Hail Damage Public Adjuster

Yes. Standard homeowners (HO-3) policies cover hail damage as a named peril, including damage to the roof system, siding, HVAC condenser, gutters, windows, and exterior equipment. The standard wind/storm deductible applies (flat dollar in MN/WI, percentage hurricane deductible in FL only on storms officially classified as hurricanes). Some policies — particularly in MN/WI hail-belt markets — include cosmetic damage exclusions or endorsements that limit coverage on metal roofing or specific components.

The cosmetic-vs-functional classification is the most contested coverage analysis on every hail claim. Three tests determine which is right: functional life reduction (granular loss accelerates UV degradation), water-shedding compromise (cracked components let water under the surface), and warranty voiding (hail damage that voids manufacturer warranty is functional regardless of appearance). We document each test and challenge improper cosmetic classifications.

Three tests determine whether full replacement is the policy obligation. First, Florida's 25% replacement rule requires full replacement when hail damage affects 25%+ of the roof. Second, if the original shingle color is no longer available, full replacement is required to maintain matching under most policy provisions. Third, when functional damage shortens the useful life of the roof system (granular loss across the field, fastener pull-through, decking damage), full replacement is the obligation.

On-roof inspection is essential on any meaningful hail claim. Ground-level inspection misses functional damage to fasteners, granular loss patterns across the field, and impact damage on roof-mounted equipment. Many carriers default to ground-level visual or drone inspection that captures only obvious surface damage. We conduct on-roof inspection on every meaningful hail claim and document damage that ground-level assessment misses.

Counting hail strikes only in a single 10x10 test square and extrapolating across the roof is a common carrier tactic to dispute the loss when the strike density varies across the field. We document hail strikes across the full roof field with gridded impact mapping that proves the damage is widespread rather than localized to a single area.

Yes. HVAC condenser fin damage is functional damage under standard property policies — dented fins reduce airflow, cooling efficiency, and accelerate compressor wear. Carriers commonly limit recovery to fin combing (straightening damaged fins) when the actual obligation may be coil replacement or full unit replacement on severely damaged systems. We document the fin damage extent and pursue the right repair scope.

Yes. Vinyl siding cracks compromise water resistance and weather sealing — that's functional damage under most policies. Carriers commonly classify it as cosmetic to limit recovery to spot patches. We document the damage and pursue replacement scope. If the original siding color or pattern is discontinued, full elevation replacement is typically required under matching provisions.

Florida requires hail damage claims to be filed within one year of the date of loss under FL Statute 627.70132, with supplemental claims allowed within 18 months. Minnesota and Wisconsin claim deadlines are governed by policy provisions and require notice "as soon as practicable" with formal proof of loss within typical 60-90 day windows. Hidden hail damage discovered later (granular loss accelerating over months) can become a supplemental claim within the policy's window.

Not necessarily. Cosmetic damage exclusions and endorsements typically apply only to specific components (most commonly metal roofing) and only to truly cosmetic damage. Functional damage — even on a component covered by a cosmetic exclusion — is typically still covered. We pull the actual policy provisions, identify the functional damage, and challenge improper applications of the exclusion.

Yes. We routinely take on hail claims that have been denied or substantially underpaid. The denial typically relies on cosmetic classification, insufficient hail strike count, or pre-existing wear arguments. We review the denial letter, conduct on-roof re-inspection with gridded impact mapping, pull NWS hail probe data, and challenge the denial with documentation. Where appraisal can resolve a value dispute, we invoke it. Where coverage litigation is required, our claim file becomes the evidence base.

Often, yes. Most homeowners policies include matching provisions requiring visual consistency on repairs. Discontinued shingle colors, patterns, and product lines commonly force full elevation or full roof replacement when matching is impossible. We pull manufacturer discontinuation records and pursue full section replacement under the matching provision.

Straightforward hail claims with strong on-roof documentation can settle in 60-120 days. More complex losses — contested cosmetic-vs-functional classification, multi-component scope disputes, or major event backlogs — often run 4-8 months. The biggest factor in compressing the timeline is documentation quality on the front end.

Florida caps public adjuster fees at 10% during the twelve months following a Governor-declared state of emergency and 20% otherwise (F.S. 626.854). Minnesota does not impose a statutory percentage cap, but requires a written contract with full fee disclosure and a 72-hour cancellation right (MN Stat. 72B.135). Wisconsin caps fees at 10% for catastrophic disaster claims (Wis. Stat. § 629.05(6)); standard claims have no statutory cap but require clear written fee disclosure. Our exact percentage is fixed in writing in the engagement letter before any work begins. There is no upfront fee and no fee at all if the claim produces zero recovery.

As early as possible — ideally before mitigation contractors begin removing damaged materials. Once damaged shingles are removed, the documentation window narrows. We prefer to inspect the property in its post-event condition with on-roof inspection so we can document the gridded impact mapping. Earlier engagement consistently produces larger recoveries.