Complete Guide to Filing Hail Damage Claims in Arkansas

Arkansas homeowners face a harsh reality: our state ranks among the top 10 most vulnerable to hail damage in the United States, experiencing approximately 160 hail events annually. In 2023 alone, Arkansas insurance companies paid out over $489 million in storm-related claims, with hail damage accounting for a significant portion of those losses. The National Weather Service in Arkansas even officially stated in their 2023 summary that June had “way too much hail,” documenting softball-size and golf ball-size hail across the state.

Whether you’re in Rogers, Bentonville, Fayetteville, or anywhere across Northwest Arkansas, understanding how to properly file a hail damage claim can mean the difference between a fully covered roof replacement and thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the claims process while navigating Arkansas’s unique insurance regulations that changed significantly in 2024.

Understanding Hail Damage in Arkansas: What You’re Up Against

Hail damage to Arkansas homes manifests in ways that many homeowners don’t immediately recognize. Unlike the dramatic punctures you might imagine, most hail damage is subtle but devastating to your roof’s long-term integrity.

What Hail Actually Does to Your Roof

Hail typically doesn’t punch visible holes through your shingles unless the stones reach golf ball size or larger. Instead, hail causes several types of damage that progressively destroy your roof:

Granule Loss: The protective granule layer on asphalt shingles gets knocked off, exposing the underlying material to UV rays. This accelerates deterioration dramatically, potentially cutting your roof’s lifespan in half.

Shingle Bruising: Impact from hail creates soft spots and compromises the shingle’s structural integrity, even when no visible cracks appear. These bruised areas allow moisture penetration that leads to rot and leaks.

Membrane Damage: The underlayment beneath your shingles can suffer damage invisible from above, creating pathways for water infiltration that won’t become apparent until significant interior damage occurs.

Seal Deterioration: Hail impacts can break the adhesive seals between shingles, making your roof vulnerable to wind uplift and allowing water to work its way underneath.

Hail size matters significantly. Stones smaller than one inch typically cause cosmetic damage and granule loss. Hail measuring one to two inches can crack or break shingles, requiring repairs. Anything larger than two inches usually necessitates complete roof replacement due to extensive structural damage.

Critical Arkansas Insurance Laws You Must Know in 2025

Arkansas underwent significant regulatory changes in 2024 that directly impact how hail damage claims are processed and paid. Understanding these rules is essential to maximizing your claim value.

The New 7-Year Roof Replacement Cost Rule

Previously, Arkansas homeowners enjoyed full replacement cost coverage on roofs for up to 20 years. That changed dramatically in 2024. Under current regulations effective through 2025:

• Years 0-7: Your roof qualifies for full replacement cost coverage (minus your deductible)
• After Year 7: Insurance companies can now apply depreciation schedules, significantly reducing your payout based on your roof’s age

This means a 10-year-old roof that would have received $25,000 in replacement cost coverage in 2023 might now only receive $15,000-$18,000 after depreciation adjustments. The financial impact on Arkansas homeowners has been substantial, making timely claims even more critical.

Wind and Hail Deductibles: The Hidden Cost

Arkansas insurance policies now commonly include separate wind and hail deductibles, which can be substantially higher than your standard all-perils deductible. These specialized deductibles typically range from 1% to 5% of your home’s insured value.

Consider this scenario: If your home is insured for $300,000 and your wind/hail deductible is 2%, you’ll pay $6,000 out of pocket before insurance covers anything. That’s significantly more than a typical $1,000-$2,500 all-perils deductible.

Many Arkansas homeowners don’t realize they have these separate deductibles until they file a claim. Review your homeowners insurance policy now to understand your actual financial exposure.

Arkansas Claims Timeline Requirements

Arkansas law establishes specific deadlines that insurance companies must follow, but these deadlines also create obligations for homeowners:

15 Working Days: Your insurance carrier must acknowledge your claim within 15 working days of receiving it.

20 Days: The insurer has 20 days after receiving your notice of loss to send you Proof of Loss forms, or they waive the ability to require them.

45 Working Days: Insurance companies have 45 working days to investigate your claim, unless they can demonstrate they reasonably require more time.

10 Working Days: Once a claim is settled, the insurer must pay within 10 working days.

However, there’s a critical catch that caught one Arkansas church off-guard in a landmark 2023 case. When the First Baptist Church noticed roof leaks in 2016-2017 and repaired them at their own cost, they didn’t realize hail was the culprit until 2022. When they filed a claim, the court sided with the insurance company’s denial. The clock started ticking when they discovered the damage in 2016-2017, not when they learned about the hail cause in 2022.

The lesson: File your claim as soon as you discover damage, even if you’re not certain of the cause. Don’t wait to investigate the source before notifying your insurer.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your Arkansas Hail Damage Claim

Successfully navigating the hail damage claims process requires methodical documentation and strategic timing. Here’s exactly what you need to do.

Step 1: Conduct a Thorough Initial Assessment (Immediately After the Storm)

Do not climb onto your roof. Falling injuries cause more harm than waiting a few days for professional inspection. Instead, conduct a safe ground-level assessment:

Look for these warning signs:

• Dents or damage to metal surfaces (gutters, downspouts, air conditioning units, mailboxes)
• Damaged siding, especially on south and west-facing walls where storms typically hit
• Window frame damage or cracked glass
• Damaged vehicles if they were outside during the storm
• Your neighbors getting their roofs replaced (if hail hit their homes, it hit yours too)

Use binoculars to inspect your roof from the ground. Look for obvious missing shingles, lifted corners, or visible dark spots indicating granule loss.

Document everything immediately: Take photos and videos with timestamps. Capture images of damaged property from multiple angles. If you find hailstones, photograph them next to a ruler or common object for scale reference.

Step 2: Schedule Professional Roof Inspection

Within 72 hours of the storm, schedule a professional roof inspection. This timing is crucial for several reasons:

• Fresh damage is easier to assess before weathering obscures evidence
• Your insurance company’s timeline for claim filing begins when you discover damage
• Early documentation prevents disputes about whether damage was pre-existing

Choose a reputable local roofing contractor with experience in Arkansas insurance claims. At OZK Insurance, we work with a network of vetted roofing professionals throughout Northwest Arkansas who understand how to properly document hail damage for insurance purposes.

What a proper inspection should include:

• Written report detailing all damage discovered
• Photographs of damaged areas with clear identification markers
• Assessment of whether repair or replacement is necessary
• Preliminary cost estimate for repairs
• Documentation of code compliance issues if replacement is needed

Step 3: Review Your Insurance Policy Before Filing

Before contacting your insurance company, thoroughly review your homeowners insurance policy to understand:

Your coverage type: Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies pay to replace your roof with new materials, while Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies deduct depreciation. With Arkansas’s new 7-year rule, even RCV policies may have ACV provisions for older roofs.

Your deductibles: Confirm whether you have a standard all-perils deductible or separate wind/hail deductibles, and calculate your out-of-pocket expense.

Coverage limits: Verify your dwelling coverage limit is adequate for current replacement costs. Construction costs have increased 30-40% since many policies were written.

Policy exclusions: Understand what damage isn’t covered. Some policies exclude cosmetic damage or have specific requirements for filing claims.

If you have questions about your coverage, call OZK Insurance at (479) 715-4200 before filing your claim. Our independent agents can review your policy and help you understand exactly what you’re entitled to receive.

Step 4: File Your Claim Promptly

Once you’ve documented damage and reviewed your policy, file your claim immediately. In Arkansas, while there’s no statutory deadline for filing claims (unlike Florida’s one-year limit), your policy contains specific timing requirements.

Most Arkansas homeowners’ insurance policies require “prompt” or “immediate” notification of losses. Courts interpret this based on the circumstances, but the safest approach is filing within 30-60 days of discovery.

When you call your insurance company:

• Have your policy number readily available
• Provide the date and approximate time of the hail storm
• Describe the damage you’ve discovered
• Mention you’ve had a professional inspection (if completed)
• Request a claims adjuster inspection as soon as possible
• Ask for the claim number and adjuster’s direct contact information
• Document the representative’s name and the date/time of your call

Request the adjuster’s inspection in writing as well. Email creates a documented paper trail that proves you filed a timely notification.

Step 5: Prepare for the Insurance Adjuster’s Inspection

Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect your property. This inspection is absolutely critical to your claim’s outcome. Many Arkansas homeowners make the mistake of simply letting the adjuster inspect alone, but you have the legal right to be present or have representation.

Critical: Schedule your roofing contractor to attend the adjuster’s inspection. Having a professional present who understands hail damage and Arkansas building codes ensures:

• All damage is properly identified and documented
• The adjuster’s assessment is accurate and complete
• Code upgrade requirements are discussed and documented
• You have a witness to what was agreed upon

Insurance adjusters work for and are paid by the insurance company. They’re incentivized to minimize claim payouts. Your roofing contractor works for you and ensures all legitimate damage is recognized.

During the inspection:

• Take your own photos and notes
• Ask questions about anything you don’t understand
• Request a copy of the adjuster’s report
• Don’t sign anything agreeing to the damage assessment until you’ve reviewed it with your contractor and insurance agent

Step 6: Review the Insurance Company’s Initial Estimate

The adjuster will prepare an estimate of repair or replacement costs. This initial estimate is often lower than what your roofing contractor proposed. Common discrepancies include:

Underestimated material costs: Insurance companies sometimes use outdated pricing or lower-quality material specifications than what’s actually needed.

Missing line items: The adjuster might overlook necessary work like fascia repair, code-required ventilation upgrades, or permit fees.

Depreciation disputes: If your roof is over seven years old, the depreciation calculation might be excessive or incorrectly applied.

Scope disagreements: The adjuster might claim only partial roof replacement is needed when the contractor recommends full replacement.

Don’t accept the first estimate without careful review. Compare it line-by-line with your contractor’s estimate. Document every discrepancy and prepare to negotiate.

Step 7: Negotiate and Appeal if Necessary

If the insurance company’s estimate is insufficient, you have several options:

Request a supplemental inspection: If damage was missed or underestimated, request the adjuster return for a supplemental inspection. Have your contractor present specific examples of missed damage.

Invoke your policy’s appraisal clause: Most Arkansas homeowners’ policies include an appraisal provision allowing you to hire an independent appraiser if you disagree with the insurance company’s assessment. The insurer does the same, and these two appraisers jointly select an umpire. The decision of any two of these three is binding.

File a complaint with the Arkansas Insurance Department: If you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith, you can file a complaint online at insurance.arkansas.gov.

Consult with a public adjuster or attorney: For large claims or significant disputes, hiring professional representation may be necessary. Public adjusters typically charge 10-15% of your final settlement but can often increase payouts significantly.

At OZK Insurance, we advocate for our clients throughout the claims process. We’ll review estimates, communicate with your carrier, and help ensure you receive fair treatment.

Step 8: Complete the Repairs and Document Everything

Once your claim is approved and you receive payment (typically an initial payment for actual cash value, with recoverable depreciation paid after repairs are completed), you can proceed with repairs.

Choose your contractor carefully:

• Verify Arkansas contractor license (required for jobs over $2,000)
• Confirm they’re properly insured with liability and workers’ compensation coverage
• Get everything in writing with detailed contracts
• Avoid “storm chasers” who canvass neighborhoods after storms and may disappear before completing work
• Never pay in full upfront; standard terms are one-third down, one-third at mid-point, and final payment upon completion

During repairs:

• Take before, during, and after photos
• Keep all receipts and documentation
• Obtain copies of permits and inspections
• Document any additional damage discovered during repairs
• File supplemental claims for newly discovered damage promptly

After completion:

• Obtain lien waivers from your contractor and all subcontractors
• Request certificates of completion from your contractor
• Submit final invoices and documentation to your insurance company to receive any held depreciation amounts
• Update your home inventory and property records

Common Hail Damage Claim Mistakes Arkansas Homeowners Make

After helping hundreds of Northwest Arkansas families through the claims process, we’ve seen patterns in what causes claims to be denied, delayed, or underpaid. Avoid these common mistakes:

Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to File

The Arkansas court case involving First Baptist Church demonstrates the danger of delayed filing. Even if you don’t know the cause of damage, notify your insurer as soon as you discover any potential loss. You can always withdraw a claim if it turns out coverage doesn’t apply, but you can’t retroactively meet notification deadlines you’ve already missed.

Mistake #2: Accepting the First Estimate Without Question

Insurance companies don’t intentionally lowball estimates in most cases, but their adjusters often work from standardized pricing that doesn’t reflect local market conditions or necessary code upgrades. Getting a second opinion from a reputable contractor is always worthwhile.

Mistake #3: Making Permanent Repairs Before the Adjuster Inspects

While you should make temporary emergency repairs to prevent further damage (which are typically covered), don’t make permanent repairs until after the adjuster completes the inspection. Once damage is repaired, proving its extent becomes much more difficult.

Mistake #4: Not Understanding Depreciation Recovery

Many Arkansas homeowners receive their initial claim payment and assume that’s the final settlement. If you have replacement cost coverage on a roof less than seven years old, you typically receive:

1. Initial payment: Actual cash value (replacement cost minus depreciation)
2. Final payment: Recoverable depreciation after repairs are completed and documented

Failing to submit completion documentation means leaving potentially thousands of dollars on the table.

Mistake #5: Assuming All Hail Damage Is Covered Identically

Arkansas’s new roof age regulations mean identical storms can result in vastly different claim payouts depending on your roof’s age. A five-year-old roof receives full replacement cost coverage, while a nine-year-old roof faces depreciation, even though both roofs might have had decades of useful life remaining before the hail damage.

Mistake #6: Not Shopping for Better Coverage After a Claim

If your current insurance carrier makes the claims process difficult, denies legitimate damage, or provides poor customer service, remember that you’re not married to them. As an independent insurance agency, OZK Insurance can help you find better coverage with companies that treat policyholders fairly.

Protecting Your Arkansas Home: Prevention and Preparation

While you can’t prevent hail storms, you can take steps to minimize damage and streamline the claims process when storms strike.

Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials

If you’re replacing your roof after hail damage, consider upgrading to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. These specially designed roofing materials can withstand impacts from 2-inch hailstones and may qualify you for insurance discounts of 10-30%.

Arkansas insurance companies increasingly offer premium reductions for impact-resistant roofing, with savings that can offset the modest additional cost within 7-10 years.

Document Your Property Regularly

Create a comprehensive home inventory with photos and videos of your property’s condition. Update this documentation annually. When hail damage occurs, having clear before-and-after comparisons strengthens your claim significantly.

Pay particular attention to your roof’s condition. If you have a roof inspection for any reason (sale, refinance, general maintenance), keep those reports. They establish your roof’s pre-storm condition and can refute insurance company arguments about pre-existing damage.

Maintain Proper Insurance Coverage

Arkansas’s rising construction costs mean many homeowners are underinsured without realizing it. A home insured for $250,000 three years ago might cost $325,000 to rebuild today. If your roof is destroyed by hail and your dwelling coverage is insufficient, you’ll face a significant out-of-pocket expense even after insurance pays its portion.

Review your homeowners insurance coverage annually. OZK Insurance conducts complimentary policy reviews for our clients each year at renewal, ensuring coverage keeps pace with replacement cost increases.

Understand Your Full Risk Profile

Hail damage isn’t the only weather-related risk Arkansas homeowners face. Our state’s severe weather patterns include:

• Tornadoes and straight-line winds
• Flash flooding (which standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover)
• Ice storms causing roof collapse from ice accumulation
• Lightning strikes and electrical surge damage

Comprehensive protection requires understanding these risks and ensuring your insurance portfolio addresses them. Consider whether you need separate flood insurance, equipment breakdown coverage for HVAC and appliances, or water backup coverage for sewer and drainage issues.

What Makes OZK Insurance Different in Claims Situations

When hail damages your Northwest Arkansas home, you need more than just an insurance policy—you need an advocate who understands the system and fights for your interests.

We’re Independent: We Work for You, Not the Insurance Company

Unlike State Farm, Allstate, or other captive agents who can only represent one company, OZK Insurance has access to over 20 different carriers. This independence creates powerful advantages during claims:

Before the claim: We can compare multiple carriers and select companies with strong claims-paying reputations, not just low premiums.

During the claim: We advocate directly with your insurer on your behalf, helping resolve disputes and ensuring fair treatment.

After the claim: If your current carrier doesn’t handle your claim well, we can help you move to a better company at renewal—something captive agents can never offer.

We Understand Arkansas’s Unique Insurance Landscape

Our team lives and works in Rogers, serving families throughout Benton and Washington counties. We understand:

• Northwest Arkansas weather patterns and storm history
• Local construction costs and contractor pricing
• Arkansas insurance regulations and recent regulatory changes
• Building code requirements specific to our municipalities
• The challenges Rogers, Bentonville, and Fayetteville homeowners face with aging housing stock

This local expertise means better coverage recommendations and more effective claims advocacy.

We Review Your Coverage Proactively

Most insurance agencies set up your policy and disappear until renewal. At OZK Insurance, we review your coverage annually, checking for:

• Changes in replacement costs requiring coverage adjustments
• New discount opportunities you might qualify for
• Better coverage options from our 20+ carrier network
• Potential gaps in protection based on your life changes

This proactive approach means you’re properly protected before disaster strikes, not discovering coverage gaps during a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Hail Damage Claims

How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Arkansas?

Arkansas doesn’t have a statutory deadline like some states, but your insurance policy requires “prompt” or “immediate” notification. File within 30-60 days of discovering damage to be safe. Remember that the deadline clock starts when you discover damage, not when you determine the cause. Always notify your insurer as soon as you suspect a loss, even if you’re still investigating.

Will filing a hail damage claim raise my insurance rates?

Weather-related claims typically don’t directly increase your rates since they’re considered “acts of God” beyond your control. However, Arkansas insurers have increased rates industry-wide due to unprecedented hail losses in recent years. Your individual claim history also matters—multiple claims within three years may affect your rates or insurability regardless of fault.

What if my roof is more than seven years old?

Under Arkansas’s 2024 regulatory changes, roofs over seven years old may be subject to depreciation even on replacement cost policies. Your payout will be reduced based on your roof’s age and condition. This makes it even more important to work with an experienced independent agent who can find carriers with the most favorable depreciation schedules.

Can I choose my own roofing contractor?

Absolutely. You have the legal right to hire any licensed contractor you choose. Insurance companies may suggest “preferred contractors,” but you’re never required to use them. In fact, using your own contractor often results in better quality work and fewer disputes, as they’re working for you, not the insurance company.

What happens if I disagree with the insurance adjuster’s assessment?

You have several options: request a supplemental inspection with your contractor present, invoke your policy’s appraisal clause for an independent assessment, file a complaint with the Arkansas Insurance Department, or hire a public adjuster or attorney to represent you. Don’t simply accept an unfair settlement.

Does homeowners insurance cover other hail damage besides roofs?

Yes. Your homeowners insurance covers hail damage to your home’s siding, gutters, windows, decks, and other exterior structures. It also covers damage to your personal property if hail breaks through your roof or windows. Your auto insurance (comprehensive coverage) separately covers hail damage to vehicles.

What documentation do I need to file a successful claim?

You need: photos and videos of all damage from multiple angles, your professional roof inspection report, photos of hailstones if available, documentation of the storm date, records of any emergency temporary repairs you made, your insurance policy information, and a detailed contractor’s estimate for repairs. The more documentation, the stronger your claim.

Should I make temporary repairs before the adjuster inspects?

Yes, but document everything first. You have a duty under your policy to mitigate further damage. Make temporary repairs to prevent water intrusion (like tarping damaged areas), but take photos before and after, and save all receipts. Don’t make permanent repairs until after the adjuster’s inspection.

Take Action Now: Protect Your Arkansas Home

Hail damage claims don’t have to be overwhelming. With proper documentation, understanding of Arkansas’s unique insurance regulations, and expert guidance from an independent insurance agency, you can ensure your home is restored properly without unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.

If you’ve recently experienced hail damage or want to ensure your current coverage adequately protects you from future storms, contact OZK Insurance today. Our team serves Rogers, Bentonville, Fayetteville, Springdale, and all of Northwest and Central Arkansas with the personalized service you deserve.

Remember: The cost of proper insurance coverage and expert guidance is far less than the financial devastation of an underpaid or denied claim. Don’t wait until disaster strikes to discover your coverage isn’t adequate.