Documenting Hail Damage for Insurance: A Photo Evidence Guide
Exactly which photos, measurements, and documents to collect so your hail damage claim survives adjuster scrutiny.
The claims that get paid are the ones with photographic evidence collected within 48 hours. Here's the shot list.
Ground-level roof photos
All four elevations from the property line. Wide enough to show the whole slope, tight enough to see missing or displaced shingles.
Collateral damage
Dented gutters and downspouts (hail hits leave a distinctive round dent).
Damaged AC condenser fins on the roof or ground unit.
Split window screens and torn awnings.
Bruised or split wood on decks and fences — this is your hail-size proof.
Interior damage
Water stains on ceilings, especially near vents, chimneys, and skylights. Photograph with a timestamped news source visible in the frame.
The debris pile
Save any shingles that blew off. Photograph them next to a ruler or coin for scale. The mat, tar line, and granule pattern all tell the adjuster the age and cause.
Weather documentation
NOAA storm event report for your ZIP and date.
A screenshot of the local news radar loop showing the cell over your neighborhood.
Insurance-grade hail reports (HailTrace, HailStrike) — often $30 and worth every penny.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How soon after the storm should I document?
- Within 48 hours. After that, adjusters argue that damage could have come from any subsequent weather.
- Do drone photos help?
- Yes, but only from a licensed drone operator (FAA Part 107). Homeowner drone photos are admissible but carry less weight than professional inspection photos.
Pillar guide: Roof Insurance & Claims
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