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What to Do After a Hail Storm in Wichita, Kansas

A complete homeowner guide — from the moment the storm clears to getting your roof replaced.

Kansas ranks among the top states in the nation for hail frequency. Wichita and surrounding communities like Derby, Andover, Haysville, and Maize see multiple significant hail events every year. When a storm hits, knowing exactly what to do can be the difference between a fully covered insurance claim and paying thousands out of pocket.

Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Hail Storm

Step 1

Stay Safe — Do Not Go On Your Roof

Wait until the storm has fully passed and weather has cleared. Wet roofs are extremely slippery, and hail can weaken structural components. Leave the roof inspection to a licensed professional.

Step 2

Document Visible Ground-Level Damage

Walk around your home and photograph everything you can see from the ground — dented gutters, damaged window screens, dents on AC units, and damaged siding or fencing. These are critical evidence for your insurance claim and they are easy to photograph without climbing.

Step 3

Call a Licensed Roofing Contractor First

Before you call your insurance company, get a professional roof inspection. A licensed contractor like Roof Dr can identify damage that adjusters commonly overlook — granule loss patterns, bruised shingles, damaged flashing, and compromised underlayment. Call us at (316) 397-0122 for a free inspection.

Step 4

File Your Insurance Claim

Contact your homeowner insurance company to open a hail damage claim. Have your policy number ready and the approximate date and time of the storm. Most Kansas policies require claims to be filed within one year of the storm event — do not wait.

Step 5

Have Your Contractor Attend the Adjuster Inspection

This is the most important step most homeowners miss. Insurance adjusters are not always thorough — they may miss hidden damage or undervalue the claim. Roof Dr attends adjuster meetings at no charge to advocate for you and make sure every bit of damage is documented.

Step 6

Get Your Roof Replaced

Once your claim is approved, your contractor schedules the replacement. Most Wichita homeowners pay only their deductible. Roof Dr handles all coordination with your insurance company through completion.

How to Identify Hail Damage on Your Roof

Hail damage is not always obvious. Here is what to look for:

What Size Hail Causes Damage?

Hail as small as 3/4 inch (marble-sized) can damage standard asphalt shingles, especially on older roofs. Hail 1 inch or larger (quarter-sized) almost always causes insurable damage regardless of roof age. Kansas averages some of the highest hail frequency in the United States, with Wichita sitting in the heart of "Hail Alley."

Will Insurance Cover My Roof Replacement?

In most cases, yes. If your roof has sustained significant hail damage, your homeowner policy will cover the replacement cost minus your deductible. The key is proper documentation and having an experienced contractor advocate for you during the claims process. Most of our Wichita customers pay only their deductible — typically $1,000 to $2,500.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Kansas?

Most Kansas homeowner insurance policies allow one year from the date of the storm to file a claim. However, filing as soon as possible is always recommended. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove the damage was storm-related.

Storm Hit Your Wichita Home?

Call Roof Dr for a free inspection. We respond within 24 hours, attend your adjuster meeting, and handle the entire process.

📞 Call (316) 397-0122 Request Inspection Online

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my roof has hail damage?

Look for dented gutters, broken window screens, and damage to your AC unit at ground level. On the roof, hail damage appears as dark circular spots where granules have been knocked off shingles. Call Roof Dr at (316) 397-0122 for a free inspection.

How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Kansas?

Most Kansas homeowner insurance policies allow 1 year from the date of the storm to file a claim. Filing as soon as possible is strongly recommended.

Will insurance cover my full roof replacement?

In most cases yes. If your roof has sustained significant hail damage, your homeowner policy will typically cover the full replacement cost minus your deductible.

What size hail causes roof damage in Kansas?

Hail as small as 3/4 inch (marble-sized) can damage standard asphalt shingles. Hail 1 inch or larger almost always causes insurable damage. Kansas is one of the highest hail-frequency states in the US.

Should I get on my roof after a hail storm?

No. Roofs can be slippery after storms and structural integrity may be compromised. Call a licensed roofing contractor like Roof Dr to perform the inspection safely.

How much does hail damage roof replacement cost in Wichita?

With insurance, most Wichita homeowners pay only their deductible — typically $1,000 to $2,500. Without insurance, full roof replacements range from $8,000 to $18,000 depending on size and materials.