Michigan Hail & Wind Damage: How to File Your Insurance Claim

Michigan Storms Leave a Mark — Here's What to Do Next

Hailstorms, high winds, and severe thunderstorms are a regular part of life in Mid-Michigan. Whether you're in Lansing, Saginaw, Flint, Bay City, or a smaller community like Ionia, Perry, or Stanton — storm damage can happen fast, and knowing how to respond makes a significant difference in what your insurance covers.

What Does Homeowner's Insurance Typically Cover?

• Hail damage — Granule loss, dents, and cracks on shingles, gutters, siding, and soft metals
• Wind damage — Missing shingles, torn flashing, and structural damage from high winds
• Falling debris — Tree limbs or other objects that impact the roof or structure
• Ice dam water intrusion — Water damage caused by ice dams backing up under shingles

What's typically not covered: normal wear and tear, age-related deterioration, or pre-existing damage. This is why acting quickly and documenting everything is so important.

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

Before anything else, walk around the exterior of your home and photograph everything from ground level. Don't climb on the roof — leave that to the professionals. Capture your roof, gutters, siding, windows, and any soft metals like vents and A/C units. Time-stamp your photos if possible.

Step 2: Call a Local Contractor Before Your Insurance Company

This is the step most homeowners skip — and it costs them. A qualified local roofing contractor can safely inspect your roof, document damage professionally, identify items an adjuster might miss, and prepare a written scope of work before the adjuster arrives.

Avoid storm chasers — out-of-state crews that flood Mid-Michigan after major storms in communities like Owosso, Corunna, Durand, and Perry. They offer cheap, fast work and often disappear before warranty issues surface. Work with a local, established Michigan contractor with verifiable reviews.

Step 3: File Your Insurance Claim

Contact your insurance company with your policy number, storm date, documented photos, and contractor assessment. Record your claim number and expected adjuster timeline.

Step 4: Be Present During the Adjuster's Inspection

Have your contractor present when the adjuster arrives. In areas like Flint, Saginaw, and Bay City, hail damage to soft metals (gutters, vents, A/C units) is often the clearest evidence of significant shingle damage that might otherwise go undocumented.

Step 5: Review the Estimate Carefully

Insurance estimates frequently leave out items like pipe boots, ridge cap, drip edge, or ventilation components. Review the estimate line-by-line with your contractor and request a supplemental claim for anything missed — this is a completely normal part of the process.

Step 6: Know Your Rights on Material Quality

Under most Michigan homeowner's insurance policies, you're entitled to like-for-like replacement. If your roof was a CertainTeed Landmark PRO or GAF Timberline HDZ, your insurance should cover that same quality — not downgrade you to a basic three-tab shingle.

Free Storm Damage Inspections Across Mid-Michigan

Energy Plus Home Improvements offers free, no-obligation storm damage inspections for homeowners across Alma, St. Louis, Mount Pleasant, Clare, Lansing, Saginaw, Flint, Owosso, Ionia, Greenville, Midland, Bay City, Big Rapids, Beaverton, Gladwin, and all surrounding communities. Contact us today for an honest assessment.