Illinois is no stranger to severe weather. Every spring and summer, hailstorms roll through the Chicago suburbs — dropping ice the size of golf balls on rooftops, gutters, siding, and vehicles across Naperville, Schaumburg, Villa Park, Aurora, and communities all across the state.
The problem is that most homeowners have no idea what to do after a hailstorm. They see a few dents on their car, assume their roof is fine, and move on — never realizing that thousands of dollars in damage may be sitting right above their heads.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to do after hail hits your home, how to navigate the insurance process, and how to make sure you don't leave money on the table.
Step 1: Don't Wait — Time Is Critical
One of the biggest mistakes Illinois homeowners make is waiting too long to inspect for hail damage. Most insurance policies have strict deadlines for filing storm damage claims. If you wait too long, your claim could be denied — even if the damage is real.
After any significant hailstorm in your area, you should have your roof inspected within days, not weeks. Hail damage also tends to worsen over time.
You don't have to wait until you see an obvious leak to call a roofer. By the time water is dripping into your home, significant damage has already occurred. A free inspection costs you nothing and could save you thousands.
Step 2: Look For These Signs of Hail Damage
On Your Roof:
- Dark spots or bruising on shingles
- Missing or cracked shingles
- Granules collecting in your gutters or downspouts
- Exposed black felt underlayment beneath damaged shingles
- Dents on metal flashing, vents, or ridge caps
On Your Gutters and Downspouts:
- Visible dents or dimpling on aluminum gutters
- Granule buildup inside gutters
- Bent or separated gutter sections
On Your Siding:
- Cracks, chips, or dents in vinyl or aluminum siding
- Circular impact marks
- Paint chipping or splintering on wood siding
Important: Many types of hail damage are NOT visible from the ground. A professional inspection is the only way to know for certain whether your roof sustained damage.
Step 3: Call A Licensed Roofing Contractor Before You Call Insurance
Calling a reputable roofing contractor BEFORE your insurance company is actually the smarter move. A licensed contractor can document the damage properly before the insurance adjuster arrives.
At Integrity Pro Roofing, we inspect your roof at absolutely no charge. We provide a detailed damage assessment — and if we don't find damage worth claiming, we'll tell you that too.
Step 4: File Your Insurance Claim
- Call your insurance company and report the storm damage.
- An adjuster will be assigned to your claim and will schedule an inspection.
- Your contractor should be present during the adjuster's visit.
- The adjuster will produce a scope of loss — review this carefully.
- Negotiate if needed — you have the right to dispute the claim.
Integrity Pro Roofing has worked with every major Illinois insurance carrier including State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, and more. We attend adjuster meetings, document everything, and advocate on your behalf.
Step 5: What If My Claim Gets Denied?
Claim denials happen — but they are not always final. We have successfully helped Illinois homeowners reverse denied claims multiple times. If you've been denied, call us before you accept the decision.
Common Questions Illinois Homeowners Ask Us
Will filing a claim raise my insurance rates?
Hail damage is considered an "Act of God." In most cases, filing a single storm damage claim does not cause a rate increase. Check your policy or ask your agent to confirm.
How long does the whole process take?
From inspection to finished roof, the typical timeline is 2–4 weeks. Once approved, our crew can replace most residential roofs in a single day.
Do I have to use the contractor my insurance recommends?
No. You have the right to choose your own licensed contractor.
What if the hail also damaged my gutters and siding?
All of this can typically be included in a single insurance claim. Make sure your contractor documents all exterior damage — not just the roof.
Why Integrity Pro Roofing?
Since 2015, Integrity Pro Roofing has helped hundreds of Illinois homeowners navigate the storm damage process from inspection to completion. We are IKO and CertainTeed preferred contractors, fully licensed and insured in Illinois (License #104016966), and carry an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
We serve all of Illinois with a focus on the Chicago suburbs including Naperville, Schaumburg, Villa Park, Aurora, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Arlington Heights, Elmhurst, Lombard, Palatine, Tinley Park, and 80+ more communities.