To document hail damage before filing a claim, take clear photos and videos of every damaged area right after the storm, note the date and time, check your roof, siding, windows, and gutters, and write down what you see before you call your insurance company. Good proof means a faster and fairer payout.
Hail is a bigger problem than most homeowners think. In 2025, Texas had more hail events than any other state in the country, with 902 reported storms of one inch or larger, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Nationwide, hail and wind claims made up a huge share of home insurance claims in recent years. That means your documentation is not just paperwork. It is the proof that gets your claim paid the right amount.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do, in plain simple steps, so you are ready before you ever pick up the phone.
Why Documentation Matters So Much
Insurance companies do not pay based on your word. They pay based on what you can show them.
Good documentation does three things:
- Proves the damage is real
- Ties the damage to a specific storm date
- Shows the full size and scope of the loss
Weak or missing proof often leads to lower payouts or denied claims. Strong proof puts you in control of the process from day one.
Step 1: Check for Safety First
Before you climb a ladder or walk on your roof, stop and think about safety.
- Look for downed power lines
- Check for loose shingles or debris on the ground
- Avoid wet or slippery surfaces
- Use binoculars or your phone’s zoom to check the roof from the ground if it feels unsafe
If anything looks risky, wait for a professional. No photo is worth an injury.
Step 2: Take Photos and Videos Right Away
Time matters. Hail marks can fade, and rain can wash away granules from shingles. Document as soon as it is safe to do so.
What to photograph:
- Each side of your house, from a distance
- Your full roof, if you can safely see it
- Close-up shots of every dent, crack, or bruise
- Gutters, downspouts, and vents
- Window screens and window frames
- Siding, fences, and any outdoor furniture
- Your AC unit or HVAC equipment
How to shoot it right:
- Use good lighting, natural daylight works best
- Take wide shots first, then move in close
- Shoot from a few angles so the damage is easy to see
- Record a short video walking around your property and describing what you see
Step 3: Look for These Specific Signs of Hail Damage
Hail damage is not always obvious. Here is what to look for in different parts of your home.
Roof
- Dark spots or bruises on shingles
- Granule loss (bald patches on asphalt shingles)
- Cracked or split shingles
- Dented vents or flashing
Siding and Exterior Paint
- Small dents or dings in siding panels
- Chipped or cracked paint
- Cracks near corners, trim, or seams
Hail impacts often chip or crack exterior paint even when the siding underneath looks fine at first glance. That is why a close, careful check matters just as much as the roof.
Gutters and Metal
- Round dents in gutters or downspouts
- Dents in AC units or metal vents
Soft metal shows hail damage clearly, even when other parts of your home look okay. Adjusters often check this first.
Step 4: Mark the Damage
Use light chalk to circle confirmed hail hits on your roof or siding before photographing them again. This makes the damage easier to spot in your photos. Only mark real hits, not guesses. Too many marks can make your documentation look less reliable.
Step 5: Write a Simple Damage Log
Photos tell part of the story. A written log fills in the rest.
Include:
- Date and time of the storm
- Date and time you inspected the damage
- List of areas affected (roof, siding, gutters, windows, etc.)
- Rough count of hits per section
- Any related issues, like a leak or water stain inside your home
A simple note like “8 dents on the north side siding, 3 cracked shingles on the back slope” can carry real weight with your adjuster.
Step 6: Gather Supporting Proof
A few extra pieces of evidence can strengthen your claim even more.
- Local weather reports or storm alerts from the day of the hail
- Screenshots of news coverage about the storm
- Photos from neighbors, if damage is spread across the block
- Any repair estimates you already have
Step 7: Organize Everything Before You File
Once you have your photos, video, and notes, put them in one place.
- Create a labeled folder on your phone or computer
- Back up your files online or by email so you do not lose them
- Sort photos by area of the house
- Match your written notes to the matching photos
This makes it easy to hand everything to your insurance adjuster and much harder for a claim to be delayed over missing proof.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to take photos
- Only photographing the roof and skipping siding, gutters, and windows
- Taking blurry or dark photos
- Not writing anything down
- Starting repairs before your insurance company has reviewed the damage
Avoiding these mistakes alone can make the difference between a smooth claim and a frustrating one.
What Happens After You File
Once you submit your documentation, an adjuster will usually schedule an inspection. Having your own detailed photos and notes ready means you are not relying only on their walkthrough. If your home has both roof and exterior paint damage, having clear before photos of your home’s condition also helps once repairs and repainting begin.
Why Choose River City Painting
Hail storms do not just damage roofs. They chip paint, crack caulking, and leave dents and marks across siding, trim, and fascia boards. River City Painting has helped homeowners across San Antonio restore their homes after storm damage with careful, professional interior painting and exterior painting. Our team understands what insurance adjusters look for, and we help homeowners get their property looking new again once a claim is approved. Whether your home needs a full exterior refresh after a hailstorm or an interior update to match, our crew shows up on time, uses quality materials, and treats every home like our own. We proudly serve San Antonio and the surrounding areas, including neighborhoods near the Pearl District, Alamo Heights, and Stone Oak. If your home was hit by hail and you are getting ready to file a claim, our exterior painting team can walk your property with you and point out paint and siding damage you may have missed. Once your claim is settled, we make the repaint and refresh process simple from start to finish.
Getting your documentation right is the first step. Getting your home looking great again is the next one, and that is where we come in. If you want a second set of eyes on hail damage to your home’s exterior before you file, give us a call and we will help you spot what matters.
Conclusion
Documenting hail damage does not have to be complicated. Move quickly, take clear photos of every part of your home, write down what you see, and keep everything organized. That simple process protects your claim and puts you in a stronger position with your insurance company from day one.
FAQs
As soon as it is safe, ideally within 24 to 48 hours.
No, a smartphone with clear photos is usually enough to start.
Check again in different lighting, since some marks are easier to see at certain angles.
Yes, even small hail dents and cracked paint can be part of a valid claim.
No, wait until your insurance company reviews the damage first.
