2024’s Counties Most at Risk of Hail Damage

What are the first three things to cover up in the event of a hail storm?

Although hail of any size may pose a damage risk to life and property, large hail of an inch or greater in diameter is the criteria used by the U.S. National Weather Service to warn the public of a thunderstorm capable of generating severe hail.

Severe hail, especially when wind-driven, can pose a destructive and even life-threatening situation. If you find that the threat of hail is in your local weather forecast, three things that would benefit by being covered up or sheltered beforehand are:

1. Outdoor pets or livestock.

2. Vehicles.

3. Yourself, of course!

For perspective on the force of severe hail, remember that under ideal weather conditions, hailstones may grow between 1 to 4+ inches in diameter with fall speeds of 25 mph to over 100 mph.

Additionally, be aware of other associated thunderstorm hazards during hail events such as lightning, heavy rainfall leading to possible flooding, and strong gusty winds.

This is why being proactive when protecting life and property from potential hail storm damage ahead of time is essential. Don’t put yourself at risk outdoors during severe thunderstorm conditions.

What can be damaged by hail but is often forgotten by homeowners?

Besides prioritizing protecting yourself and pets from bodily harm, along with any uncovered vehicles, other possible damages homeowners should consider are hailstone impacts to:

• Fragile landscape decorations.
• Patio furniture and awnings.
• Sensitive plants and garden beds.
• Solar panels.
• Outdoor lighting fixtures.
• Roof skylights.
• HVAC units.
• Any exposed windows.

What are three key steps for assessing hail damage after a storm?

Three key steps for assessing hail damage after the storm should include:

1. Noting down the approximate start, duration, and end of the hail event at your location.

2. Having time and date stamped photo and/or video evidence for all items suspected of incurring hail damage

3. Taking photos, if possible, showing the size of fallen hail in comparison to a reference object of known size. For example, using coins such as the U.S. quarter having an approximate diameter of an inch.

This type of supportive information is helpful when filing insurance claims and can also aid meteorological forensic investigations reviewing hail swath damage paths. Confirmed hail swath damage paths can be quite variable fluctuating from being highly localized to spanning many miles.

What type of hail insurance coverage, if any, is available to homeowners, and is it worth the cost? Why or why not?

Whether you live in a region with frequent hail occurrences or not, inquiring with your insurance provider about hail damage, or storm coverage in general, would be beneficial to help make an informed decision on its potential benefit to you.

Even just one significant hail storm could cause an unexpected financial setback. Keep in mind that strong to severe thunderstorm development in the United States can occur anywhere and at any time of the year when the right weather ingredients come together.

What are the first three things to cover up in the event of a hail storm?

The clear answer is your vehicles. However, it is also important to cover:

1. Any plants you have (or bring them inside) as they can be seriously damaged by hail — especially large hail.

2. I’d make sure any animals you have are brought inside prior to a hail event as they can be deadly.

3. As well as any yard decorations that could be damaged (such as those that are ceramic or clay).

What can be damaged by hail but is often forgotten by homeowners?

Your yard can sustain damage from hail, either as large holes in the ground or as broken vegetation, tree limbs, etc., that are damaged by hail.

What are three key steps for assessing hail damage after a storm?

1. Check the siding for large dents, windows for breaks, etc. Any evidence like this probably means your roof was damaged as well.

2. You should also look for places where shingles are visibly damaged as these can be clear evidence of the need for a roof repair or replacement.

3. Finally, check any outdoor vehicles for dents in the roofs, window cracks, etc.

What type of hail insurance coverage, if any, is available to homeowners, and is it worth the cost? Why or why not?

From what I understand about insurance, comprehensive car insurance will cover hail damage sustained on your vehicle. Most standard home insurance plans cover hail damage to a home (though they would likely not cover damage sustained in the yard, vegetation, etc.).

As these are common insurance plans, they seem worth the investment regardless, since you would likely need them for other things.

However, climatologically, hail seems most prevalent in the Plains and Midwest states, and, in general, is much rarer in the Southeast. I would strongly encourage folks living in the Plains (especially the central and Northern Plains) to invest in plans with hail coverage, while folks in the Southeast would have less risk attached to hail.

What are the first three things to cover up in the event of a hailstorm?

If you know a hailstorm is approaching, start by:

1. Covering any HVAC units that may be exposed to hail impacts with a protective covering.

2. Clearing the garage to allow for easy and quick storage of vehicles, patio furniture, potted plants, and grills.

3. Ensuring that pets and animals in your care have adequate shelter from the hail.

What can be damaged by hail but is often forgotten by homeowners?

The roof acts as your home’s first line of defense during severe weather and tops the list in importance. Homeowners may assume the roof can handle most hail impacts, particularly with small hail. However, research shows even small hailstones can damage a roof cover, sometimes making damage hard to detect, and repeated impact by small hail makes a roof more susceptible to significant damage over time.

Many types of siding can also be vulnerable to hail impacts, so investing in brick or stone veneer siding will help your home better withstand the impact of hail.

HVAC systems are also vulnerable to damage from hailstorms. Installing a protective guard over units is a simple and typically inexpensive way to protect your HVAC system from expensive damage and repairs.

Homeowners should check their roof cover, siding, and outdoor HVAC equipment after every hailstorm, and if damage is identified, make repairs before more costly damage can occur.

When it is time to re-roof, homeowners should have their roofing contractor install it to the FORTIFIED Roof standard for increased resilience against severe weather, including high winds, water entry, and hail damage.

For more information on ways you can protect your home from severe weather and hail, check out the IBHS Thunderstorm Ready residential guide.

What are three key steps for assessing hail damage after a storm?

1. After a storm occurs, homeowners should conduct a routine inspection of their property to assess damage. Examine the perimeter of the home, checking for cracks or dents along the home’s windows and siding.

2. Check the roof for cracks or dents; those with asphalt single roofs should also check for granule loss.

3. If any damage is detected, homeowners should contact their insurance agent.

What type of hail insurance coverage, if any, is available to homeowners, and is it worth the cost? Why or why not?

Most, if not all, homeowners insurance policies include provisions for hail. In 2023, 19 billion-dollar severe convective storm events occurred in the U.S., affecting millions of homeowners across the country. Total insured loss from severe convective storms approached $60 billion in 2023 alone.

In any given year, on average, a homeowner living in the middle of the United States may experience up to seven severe hailstorms within 25 miles of their home, and a homeowner in the eastern two-thirds of the country may experience at least one severe hailstorm within 25 miles of their home.

These statistics give good reason to have coverage for hail damage. Homeowners living in hail-prone areas should make sure that they are up to date with the hail provision in their insurance policy to avoid unexpected costs after a hailstorm.