Wind and hail claims are some of the most frequent property insurance disputes, particularly in regions prone to severe storms, and appraisal is commonly used to resolve disagreements over these losses.
A frequent point of disagreement is the extent of hail damage to roofing materials, since hail impacts can sometimes be subtle and require a trained eye to distinguish storm damage from normal wear or prior existing conditions.
Wind claims often raise questions about whether damage resulted from the specific storm event being claimed or from a separate, unrelated cause, which can significantly affect how a claim is evaluated.
Roof age and existing condition frequently come up in these disputes as well, since insurers and policyholders can disagree about how much of the current condition reflects storm damage versus prior wear.
Because wind and hail damage can be difficult to assess without specialized experience, an appraiser familiar with these claim types and with recognizing storm related damage patterns can be particularly valuable in reaching a fair resolution.
This article is general education about how the appraisal process commonly works. It is not legal advice, and specific procedures can vary by state and policy. If you have questions about your own claim, review your policy language and talk with your insurance company, agent, or an attorney familiar with your state’s laws.
Russ Lis is a working property insurance appraiser and umpire based in Minnesota, serving clients nationwide. Have a question about your own claim? Contact Appraisal Resolution.