Safety First

• Make safety a top priority. Look out for broken windows, downed trees and power lines.
• Wear proper shoes and gloves.
• Look for broken glass, sharp objects and live wires.
• Don't use rain-soaked electrical equipment.

Document the Damage

Make a complete list of items that the hail storm damaged. This will help expedite the claims process. Document the damage with photos and videos.

Don’t throw out damaged items, especially expensive items.

Report Your Claim

You can report your claim one of two ways. Be ready to provide a general description of your damage.

1. Call Lamplighter Insurance at 803-451-0076
2. Contact your insurance company directly

Schedule Repairs

Most insurance companies require that you to wait until the damage to your property has been assessed by a claims representative before you begin making permanent repairs.

However, you should schedule a contractor to make permanent repairs as soon as possible because contractors can be difficult to schedule after a storm.

Find a local contractor who specializes in these types of repairs

Make Temporary Repairs

If you have hail damage to the roof of your property or your car, it is your responsibility to take action to prevent further damage.

Save all receipts from your temporary repairs.

• Cover broken windows and holes in roofs with tarps or plywood to prevent water damage.
• Move wet items to drier ground.
• Wash and dry whatever you can.

If you’re not sure it’s safe, professionals can help. Find a local contractor who specializes in this kind of work.

Review Your Insurance Policy

A home insurance policy typically covers the cost to repair common hail damage, including damage to roofs, walls and cars, and your inventory or belongings. However, your deductible does apply, and you may have a higher deductible for wind/hail damage on your policy.

Check your policy to see what’s covered and the deductible you’ve chosen. Reviewing your policy will help you prepare questions for your claims professional.

Understand Your Responsibilities

Your insurance company will replace damaged items and materials with the same type and quality of materials you had before the hail storm. For example, if you had a fiberglass roof, they will pay to repair or replace damage with fiberglass materials, but they won’t pay to replace it with more expensive slate tile.

If damage is extensive, people sometimes decide to take the opportunity to upgrade their property with better or more expensive materials.

If you want to pay the additional expense to upgrade, you’re welcome to do so out of your personal budget.

Any time you make improvements to your property, let us know to make sure you have enough insurance coverage, and to find out if you are eligible for new discounts as a result of your home improvements.