What to do after hail in Oklahoma

Is my roof damaged?

Often you cannot tell from the ground. Hail bruises asphalt shingles, knocks off their granules and cracks vents and flashing long before a leak shows up inside.

Look for these signs from the ground or a window:

Dents in gutters, downspouts, metal vents and mailboxes
Dings in air conditioner fins
Shingle granules piled at the bottom of downspouts
Cracked siding, torn window screens or broken skylights
Dents on cars that were parked outside during the storm

The National Weather Service treats hail 1 inch across, about the size of a quarter, as severe. Hail that size and larger commonly damages shingles. Smaller hail can still hurt older roofs, especially with strong wind.

Oklahoma takes more hail than almost anywhere. About half of the state's roofs were hit by severe hail over the past four years, the highest rate in the country, according to Verisk's 2025 roofing report.

What should I do first?

Stay safe. Stay off the roof and watch for downed lines and water near outlets.
Photograph everything. Dated photos and video of hailstones and every dent, with a coin for scale.
Stop the leaks. Tarp or patch what you safely can and keep the receipts.
Write down the storm. Note the date and time. The Hail Check shows reported hail near your address.
Get a registered roofer to inspect. Verify the registration first at verifyroofing.cib.ok.gov.

Should I file an insurance claim?

File when the damage is real and likely costs more than your deductible. Here is how to tell.

Find your wind and hail deductible on your declarations page. Many Oklahoma policies set it as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, so 2 percent of $250,000 is $5,000.
Get an inspection first. A registered roofer can tell you whether the damage likely tops your deductible.
Some insurers record a claim even when they pay nothing, so it helps to know before you call.
If there is damage, report it promptly. Policies require prompt notice, and some set deadlines. Write down your claim number.

What happens when the adjuster comes?

Your insurer sends an adjuster to inspect and write an estimate. You can ask your roofer to be there. In Oklahoma, a roofer may attend the inspection and answer the adjuster's questions about the damage.

Ask the adjuster to inspect the roof itself, not just look from the ground.
Point out damage to gutters, vents, siding, windows and fences too.
Ask for the estimate and photos in writing.

How do insurance payments work?

Many policies pay in two parts. The first check covers actual cash value, which is the replacement cost minus depreciation. The rest, called recoverable depreciation, is paid after the work is done.

Some policies pay only actual cash value on older roofs, and some exclude cosmetic damage to metal. Your declarations page and any roof endorsements tell you which applies.

What if my claim is denied or underpaid?

Get the decision in writing and ask which policy language it relies on.
Get a second opinion from a registered roofer, with photos.
Ask whether your policy has an appraisal clause for disputes over the amount.
File a complaint with the Oklahoma Insurance Department if you think the claim was handled unfairly.
For larger claims, consider a licensed public adjuster or an attorney.

If you signed a roofing contract and the claim is denied, Oklahoma lets you cancel that contract within 72 hours of receiving the written denial. See your rights after hail.

How do I avoid storm chasers?

Check the registration at verifyroofing.cib.ok.gov. Every Oklahoma roofer must be registered and show the number on ads, contracts and bids.
Walk away from anyone who offers to cover your deductible. That is illegal in Oklahoma.
Do not pay in full up front or in cash.
Do not sign anything that lets a roofer handle or negotiate your claim. That is public adjusting, which takes a license.
Get the contract in writing before work starts.