Why Hiring an Experienced Hail Damage Contractor Matters When Filing a Hail or Wind Claim
- Staff
- Dec 2, 2025
- 3 min read
When a hailstorm hits, most homeowners do exactly what they should: call a contractor to inspect the roof and help file an insurance claim. But here’s the part most people never hear — the quality and experience of the contractor’s representative can make or break your claim.
This isn’t just about hiring a company that’s been in business for 20 years. Longevity does not guarantee that the person inspecting your home has the knowledge needed to identify all hail-related damage or navigate the insurance process effectively. And in the world of storm restoration, that experience gap can cost homeowners thousands of dollars.
The Hidden Problem: Contractors Who Only Look at the Roof
Most exterior contractors advertise “hail damage inspections,” but what they really mean is “roof inspections.” This narrow focus creates the biggest blind spot in the entire industry: significant exterior damage goes unnoticed, unclaimed, and unpaid — simply because no one looked for it.
One of the most overlooked victims of hail?
Aluminum siding.
Why Aluminum Siding Is Overlooked (and Why It Matters)
Aluminum siding is far more susceptible to hail than people think. Even small hail can leave dents and distortions that may be subtle at first glance. But here’s why siding almost never gets mentioned by average contractors:
1. Siding replacement is often more expensive than a roof.
Insurance companies love when contractors ignore it. If no one documents the damage, the carrier has no incentive to pay for it — and your claim ends up thousands of dollars short.
2. Many roofing companies don’t even perform siding work.
Because siding jobs are less common, good siding crews are harder to find and even harder to keep busy. Many companies simply don’t have the manpower or expertise, so their reps never mention siding damage because they can’t or won’t service it.
3. Siding approvals are often partial — not full.
Insurance carriers frequently approve just one or two elevations instead of all four. This leads to a confusing half-approved claim and homeowners unsure what to do with the partial funds. Less knowledgeable contractors simply accept this decision instead of pushing for full coverage when it's justified.
Why an Experienced Contractor Makes All the Difference
A contractor with real hail and insurance experience does more than spot damage — they understand:
how different materials react to hail
how to properly document and present damage to carriers
what insurance adjusters often overlook
how to navigate partial approvals
when to file for reinspection or submit additional evidence
how to push a claim through the extra steps required for full siding approval
At JP Construction, we’ve seen this firsthand. Many homeowners called us only after being told by another contractor that “everything looks fine except the roof.” In multiple cases, we identified clear siding damage that the first contractor ignored entirely. After advocating properly through the insurance process, the siding was approved — saving homeowners thousands.
Yes, siding claims often take more time. Yes, there may be more hoops to jump through. But the results are worth it when you receive the full coverage you’re entitled to.
The Bottom Line
Hiring a hail damage contractor shouldn’t be about choosing the company with the flashiest trucks or the longest time in business. It should be about choosing someone who:
understands hail damage beyond the roof,
knows insurance policies and claim processes,
recognizes subtle siding issues,
and is willing to put in the work to fight for a complete, accurate claim.
A knowledgeable representative can mean the difference between a small roof repair and a fully covered exterior restoration.
When hail hits, experience isn’t just valuable — it’s profitable for the homeowner.
In the market for roof or siding replacement? Did a hailstorm recently come through your area? If so, and you live within our services area, call us today at (877) 846-9566 or schedule your free inspection or estimate online.
