Hail damaged house or roof insurance claims

If hail damaged your house

• Hail damaged houses can let water inside. If windows, doors or skylights have been broken, cover them with tarps or plywood to prevent rain damage inside your home. Be sure to save all repair receipts.
• Don’t start permanent, major repairs or renovations until you have spoken with your Nationwide claims associate.
• Take inventory and retain any belongings that may have been destroyed or damaged, noting the brand, price, age and other details.
• If this loss causes your home to be unlivable, we may help cover your additional living expenses.

How the hail damage insurance claims process works

• Review your insurance policy
• Explain the coverages that apply
• Help schedule an inspection of your property, if needed

Some claims may be settled over the phone. Otherwise, a claims associate may inspect your property and estimate the cost to repair the damage.

Any payment you receive is based on the coverage you purchased and the severity of the damage, minus your applicable policy deductible.

Arranging for repairs

• If your property sustains storm damage, you will likely need a contractor and/or roofer to make repairs. 
• For repairs, select one from our On Your Side® Property Repair Network or you’re free to find your own contractor. Contact your claims associate for additional information.
• Most contractors are honest, but some use fraudulent practices. Here are some tips to help avoid contractor fraud:
  • Watch for high pressure sales tactics: Be wary of a contractor that shows up unannounced or tries to rush you to make a “now-or-never” decision.
  • Use only licensed and insured contractors: Check with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) and verify they are licensed in your area.
  • Don’t sign an incomplete contract: Never sign a contract with blank spaces or one that is otherwise incomplete.
  • Submit the claim yourself: Contractor’s shouldn’t submit insurance claims on your behalf.
  • Only pay after the work is finished: Never pay or sign completion agreements until all the work has been completed.
• If you suspect contractor fraud, contact local law enforcement, call the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 1-800-TEL-NICB, or call the FEMA disaster fraud hotline at 1-866-720-5721.