A hailstorm just rolled through your Atlanta neighborhood. Now what? The decisions you make in the next 48 hours can mean the difference between a full insurance payout and a denied claim.
Hour 1: Safety First
Before you assess anything, make sure it’s safe. If there’s a fallen tree on your roof, do not go inside until a structural professional clears it. If you can hear active dripping inside, place buckets and move valuables. Don’t climb on a wet roof.
Hours 1-6: Document Before You Touch Anything
Do not make any repairs before documenting everything.
Grab your phone and photograph:
- Your gutters (look for granule accumulation)
- Every metal surface — vents, flashing, A/C caps, gutters
- Any visible damage to siding, window screens, or painted surfaces
- Interior of your attic if accessible — look for daylight or wet decking
- Any interior water stains on ceilings
Turn on geotagging on your phone camera. The timestamp and location embedded in your photos is valuable documentation.
Hours 6-24: Call a Roofer Before Your Insurance Company
Call a licensed roofing contractor to do a free damage inspection before you file your claim. Here’s why:
- You get an independent assessment of damage
- You’ll know what you’re claiming before calling your carrier
- Not all storms produce insurance-grade damage — a contractor tells you if yours qualifies
- Filing a claim that gets denied counts against your policy
At Atlanta Roofing Experts, we do free same-day inspections after storm events.
Within 24-48 Hours: File Your Claim
Once you have your contractor’s assessment, call your insurance carrier. Have your policy number ready. When you speak to the claims representative:
- Give the date and approximate time of the storm
- Describe the damage your contractor identified
- Request an adjuster inspection as soon as possible
- Ask for your claim number and the adjuster’s direct contact information
Do not accept a cash settlement at this call. Wait for the adjuster’s inspection.
Before the Adjuster Arrives: Emergency Tarping if Needed
If your roof has any open areas — missing shingles, punctures, visible holes — you need emergency tarping to prevent further water damage. Most insurance policies cover tarping costs as part of the claim.
The Adjuster Visit: Have Your Contractor Present
Request that your roofing contractor be present when the adjuster inspects your property. This is your right and standard practice. A contractor who knows what to look for will point out items the adjuster might miss — flashing damage, granule loss patterns, and O&P line items.
After the Inspection: Don’t Sign Anything Immediately
Review the adjuster’s estimate before signing or cashing any check. Common items that get missed:
- Overhead and profit (O&P) — typically 10-20% owed on full replacements
- Code upgrade requirements
- Interior damage linked to the roof breach
- Flashing and gutter damage
If the estimate seems low, you have the right to request a re-inspection.
Questions? Our team handles insurance claims from documentation through final payout. Book your free storm inspection →