After a major storm rolls through Springfield, Kansas City, or Jefferson City, the question on every homeowner's mind is the same: "Is my roof covered?" The answer depends heavily on the type of damage — and how it's documented. Here's what you need to know before you file a claim.
How Hail Damages a Roof
Hail impacts shingles by dislodging the protective granule layer and bruising the asphalt mat beneath. Over time, these bruised areas allow UV radiation and water to penetrate, dramatically shortening the roof's lifespan. Key indicators of hail damage include:
- Random circular dents or "bruising" on shingles (visible as dark spots)
- Granule loss concentrated in circular patterns — look in gutters and at downspout discharge
- Dents on metal components like vents, flashing, gutters, or AC units (a key sign adjusters look for)
- Cracked or split shingles at impact points
- Exposed black substrate (asphalt mat) beneath the granule layer
⚠️ Important: Functional vs. Cosmetic Damage
Insurance adjusters distinguish between "functional" hail damage (which affects the roof's ability to protect the home) and "cosmetic" damage (surface dents that don't affect performance). Many policies exclude cosmetic damage. SRA's former adjusters know how to document functional damage correctly.
How Wind Damages a Roof
Wind damage operates differently than hail. Rather than impact-based bruising, wind creates mechanical stress — lifting, tearing, or peeling shingles. Signs of wind damage include:
- Missing shingles, especially along ridges, edges, or rakes (the most obvious sign)
- Lifted or "fishmouthing" shingles where wind has broken the adhesive seal strip
- Horizontal tearing or creasing in shingles, often in rows
- Exposed roof decking visible from the ground
- Debris impact damage from tree branches or projectiles
- Separated flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights
What Does Insurance Actually Cover?
Standard homeowners insurance policies in Missouri cover both hail and wind damage as "sudden and accidental" perils under your dwelling coverage. However, there are important nuances:
| Factor | Hail | Wind |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage type | Dwelling (Coverage A) | Dwelling (Coverage A) |
| Typical deductible | May have separate % deductible | Often standard flat deductible |
| Cosmetic exclusions | Common in newer policies | Less common |
| Evidence required | Size, density, metal dents | Photos of missing/lifted shingles |
| Claim deadline (MO) | 1 year from storm date | 1 year from storm date |
The Wind/Hail Deductible: What Missouri Homeowners Must Know
Many Missouri insurance policies have a separate wind/hail deductible — often expressed as a percentage of your home's insured value (e.g., 1% or 2%), not a flat dollar amount. On a $300,000 home, a 2% deductible means $6,000 out of pocket before insurance pays.
Check your declarations page carefully. SRA can review your policy during your free inspection to help you understand what you'll owe.
Steps to Take After a Missouri Storm
Document everything immediately
Take photos and videos of your property from multiple angles as soon as it's safe. Include close-ups of any damaged shingles, gutters, or metal components. Date-stamp your photos.
Call SRA for a free inspection
Before contacting your insurance company, get a professional roofing assessment. We'll document the damage thoroughly and give you an objective opinion on whether filing a claim makes sense.
File your claim promptly
Missouri homeowners have 1 year from the storm date to file a claim. Don't wait — insurance companies use storm date records to verify claims.
Be present for the adjuster visit
When your insurance adjuster comes out, have your SRA inspection report in hand. If damage is missed or undervalued, you have the right to request a re-inspection.
Review the adjuster's report carefully
Read our guide on how to read your insurance adjuster's report before accepting any settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hail damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Yes, hail damage is typically covered under the dwelling coverage section of a standard homeowners insurance policy as a sudden and accidental loss. However, deductibles — especially wind/hail deductibles — can vary widely.
How does an insurance adjuster determine hail damage vs. wind damage?
Adjusters look at physical evidence: hail leaves circular bruising and granule displacement in a random pattern; wind damage typically shows directional tearing, lifted shingles along edges, or missing shingles in rows. Both require documentation and photos.
Can I have both hail and wind damage on the same roof?
Absolutely. Severe thunderstorms in Missouri frequently bring both high winds and hail simultaneously. Both types of damage are covered under most standard policies and can be documented in the same claim.