Hail Damage

Hail is not simply frozen drops of rain. It’s actually precipitation that freezes in the clouds and then falls when it becomes too heavy. Hail stones vary in size and can cause major damage to homes, buildings, vehicles and agricultural crops. There are approximately three thousand hailstorms nationwide every year, and Illinois is among the states to be hit by many such storms.

Hail Damage and Insurance
Shingles react differently to hail damage. Asphalt and composition shingles look different than wood shingles when struck by hail. Most states include hail damage as part of standard home coverage insurance policies. However, the coverage is applied in a variety of ways depending on where you live, your insurer and how the policy is set up.

The Claim Filing Procedure in Illinois
In the event your home sustains hail damage, start by gathering information as soon as you can following the storm. Make note of the day and time, and take photos of:

• Outside of the home where the hail is visible.
• Include close-ups of the hail next to a ruler or tape measure to provide perspective.
• Obvious areas with hail damage, torn or missing shingles.

Next, call Atlas General Contractors and have them perform an estimate of the damage. You can share your photos, but they will also inspect the damage and walk you through the entire claim and rebuild process.

• File the claim with your insurance provider. Once you have a price, contact your insurance company. The insurance company will conduct their own inspection. It is best to also schedule the Atlas General Contractor representative so they can explain the extent of the damage and their findings. After the insurance inspection, you will be notified if your claim receives approval.

Available Help

The Illinois Insurance Hotline, at 800-444-3338, is an information source for Illinois consumers. The hotline is managed by the Illinois Insurance Association (IIA), a non-profit service organization that receives support from the property and casualty insurance sector in Illinois.

Hotline consultants are available to answer insurance questions Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.