Michigan takes a beating during hail season. From April through September, severe storms can drop hailstones large enough to crack shingles, dent gutters, and punch through siding — and most homeowners don’t even know the damage happened until months later. Here’s what you actually need to know about how homeowners insurance handles hail damage in Michigan.
Yes — But the Details Matter
Most standard homeowners insurance policies in Michigan cover hail damage under the “dwelling” portion of your policy (Coverage A). This generally includes your roof, siding, windows, gutters, and other exterior components. However, there are a few important caveats.
ACV vs. RCV: One of These Is Much Better for You
When a claim is paid, your insurance company will use one of two methods to calculate what they owe you. Actual Cash Value (ACV) accounts for depreciation — so if your roof is 15 years old, they’ll factor that age against the payout. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays what it actually costs to replace the damaged materials with new ones of similar kind and quality.
If your policy pays ACV, you may be left covering a significant portion of the repair out of pocket. Review your policy carefully — or ask your agent — to know which method applies to you.
Hail Size Matters
Insurance companies typically require that hail reach a certain size threshold (usually 1 inch or larger) to be considered a qualifying event under your policy. Smaller hail can still cause legitimate functional damage to roofing systems, but carriers may push back. This is one of the most common points of dispute in a hail claim, and it’s exactly where having a knowledgeable contractor in your corner matters.
Your Deductible May Be a Percentage — Not a Flat Dollar Amount
Many Michigan policies now include a separate wind/hail deductible that’s calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value — sometimes 1% or 2%. On a $300,000 home, that’s $3,000–$6,000 out of pocket before insurance pays a dollar. Make sure you know what your deductible actually is before filing.
There Are Deadlines
Most policies require you to report a loss promptly. There’s also a practical reason to act quickly: hail damage that goes unaddressed often leads to water intrusion, sheathing rot, and interior damage that compounds the original problem. What starts as a roof claim can become a mold or structural claim if ignored.
How to Know If You Have Hail Damage
Hail damage on asphalt shingles shows up as dark, bruised-looking spots where granules have been knocked off the surface. On metal surfaces, you’ll see distinct round dents. Gutters and downspouts often show the clearest evidence — they dent easily and the damage is visually obvious.
If you’re not sure whether a storm caused damage, a free inspection by a qualified contractor is always worth it. Most legitimate contractors will give you an honest assessment without pressuring you to file a claim.
The First Estimate Is Rarely the Right One
Insurance adjusters work quickly and work for the carrier. Their initial estimates frequently miss line items, undercount affected squares, and omit code-required upgrades. A contractor who understands insurance restoration will review the carrier’s scope and push back on underpayments.
If you’ve had a storm roll through and you’re not sure whether your roof took a hit, call Phase III Construction at (734) 237-7322. We provide free inspections, honest assessments, and expert guidance through the entire claims process — no pressure, no gimmicks. We’ve been doing this in Southeast Michigan since 1993.