Hail vs Wind Roof Damage: How to Tell, Document, and File

After a big storm, the first question an adjuster asks is what caused the damage. Hail and wind are both covered perils on most policies, but they look different, they are documented differently, and — critically — many policies charge a separate, higher deductible when the cause is wind or hail.

Telling hail from wind

Hail leaves random, circular impact marks — soft "bruises" where granules are knocked off and the mat is dented. The pattern is scattered and omnidirectional, and you will often see matching dents on metal vents, gutters, and AC fins. Wind lifts, creases, and tears shingles, usually along one edge or slope facing the gust; you will find creased shingles, exposed nail strips, and debris piled on the leeward side.

How to document it

• Photograph wide shots and close-ups, with a coin or chalk circle for scale.
• Capture collateral damage — dented gutters, downspouts, screens, and car hoods corroborate hail.
• Note the storm date and save a local weather report or hail-map record for that day.
• Do not climb a damaged roof yourself; document from a ladder or hire an inspector.

Wind and hail deductibles

Many policies — especially in hail- and storm-prone states — apply a separate wind/hail deductible calculated as a percentage of your dwelling coverage (often 1%–5%), not a flat dollar amount. On a $400,000 home a 2% wind/hail deductible is $8,000 — which can exceed the cost of a smaller repair entirely. Check your declarations page before filing so the payout math is not a surprise.

Filing after a storm

Report promptly, make reasonable temporary repairs (tarping) to prevent further damage, and keep receipts. Before filing, run your situation through the coverage checker to confirm the damage is likely covered, then estimate the net check with the roof insurance claim calculator, which lets you enter your specific wind/hail deductible.