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2025-08-04
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2017-04-24
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3 minutes
Step-by-Step Guide: Hail Damage Next Steps
In Wyoming, hailstorms are as common as wind and wide-open skies. One minute it's sunny, the next, your roof looks like it went ten rounds with a golf ball cannon.
If your car or home just took a beating from a recent storm, here’s your no-panic guide to handling the damage and making sure you're financially protected.
Here is a step-by-step guide to filing an insurance claim:
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
Time is important after a storm. Reach out to your insurance provider right away to report the damage. They’ll walk you through the next steps, explain how the claims process works, and answer any questions you may have. The sooner you file, the sooner you can get back on track with repairs and recovery. - Take clear photos and videos of all the damage.
Before any cleanup begins, document everything — dents, broken windows, missing shingles, downed trees, and anything else affected. Use your phone to take photos and videos from multiple angles. This visual evidence is crucial to support your claim and help the adjuster understand the full extent of the damage. - Talk to your neighbors and compare notes.
If others in your neighborhood or apartment complex experienced hail or storm damage, it’s smart to connect. Exchange contact info and details. This can be useful if your insurance company questions the legitimacy or extent of your claim; having other reports from nearby can strengthen your case. - Know what your deductible is.
Every insurance policy includes a deductible: the amount you pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in. Make sure you understand how much that is for your specific policy, whether it’s for your home or auto. That way, you’ll know what costs to expect upfront. - Ask about your coverage limits.
It’s also important to know how much your policy will actually cover. Some plans have caps on hail damage or roof repairs, while others may offer more generous terms. Don’t be shy about asking your insurer to explain what’s covered, what’s not, and if any exclusions apply. - Get all agreements in writing.
Once you reach a settlement or approval for repairs, make sure everything is documented. Request a written copy of your claim summary, the amount covered, and any other terms discussed. This protects you if there are any delays, discrepancies, or issues with payment or repairs later on.
Bonus Tip: Consider GAP or Extended Coverage
If hail totals your vehicle and you owe more than it’s worth, GAP insurance could save the day. Not sure if you have it? We can help you check. If you have GAP insurance with WyHy, you also have Auto Deductible Reimbursement as a benefit, which will reimburse you for your auto deductible up to $500.
Contact WyHy to learn more about how we can help you recover from the hailstorm. We offer a variety of loans and financial services to help you get back on your feet.