a related note, take precautions to avoid indirect hail damage. Trim tree branches so hail doesn’t break branches and cause them to hit the roof or clog downspouts.
Some roofing and siding materials are designed to withstand hail and may qualify for a premium discount. More importantly, maintain the roof and other property. Insurance policies do not cover losses related to neglect.
Work With a Savvy New Orleans Attorney
Most insurance policies cover hail damage, but do not count on a check. For a confidential consultation with an experienced insurance lawyer in New Orleans, contact Insurance Claim HQ. We routinely handle matters throughout Louisiana.
