Insurance carriers sometimes exclude cosmetic damage from coverage. In the context of hail damage, this means that dents, dings, or other damage that affects the appearance of your home but doesn’t impact its functionality may not be covered by your policy. While this might seem reasonable at first glance, the definition of what is “cosmetic” versus “functional” damage can sometimes be a gray area.

For example, what if hail causes small, seemingly superficial dents in your roof? On the one hand, the roof still performs its essential function — it keeps rain, snow, and wind out of your home. However, these dents may compromise the integrity of your roofing materials over time, leading to leaks or other more severe damage down the line.

In cases where there’s a disagreement between a policyholder and their insurance carrier over what constitutes “cosmetic” versus “functional” damage, it may be necessary to bring in a third party for an independent assessment. Structural engineers, public adjuster, roof inspectors, or other specialists can provide expert opinions on the potential for future functional damage resulting from what initially appears to be cosmetic damage.

Moreover, in some situations, cosmetic damage could significantly affect the value of your property, which could be another point of contention in the claim process. Be sure to keep these factors in mind when reviewing your policy’s cosmetic damage exclusion and consider getting a second opinion if you feel the insurance company’s assessment of the damage is not accurate.

Some insurance policies have specific deductibles for windstorm or hail damage, which may be higher than the standard policy deductible. Understanding these deductibles is key, as they represent the amount you will be responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. If you’re unsure about your current policies deductibles, our team can provide a free policy review to outline your coverage and deductibles should damage occur in the future.

In the event of a hailstorm, part of your property’s siding or roofing may be damaged while the rest remains intact. Some policies have “matching” exclusions and will only pay to replace the damaged portions, leading to a mismatch in color or style. Other policies may cover the cost of replacing undamaged siding or shingles to ensure a consistent appearance.

Depending on the age and condition of your roof, some policies may only cover the depreciated value of the roof rather than the cost of a full replacement. Be sure to understand whether your policy offers Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV). Learn more about the difference in our article: Understanding Recoverable Depreciation: RCV and ACV Policies Explained

The roof surface exclusion is an important clause to consider in your insurance policy. It refers to certain roofing materials that may not be covered under your policy, usually because these materials are considered more susceptible to hail damage or are more expensive to replace. These materials often include slate, tile, wood, or other high-end roofing options.

While these materials offer many benefits such as durability and aesthetic appeal, their susceptibility to damage from elements like hail might result in their exclusion from insurance coverage. This is because the cost to repair or replace these materials can be significantly higher than conventional roofing materials. Therefore, it is crucial for policyholders with these types of roofs to be aware of this potential exclusion and ensure their insurance policy provides adequate coverage to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a hailstorm.

This coverage extends to structures on your property not attached to your house, like detached garages, sheds, or fences. Not all policies automatically include this, so check to ensure you have protection for all property structures.