The short answer
Yes, usually. Standard homeowners policies typically cover sudden damage from hail to your roof, siding, gutters, windows and other parts of the home. Detached structures like a shed or fence are often covered under other structures coverage.
Hail damage to your car is a different policy. That falls under the comprehensive part of your auto insurance, not your homeowners policy.
Your hail deductible may be different
In areas where hail is common, many policies have a separate wind and hail deductible. It is often a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat dollar amount, so it can be much larger than your regular deductible.
Find it on your declarations page before storm season. Knowing the number helps you decide whether a small claim is worth filing.
Cosmetic vs. functional damage
Some policies pay only for damage that affects how something works, like a cracked shingle that lets water in. Dents that change the look of metal roofing, gutters or siding but don't cause leaks may be excluded as cosmetic.
This wording varies a lot between carriers. If you have a metal roof or live where hail is frequent, ask your agent how your policy treats it.
How roof age affects a hail claim
Carriers look at roof age and condition. An older roof may be paid at actual cash value, which subtracts wear, instead of full replacement cost. Damage the carrier sees as wear and tear, not hail, won't be covered. Some carriers also add a roof surfaces endorsement that pays roofs on a schedule based on age. Ask whether your policy has one.
Spotting hail damage
Hail damage can be hard to see from the ground, and small dents today can turn into leaks a season or two later. Look for dented gutters and downspouts, bruised or cracked shingles, granules collecting at the bottom of downspouts, chipped paint and dents on outdoor units.
A roofer or the carrier's adjuster can inspect the roof safely. Be careful with door-to-door contractors after a storm. Check licenses and reviews, and don't sign over your claim rights.
After a hailstorm
- Photograph damage with the date, plus any hailstones next to a coin for scale
- Cover broken windows and roof openings to prevent water damage
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs
- Report the claim promptly, since many policies have a filing deadline
- Get a written repair estimate