Filing a hail claim is straightforward but sequence matters. Do it in the wrong order — especially calling insurance before documenting damage or getting a contractor inspection — and you'll leave thousands on the table. Here's the order we recommend after working hundreds of KC hail claims.

The 7-step playbook

Step 1: Don't go outside during the storm

Obvious but worth saying. Wait until the storm passes. Hail injuries are real and most-often happen to people who run out to check on cars.

Step 2: Document everything within 48 hours

Time is your enemy. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove damage came from a specific storm event. Within 48 hours, walk your property with your phone and photograph:

  • Gutters from the ground, then from a ladder (look at the top edge from above)
  • Downspouts top to bottom, front face especially
  • Roof from the ground (with zoom) — look for missing or bruised shingles
  • AC unit fins (bent fins = strong hail size indicator)
  • Car hoods and windshields
  • Mailbox, fence, deck damage
  • Hail still on the ground if any — with a coin or ruler for scale
  • Siding, especially vinyl which dents easily

iPhones and Androids embed GPS coordinates and timestamps into every photo automatically. This proves when and where the damage was documented. Don't compress, crop, or edit the original photos — you may lose the metadata.

Step 3: Get a free contractor inspection (BEFORE calling insurance)

This is the most underused move in the claim playbook. Have a gutter contractor (us) walk your property and write up the damage in our own report. We catch damage you can't see — back of the house, valleys, hidden hangers, top of gutters.

Why before insurance:

  • We can tell you if it's worth filing (some damage is below your deductible)
  • We meet the adjuster on-site later — catches "no damage" disputes
  • We document gutter age and replacement cost in writing — critical if your policy is ACV
  • Our report becomes evidence if the insurer underpays

Call (816) 469-9563 or request online — inspection within 24-72 hours, free.

Step 4: Call your insurance company (use this script)

When you call to file, be factual and specific. Don't speculate.

Script:
"Hi, I need to file a claim for hail damage from the storm on [STORM DATE]. I've documented visible hail impact damage to my gutters, downspouts, [roof/siding/etc.]. I have photos with timestamps and a written contractor inspection report I can email to your claims department. Please send an adjuster as soon as possible. My contractor, Premier Gutters KC at (816) 469-9563, will be available to meet the adjuster on-site. What's the next step?"

What NOT to say:

  • "I think it might be hail." You documented hail damage. State facts.
  • "I'm not sure when the storm was." You wrote down the date.
  • "My neighbors had damage too." They're not on your policy.
  • "My gutters were already old." Even if true, this hurts your settlement.

Step 5: Adjuster visit (with your contractor present)

Adjuster typically visits within 1-2 weeks. Have on hand:

  • Printed photo binder (or photos pulled up on a tablet)
  • Your contractor's written inspection report
  • Your insurance policy declarations page
  • Your contractor on-site (us)

If the adjuster says "I don't see damage," ask them to physically touch each item you flagged. Most damage is visible only from certain angles. Having the contractor point it out catches 80% of "no damage" disputes before they happen.

Step 6: Review the settlement

The insurer sends you a written estimate — often within 5-10 business days of the adjuster visit. Compare it to your contractor's estimate.

  • If matches: Sign off, schedule the work, deposit the check.
  • If lower than actual cost: Don't sign yet. Have the contractor write a "scope difference letter" explaining what was missed. Send to adjuster, request a supplement.
  • If denied: Request a re-inspection by a senior adjuster, file with your state insurance department, or hire a public adjuster (they take 10-15% but recover significantly more on contested claims).

Step 7: Complete the work, collect depreciation

If your policy is RCV (Replacement Cost), the insurer pays the depreciated amount upfront. The recoverable depreciation (the rest) is released AFTER you complete the work and submit final invoices.

We submit the final invoices and lien waivers directly to your insurer when the install is complete. The depreciation check arrives 2-4 weeks later.

Common pitfalls

  • Calling insurance before documenting damage — you're on the clock the moment you call. Document first.
  • Skipping the contractor inspection — this is THE biggest mistake. You lose your strongest advocate.
  • Using QuickFoto-style self-service claim apps — insist on in-person adjuster for hail damage.
  • Repairing before insurance sees the damage — you lose your claim. Only emergency emergency board-up is acceptable, with receipts.
  • Signing settlement papers without a contractor review — once you sign, supplements are much harder.
  • Forgetting the deductible math — for a $2,500 claim with a $2,500 deductible, you net $0. Worth knowing before filing.

Timeline at a glance

  • Day 0: Storm
  • Day 1-2: Document damage with phone
  • Day 1-3: Free contractor inspection
  • Day 3-5: Receive contractor written estimate
  • Day 5-7: Call insurance, file claim
  • Day 10-14: Adjuster visits (with contractor present)
  • Day 15-21: Settlement letter arrives
  • Day 21-35: Repair work scheduled and completed
  • Day 35-50: Depreciation recovered (if RCV policy)

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