What to Do After a Hailstorm in Oklahoma City: A Homeowner's Checklist
A calm, step-by-step list for the hours and days after hail hits your house.
By Colton Miller, Owner · 8 years in roofing · Updated · 7 min read
The short answer
After a hailstorm, stay off the roof and check for damage from the ground: dented gutters, downspouts, AC fins and other soft metal, plus shingle granules at downspout outlets. Photograph everything with the date, cover any active leak, and schedule a free roof inspection. If there's damage, you contact your insurance company and file the claim. Keep every receipt, and never accept an offer to cover your deductible.
1. Safety first: stay off the roof
Wait until the storm has fully passed. Watch for downed power lines, broken glass, and loose debris around the house.
Don't climb onto the roof. Wet or hail-damaged shingles are slippery, and damage can hide weak spots. A roofer has the gear and experience to walk it safely.
2. Check for signs of damage from the ground
Hail often leaves easier-to-see marks on softer materials before you can spot anything on the shingles. Walk around the house and look for:
- Dents in gutters and downspouts
- Dented or bent fins on your outdoor AC unit
- Dings in other soft metal: vents, flashing, mailboxes, window wraps
- Shingle granules washed out at the bottom of downspouts
- Pieces of shingle, vents, or flashing in the yard
- Water stains on ceilings or in the attic
None of these proves your roof is damaged, and a lack of them doesn't prove it's fine. They're reasons to get a closer look.
3. Photograph the damage, with the date
Take photos and short videos of everything you notice, from the ground and inside. Make sure your phone records the date, or include something that shows it. Photograph the hail itself if it's still on the ground, next to a coin or ruler for scale.
Save the photos somewhere safe. They help you, your roofer, and your insurance company see what happened and when.
4. Protect your home from active leaks
If water is coming in, move belongings out of the way, catch drips with a bucket, and keep the area dry. A roofer can put a temporary tarp on the roof to limit further damage until repairs are done.
Your policy may expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, so keep track of what you do and any costs.
5. Get a free roof inspection
A professional inspection tells you what's actually on the roof. At Tusk Roofing, we climb the roof, check shingles, flashing, vents and gutters, and photograph every hit we find. Then we walk you through the photos in plain English and tell you whether you need a repair, a replacement, or nothing at all.
6. Contact your insurance company (you file the claim)
If the inspection finds storm damage, you contact your insurance company and file the claim. Your roofer can't file it for you.
Insurance policies and filing deadlines vary. Read your own policy, or call your agent, to find out how and by when you need to report damage.
Once you've filed, a good roofer can share their photos, explain what they found, and meet your adjuster on the roof to answer their questions.
7. Keep every receipt
Keep receipts for anything storm-related: tarps, temporary repairs, cleanup, and if it comes to it, a place to stay. Keep copies of your estimate, your claim paperwork, and any letters from your insurance company in one folder.
8. Be careful with door-knockers
After big storms, out-of-town crews often go door to door. Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to sign right away, or who offers to cover, waive, or rebate your deductible. In Oklahoma, that offer is against the law, and it can put your claim at risk.
Ask for a local phone number, check reviews, and get a written estimate before you sign anything.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get on my roof after a hailstorm?
No. Wet or damaged shingles are slippery and damage can hide weak spots. Check from the ground and let a roofer inspect the roof itself.
How do I know if hail damaged my roof?
Look from the ground for dented gutters, downspouts and AC fins, dings in soft metal, and shingle granules at downspout outlets. Those are signs to get a professional inspection, which is the only way to know for sure.
Who files the insurance claim after hail?
You, the homeowner, file the claim with your insurance company. A roofer can inspect, document the damage, and meet your adjuster to answer their questions.
How long do I have to file a hail claim?
It depends on your policy. Policies and filing deadlines vary, so check your own policy or call your agent.
Can a roofer cover my deductible?
Not in Oklahoma. State law prohibits roofers paid from insurance proceeds from paying, waiving, or promising to cover any part of your deductible.