What to Do After a Chicago Hailstorm: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are part of 'Hail Alley' — an area that experiences some of the most frequent and severe hailstorms in the country. When a storm hits, acting quickly and correctly can make the difference between a full insurance-covered repair and a denied claim.
Step 1: Stay Safe First
Don't rush outside immediately after a storm. Wait for the hail to completely stop, check for downed power lines, and avoid walking on a wet roof. Your safety comes first.
Step 2: Document Everything (Before Anything Gets Cleaned Up)
This is the most important step for your insurance claim:
- Photograph the hailstones next to a ruler or coin before they melt
- Record a video walking around your property
- Photograph every area of visible damage — roof, gutters, siding, windows, AC units, vehicles
- Note the date and time of the storm
- Save weather records — services like Weather Underground or NOAA can verify the storm
Step 3: Do a Ground-Level Assessment
Never climb on your roof immediately after a storm — it's dangerous and can cause further damage. From the ground and from your attic, look for:
- Dented or cracked gutters — hail leaves circular dents
- Damaged siding — look for circular dings or cracks
- Window damage — cracked seals or broken panes
- Granules in gutters — a major sign of roof damage
Step 4: Call a Trusted Local Roofer (Before Your Insurance Company)
This is critical. A reputable local contractor like Goat Restoration can:
- Conduct a free professional inspection and document all damage with photos
- Provide you with a detailed written report before you file your claim
- Help you understand what should be covered
- Meet with your insurance adjuster during the inspection
Warning: Avoid storm chasers — out-of-state contractors who appear after major storms, pressure you to sign immediately, and then disappear when issues arise.
Step 5: File Your Insurance Claim
Once you have your contractor's report:
- Call your insurance company's claims line
- Provide the date, time, and documentation of the storm
- Request an adjuster inspection — ask your contractor to be present
- Review the adjuster's report carefully against your contractor's assessment
Step 6: Protect Your Home Immediately
If there is active leaking or significant exposed roof area, your contractor should install emergency tarping. This prevents further water damage while the claim is processed. Most homeowner policies cover emergency tarping.
Understanding Your Insurance Claim
- RCV (Replacement Cost Value) — pays for full replacement. Most preferred.
- ACV (Actual Cash Value) — pays replacement minus depreciation. Less favorable.
- Your deductible must be paid by you — a contractor who offers to waive it is committing insurance fraud (a felony in Illinois).
Why Chicago Homeowners Choose Goat Restoration
We have over 15 years of experience navigating the insurance claims process and have helped hundreds of Chicagoland families get the full compensation they deserve. Our inspections are always free, and we only recommend repairs that are genuinely necessary.
Call us immediately after any storm: (708) 557-4482