Hail in Central Florida is less common than wind, but when it comes it bruises shingles in a way you cannot see from the driveway. A hailstone knocks the granules off the asphalt and cracks the mat underneath. The roof looks fine for a season, then leaks appear two summers later, after the claim window has closed. A free hail damage inspection catches it while it is still covered.
What a Hail Inspection Covers
- Every slope, walked and photographed, with test squares marked the way adjusters mark them
- Soft metals: vents, flashing, gutters and AC fins, which show hail strikes even when shingles hide them
- Granule loss, bruising, cracked mats and exposed fiberglass
- Skylights, solar panels, screens and siding
- A written report with dated photos you can hand to your insurance company
Hail Damage and Your Insurance Claim
Hail is a covered peril on nearly every Florida homeowner policy. Two things decide whether the claim pays: documentation and timing. Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 627.70132) gives you one year from the date of loss to report a new claim, so the inspection needs to happen soon after the storm, not when the leak shows up. Sunny Roofing’s report includes the storm date, strike counts per test square and close-up photos, which is what the adjuster uses to approve a repair or a full replacement.
Read how the claim process works on the insurance claim assistance page, including the Florida laws that keep a storm claim from getting you dropped.
Repair or Replace After Hail
Isolated strikes on one slope can be repaired. Widespread bruising across several slopes usually means replacement, and on a roof built before the 2007 Florida Building Code, the 25 percent rule often makes replacement the only code-compliant option. The inspector explains which case applies to your roof and what the insurance company is likely to approve.
Why Central Florida Homeowners Choose Sunny Roofing
- Veteran-owned, BBB accredited with an A+ rating
- Florida Certified Roofing Contractor, license CCC1333142
- GAF Certified contractor and CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster installers
- Dedicated project manager on every job
- 15-year workmanship warranty and a comprehensive cleanup guarantee
- Insurance claim assistance and flexible financing options
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my roof has hail damage?
Look for dents on gutters, downspouts and AC units, and granules collecting at the downspout outlets. Those are the visible signs. Shingle bruising itself is only found on the roof, which is what the free inspection is for.
Does hail damage always mean a new roof?
No. A few strikes on one slope can be repaired. The report shows strike density per test square, which is how insurers decide between repair and replacement.
How long do I have to file a hail claim in Florida?
One year from the date of loss for a new claim, 18 months for a supplemental claim, under Fla. Stat. § 627.70132. Book the inspection as soon as possible after the storm.
Will filing a hail claim raise my rates or get me dropped?
Florida law bars insurers from cancelling or non-renewing a policy because of a claim caused by an act of God such as a hailstorm (Fla. Stat. § 627.4133(3)). Rate questions are between you and your carrier.
Is the hail inspection really free?
Yes. The inspection, the photo report and the insurance documentation are free with no obligation.