Hailstorms can wreak havoc on rental properties—especially roofs. For landlords, hail damage isn’t just cosmetic; it can impact habitability, insurance claims, and long-term maintenance costs. If you own rental property – especially in hail-prone states like Texas, Colorado, or Oklahoma –here’s what you need to know.
Does landlord insurance cover hail damage?
Most landlord insurance policies do cover hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and other parts of the structure. Coverage typically falls under the dwelling protection portion of your policy. To make sure you’re properly insured, review your policy’s limits and exclusions—or take a look at what's included in Steadily's storm and hail damage coverage.
What counts as hail damage?
Hail damage can show up in many different forms, and not all of it is immediately visible from ground level. The most common type involves cracked or bruised shingles. When hailstones strike the roof with enough force, they can break the shingle’s protective surface and create dark, circular impact marks where asphalt has been exposed or weakened.
Metal components such as flashing, vents, downspouts, and gutters are also vulnerable. Even small dents or punctures in these pieces can change how water flows off the roof, increasing the risk of leaks or drainage issues during the next rainfall. Over time, this damage can worsen if not repaired promptly.
Granule loss on asphalt shingles is another major sign of hail impact. Those gritty granules protect shingles against UV exposure and weathering. When hail knocks them loose, it accelerates aging, reduces waterproofing ability, and shortens the roof’s lifespan. You might notice these granules accumulating in gutters or downspouts after a storm.
In more severe hailstorms, the impacts can create direct openings in the roof surface. These small punctures can allow water to seep into attic insulation or structural materials. Sometimes the results show up immediately, but in other cases water intrusion becomes noticeable only after the next storm—long after the hail event has passed.
While some hail damage is obvious, many issues—such as microfractures, loosened fasteners, or weakened sealants—require a closer, professional inspection to uncover. These hidden problems may not leak right away but can eventually lead to mold, water damage, or structural deterioration if left unaddressed.
How to spot roof damage after a hailstorm
Once the storm clears, begin by checking for visible dents, bruises, or soft spots on shingles. Gently pressing on any discolored areas can help reveal underlying bruising or exposed asphalt where granules have been knocked away.
Next, look for signs of hail impact in the home’s drainage system. Loose granules piling up in gutters, downspouts, or along the ground near runoff points are common indicators that shingles took direct hits from hailstones.
Inside the rental, inspect the attic or top-floor ceilings for fresh water spots, damp insulation, or discoloration. These symptoms often signal that hail has compromised the roof’s outer layer, allowing moisture to penetrate.
Avoid climbing onto the roof yourself, especially if you’re unsure of its stability. Instead, use binoculars to scan for lifted shingles, bent flashing, cracked ridge caps, or other visible signs of damage. If anything looks suspicious—or if the storm was strong—it’s wise to hire a qualified roofing contractor to perform a detailed inspection.
Tip: Always document the date and severity of the storm and take photos before any cleanup begins. This recordkeeping makes the claims process smoother and helps prevent coverage disputes.
How to file a claim for hail damage
If you suspect hail damage, notify your insurer right away. Most carriers require timely reporting so they can verify the claim against weather data for your area. Waiting too long can cause complications or raise questions about when the damage occurred.
After contacting your insurer, schedule an inspection with a licensed roofing contractor. Their assessment is important because adjusters often rely on a professional evaluation to confirm that the marks, granule loss, or punctures are consistent with hail impact—not normal wear.
Be thorough with your documentation. Provide high-quality photos, the roofing contractor’s report, any relevant weather alerts, and records of communication from tenants about leaks or visible issues. Keeping everything organized helps move the claim forward.
If the roof has exposed areas, make temporary repairs such as tarping damaged sections to prevent further water intrusion. Insurers expect landlords to mitigate additional damage, and failing to take reasonable steps could affect the claim outcome.
Stay in close communication with your adjuster throughout the process and respond quickly to any requests for more information. Keep copies of all receipts, estimates, and correspondence until repairs are fully completed and approved.
What repairs Are typically needed?
- Roof shingle or tile replacement
- Flashing or gutter replacement
- Attic insulation or sheetrock repair if water intrusion occurred
- Repainting or siding replacement if affected
Be cautious of contractors pushing full replacements without documentation. Some issues can be spot-treated affordably—others require full replacement to stay compliant with local codes.
When is a roof too old for hail coverage?
Some policies include exclusions or reduced coverage for roofs older than 15–20 years. If your policy uses actual cash value (ACV) instead of replacement cost, you could receive a depreciated payout.
Want full coverage? Make sure your policy uses a replacement cost estimator that reflects current labor and material prices.
More storm damage topics:
Bottom line: Hail damage is common—make sure you’re covered
Roof damage from hail can lead to major repair bills and tenant complaints. With the right policy and timely action, landlords can protect their investments and avoid out-of-pocket surprises.
Get a quote from Steadily today to make sure your property is covered before the next storm.
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