When a major hail storm hits, the damage itself is only part of the challenge. What follows can feel just as overwhelming. Door knockers. Phone calls. Conflicting advice. Pressure to sign contracts before you fully understand what is happening.

In episode 37 of Under Construction: Renovating a Home, Redeeming an Industry, Erik and Tanya walk through exactly what happens after a significant hail event, what homeowners should look for, and how to make informed decisions without rushing the process.

If your neighborhood was recently impacted by hail (or if you want to be ready for the next storm), this guide will help you understand what comes next and how to protect both your home and your insurance relationship.

Within the first 24 hours after a hail storm, activity increases fast. Homeowners often notice an influx of roofing and siding trucks, aggressive door-knocking, and salespeople urging them to act immediately.

Some homeowners even report contractors knocking late at night, which is never appropriate. This sudden pressure creates stress at a time when homeowners are already unsure about potential damage.

The most important thing to remember is this: You have time. There is no requirement to sign anything right away.

The roofing industry has changed significantly over the last decade. Insurance-funded roofing has become a dominant model, attracting national companies and private equity-backed franchises that follow storm systems.

These companies monitor weather patterns closely and deploy sales teams into neighborhoods as storms occur. Their goal is to secure contracts quickly, often through contingency agreements that tie them to your insurance claim.

It’s important to know: insurance companies are not the enemy. They exist to help homeowners be made whole after legitimate storm damage. While it is important to work with a contractor who understands insurance, fear-based sales tactics are unnecessary and misleading.

After a storm, homeowners often feel rushed to act. In reality, most insurance policies allow up to a full year to file a claim. That means there is time to assess damage, ask questions, and choose the right contractor.

Big Fish recommends starting with education. Understand what damage looks like, what your policy covers, and what the claims process involves before signing any agreements.

Some hail damage is obvious. Other damage requires a trained eye.

Roof damage is usually not visible from the ground. It often appears as bruising or fracturing of the shingle mat beneath the granules. In severe cases, hail can puncture ridge caps or shingles entirely.

Siding damage is more visible. Aluminum siding will show dents. Vinyl siding may crack or puncture. Fiber cement and LP siding typically perform well. Cedar siding may show chipped paint without structural failure.

Other areas to inspect include:

• Gutters and downspouts
• Window screens
• Garage doors
• Soft metal components

Roof damage is the most critical, but the hardest to identify without climbing onto the roof.

Not every storm warrants an insurance claim. Filing unnecessary claims can impact your insurance history, especially as policies continue to change.

Big Fish often inspects homes first and helps homeowners decide whether a claim is worthwhile. In cases of widespread damage across a neighborhood, filing a claim is usually appropriate. In marginal storms, it may be better to wait.

This approach protects homeowners from filing claims that result in little benefit.

Once a claim is filed, the insurance company sends an adjuster to inspect the property. These professionals are trained to identify storm damage and typically do a thorough job.

A contractor does not need to be present, but having one can help ensure nothing is missed. The process works best as a collaborative effort rather than an adversarial one.

Homeowners should also be aware that claims may involve multiple adjusters, including field adjusters and desk adjusters. This can slow communication and make patience essential.

Local does not automatically mean trustworthy, and non-local does not automatically mean bad. What matters most is experience, honesty, and follow-through.

When evaluating contractors, homeowners should look for:

• Experience handling insurance claims
• A history of work in the community
• Reviews that span many years
• Transparency around pricing and process

Companies that actively support their community through partnerships, events, and local involvement often demonstrate a deeper commitment to the areas they serve.

One of the most important points in this episode is how insurance coverage has changed. Many policies now use actual cash value or non-recoverable depreciation models.

This means older roofs may only be partially covered based on remaining lifespan, leaving homeowners with out-of-pocket costs even when damage is legitimate.

Understanding your policy before a storm occurs is critical. Insurance agents should clearly explain coverage, but contractors experienced in insurance can also help homeowners understand what to expect.

Insurance claims can take time. Some resolve quickly. Others take months. Claims can stall if no one actively follows up.

At Big Fish, the team stays involved throughout the entire process, from inspection through final paperwork. Communication and follow-through remain the same whether a project is insurance-funded or not.

Hail damage is stressful, but rushed decisions often lead to regret. Homeowners who take time to understand their options are better positioned to protect their home, their finances, and their peace of mind.

If your area was recently impacted by hail and you want a professional, no-pressure assessment, the Big Fish team is here to help.

Contact Big Fish Contracting to schedule an inspection, ask questions about your policy, or get clarity on whether filing a claim makes sense for your home.

Further Reading on Hail Damage, Roof Repairs, and Insurance Claims

• Hail Damage 101: What Homeowners Should Know Before Filing a Claim
• Understanding the Insurance Claim Process After a Storm