How to Assess Your Property for Wind, Hail, or Water Damage

Interior Inspection​

Use a flashlight to inspect all areas, especially ceilings, walls, and floors, for subtle damage. Your insurance company is responsible for restoring your interior to its pre-loss condition, matching the existing finishes, materials, and quality (e.g., same paint color, drywall texture, or flooring type). For continuous walls, ceilings, or floors, any damage may require replacement of the entire surface to ensure a seamless match, as patching often results in visible differences that fail to meet the pre-loss standard.

 

What to Look For:

• Wind Damage: Cracks in walls, ceilings, or floors from structural shifts; broken or cracked window frames. Repairs must match existing textures and materials across continuous surfaces.

• Hail Damage: Cracks in drywall or flooring from impact vibrations; damaged window sills or frames. Entire walls, ceilings, or floors may need replacement to match the pre-loss aesthetic and quality.

• Water Damage: Water stains, discoloration, or bubbling on ceilings/walls; mold or mildew growth; warped or swollen baseboards or flooring. Insurers must replace damaged areas, including continuous surfaces, with matching materials (e.g., same baseboard or flooring style).

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Windows Inspection​

Check all windows, inside and out, using a flashlight to spot cracks or damage in frames and seals. Your insurance company must restore windows to their pre-loss condition, matching the existing frame material, glass type, and seal quality.

 

What to Look For:

• Wind Damage: Cracked or shattered glass; damaged or bent window frames; broken seals causing drafts. Replacements must match the existing window style and color.

• Hail Damage: Pits, chips, or cracks in glass; dents in metal frames. Insurers must provide matching glass and frames.

• Water Damage: Leaks around window seals; water stains on sills; rotting wooden frames. Repairs or replacements must match the pre-loss condition, including frame finish.

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Siding Inspection​

Inspect exterior siding carefully, as damage is often covered but overlooked. Your insurance company is obligated to restore siding to its pre-loss condition, matching the existing material, color, and texture (e.g., same vinyl pattern or wood grain).

 

What to Look For:

• Wind Damage: Loose, missing, or torn siding panels; dents or holes from debris impact. Replacements must match the existing siding’s appearance.

• Hail Damage: Dents, cracks, or punctures in vinyl/aluminum siding; chipped paint on wood siding. Insurers must provide matching panels or paint.

• Water Damage: Warped or swollen siding; mold or discoloration; water infiltration at seams. Repairs must restore the siding to its pre-loss condition, matching existing materials.

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Cabinets Inspection​

Check kitchen, bathroom, and other cabinets, especially after water exposure. Your insurance company must restore cabinets to their pre-loss condition, matching the existing wood type, finish, and hardware.

 

What to Look For:

• Wind Damage: Cracked or splintered cabinet doors from structural shifts. Replacements must match the existing cabinet style and finish.

• Hail Damage: Rarely affected directly, but check for related interior damage. Any repairs must match pre-loss quality.

• Water Damage: Warped or swollen wood; peeling veneer; mold or mildew inside cabinets. Insurers must replace with matching materials and finishes.

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Screen Enclosure Inspection

Inspect screen enclosures (e.g., pool or patio enclosures), as they are vulnerable to damage. Your insurance company is responsible for restoring enclosures to their pre-loss condition, matching the existing screen type and frame material.

 

What to Look For:

• Wind Damage: Torn or ripped screens; bent or broken frame supports; missing panels. Replacements must match the existing screen and frame appearance.

• Hail Damage: Holes or dents in screens; bent aluminum frames. Insurers must provide matching screens and frames.

• Water Damage: Rust or corrosion on metal frames; water pooling causing structural damage. Repairs must restore the enclosure to its pre-loss condition.

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A/C Unit Inspection​

Check exterior air conditioning units, as they are susceptible to weather damage. Your insurance company must restore the A/C unit to its pre-loss condition, matching the existing model or equivalent performance and appearance.

 

What to Look For:

• Wind Damage: Dents or bent fins; debris lodged in the unit; damaged or disconnected wiring. Repairs must match the unit’s pre-loss functionality and look.

• Hail Damage: Dents or crushed fins; cracked or broken components. Insurers must replace with matching parts.

• Water Damage: Rust or corrosion; waterlogged electrical components; reduced cooling efficiency. Repairs must restore the unit to its pre-loss condition.

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Garage Door Inspection​

Inspect garage doors for aesthetic and functional damage. Your insurance company is obligated to restore the garage door to its pre-loss condition, matching the existing material, color, and design.

 

What to Look For:

• Wind Damage: Dents, bends, or misaligned tracks; broken springs or hinges. Replacements must match the existing door’s appearance and functionality.

• Hail Damage: Dents or pitting on metal doors; cracked panels on wooden doors. Insurers must provide matching panels or doors.

• Water Damage: Rust on metal doors; warped or swollen wooden doors; water damage to internal mechanisms. Repairs must restore the door to its pre-loss condition.

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Fence Inspection​

Check all fencing, as it’s often covered under insurance policies. Your insurance company must restore the fence to its pre-loss condition, matching the existing material, style, and color.

 

What to Look For:

• Wind Damage: Fallen or leaning posts; broken or missing panels; loose or detached sections. Replacements must match the existing fence design.

• Hail Damage: Cracks or splintered wood; dents in metal fences. Insurers must provide matching materials.

• Water Damage: Warped or rotted wood; rusted metal components; eroded fence bases. Repairs must restore the fence to its pre-loss appearance.

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Contents Inspection​

Document damage to personal property (furniture, electronics, clothing, etc.) inside or outside your home. Your insurance company is responsible for replacing or repairing contents to their pre-loss condition, matching the original quality and appearance where possible.

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What to Look For:

• Wind Damage: Broken or damaged items from debris or structural failure (e.g., shattered glassware). Replacements must match the original item’s quality.

• Hail Damage: Dents or damage to outdoor furniture or equipment; cracked electronics. Insurers must replace with equivalent items.

• Water Damage: Waterlogged or stained furniture, rugs, or clothing; mold growth on items; damaged electronics. Replacements or repairs must match pre-loss condition.