Maybe some of you insurance adjusters can help me with this. How many hail dings per sq generally results in a claim?

__________________
If it weren't for lawyers, we would never need them.

10 impact points per square of shingles is the normal rule. Look at the gutters, windows, vents, HVAC condenser fins and anyting made from soft metal, plastic or vinyl. If they are dented the insurance company will replace them as well.

__________________
Scott Patterson
Spring Hill, TN
http://www.traceinspections.com

Companies vary from 7 - 13 hits per square (100 sq. ft of roofing). Adjusters will mark and photograph the amount of hits per square on at least (2) slopes of the roof, sometimes more. Other factors become involved and actually vary across the duration of a claim period.

I advise the following procedure unless you are a General Contractor yourself: Check the property for damage you can easily spot from the ground I do not advise homeowners crawl around on roof surfaces, especially steep ones. There is no need to. Check for dents in metal surfaces such as your mail box, trim pieces, gutters and downspouts. Check for hits (dis-colorization) on wood surfaces such as decks and fences. Check A/C coils for imprints.

It costs you nothing to file a claim. When in doubt, file a claim, If there is damage in your area or you see neighbors homes being inspected, file a claim. Find a General Contractor experienced in insurance claims, capable of performing all repairs on your property (not just a roof), and have them there to converse with the adjuster day of inspection. This is the absolute best and most cost effective way to deal with hail damage. Have your "pro" meet their "pro". *Hint - inquire how to offset your deductible through an advertising arrangement with your contractor.

Royce - claimimpact@gmail.com

It is true that it might not "Cost" you anything to file a claim, but the insurance company still looks at it as a "Claim" and it can have an impact on you if you file too many claims. All claims regardless of payout are considered a to be a claim. The insurance company still has to pay the adjuster, so even this small amount is considered to be a loss. A little know fact that is not widely disclosed.

__________________
Scott Patterson
Spring Hill, TN
http://www.traceinspections.com

I suppose that "he who cries wolf" every time it clouds up would eventual cause a review by a carrier. That certainly is understandable and is known. But there should be no doubt in a policy holder's mind to file a claim if there is any evidence of damage, as I had stated.

A carrier cannot jack with your policy because you file a claim based on legitimate concern. There are legal ways to deal with that should it occur, however I have never seen it happen in 20 years of dealing with catastrophic claims. Let's keep in mind here we are talking about catastrophic damage, and not a claim for something that could have been prevented with proper maintenance. Catastrophic claims follow a geographical area where known damage has occurred. Filing a claim in such circumstances is not damaging to you in any way. You pay premiums to protect your property. The insurance company works for you. There is no "penalty" for putting them to work.