Has State Farm given you the runaround for a hail damage claim in Louisiana?
You pay for coverage so your home and property are protected in the event of a storm. But too often, insurers like State Farm delay, underpay, or deny valid claims. You don’t have to accept that.
You have the right to challenge State Farm’s decision and demand the full benefits you are owed under your policy.
Frustrated with fighting with the insurance company?
An experienced Louisiana hail damage lawyer from Insurance Claim HQ can take on State Farm for you. Our team knows the tactics State Farm employs to avoid paying claimants what they deserve. Let us review your policy and push back to pursue the money you need.
Contact us today to discuss your State Farm hail damage claim in a free initial case evaluation.
How to File a State Farm Hail Damage Claim in Louisiana
If hail damages your property and State Farm insures you, you should file a claim as soon as possible to avoid delays and disputes about the cause of the damage.
Every step of the claims process matters, from making your first phone call to reviewing State Farm’s offer.
Here’s an overview of how the process usually works.
Initial Claim Reporting
Start by reporting the damage right away. State Farm allows you to file online, through its mobile app, or by calling 800-SF-CLAIM (800-732-5246).
Don’t wait to make this report.
The longer you delay, the easier it will be for State Farm to argue that something other than the storm caused the problem. After you submit your claim, you’ll get a claim number, and State Farm will assign your case to a handler.
That person will be your primary contact for questions and updates, so keep their information handy.
Documenting the Damage
Evidence of the hail damage will be one of the most important parts of your insurance claim.
Take photos and video of your roof, siding, windows, gutters, and any personal property affected by the storm. Take wide shots and close-ups, and be sure to capture any water spots on ceilings or walls if leaks develop. Save receipts for any materials you buy to protect your home, such as tarps or plywood.
State Farm will expect you to make temporary fixes to prevent further damage, but hold off on moving forward with permanent repairs until after an adjuster inspects your home.
Claim Representative Inspection and Damage Estimate
After you have filed your claim, State Farm will arrange for an adjuster to visit your home.
Adjusters’ schedules are often backed up after major storms, but they typically inspect affected properties within a few days. The adjuster will check your roof, gutters, siding, and interior areas for storm-related damage.
During this inspection, the adjuster will attempt to separate damage caused by hail from issues that State Farm refers to as “wear and tear.” That distinction could reduce what State Farm offers you, so you’ll want to review the adjuster’s report carefully after the inspection.
If you believe the report left out important details, you can request a supplemental claim to add the missing items.
Payment Process and Possible Advance Payments
Following the inspection, State Farm will determine how much it believes it owes under your policy.
Depending on your coverage, you may first receive an actual cash value (ACV) payment, which reflects the cost to repair or replace damaged items minus depreciation.
If your policy includes replacement cost coverage, you may be eligible to claim the difference after completing repairs and submitting the receipts. In cases where your home is uninhabitable, State Farm may also provide advance payments for temporary living expenses.
Insurance policy language can be overly technical. If you are unsure about the coverage you have or experience delays, underpayments, or claim denials, an attorney from ICHQ can review your hail damage claim and provide guidance to keep the process moving forward.
Hail Damage Claim Deadlines for State Farm in Louisiana
State Farm does not have one fixed deadline for all claims.
Instead, the time limit depends on your policy terms and the type of loss that occurred. However, you should file your State Farm hail damage claim as soon as you notice any damage.
Most policies require prompt notice, and waiting too long could give State Farm an excuse to argue that your delay hindered their ability to investigate. The safest approach is always to report the claim right away so you don’t risk losing coverage.
Keep in mind that while there is no set statutory deadline to file a claim with State Farm, Louisiana law does set a prescriptive period for property damage lawsuits.
For hail damage, homeowners generally have one year from the date of loss (for incidents before July 1, 2024) or two years (for incidents on or after July 1, 2024) to file a lawsuit if their claim is denied.
However, your State Farm policy may include language that sets its own filing deadline.
In addition, Louisiana law allows homeowners to sue an insurance company for bad-faith practices. Homeowners generally have 10 years to file a bad-faith claim, though certain policy clauses may shorten this period.
For this reason, it’s crucial to consult an experienced hail damage attorney to understand your rights and deadlines.
How State Farm Assesses Hail Damage
When you file a hail damage claim, State Farm will start by comparing the damage you reported against recent weather data to confirm that a hailstorm hit your area.
They might use photos, contractor reports, or even satellite imagery to investigate.
Next, they’ll consider your policy terms to decide what qualifies as a covered loss. State Farm may attempt to undervalue your claim by labeling certain damage as “cosmetic” instead of “functional,” which can result in a reduced payment.
A lawyer can help you identify these tactics and push back as necessary.
Common Reasons State Farm Denies Hail Damage Claims
Some of the most common reasons State Farm provides for denials include:
- Normal wear and tear – Claiming your roof is old or deteriorated instead of storm-damaged
- Pre-existing damage – Insisting that the problem existed before the storm you reported
- Late filing – Arguing that a delay on your part affected their ability to investigate
- Insufficient evidence – Saying there isn’t enough proof that a storm caused the damage
- Excluded losses – Pointing to vague policy exclusions for certain types of damage
What to Do If State Farm Denies or Undervalues Your Claim
A denial or lowball offer doesn’t have to be the end of the road. If State Farm refuses to make a fair offer, collect your evidence, your insurer’s letter explaining their decision, and consult a property damage lawyer to learn your legal rights.
