Hail safety tips for individuals
Hailstorms can come in all sizes and can result in extensive and costly damage to homes and vehicles. We are here to help you get back to business should you need to file a claim.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the storm and keep your family and property safe.
Prepare today
- Inspect your roof for damage – Repair any problem areas.
- Think impact resistance – Consider installing impact-resistant shingles if re-roofing.
- Keep trees trimmed and maintained.
- Clean your gutters – Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear to ensure water can efficiently drain from your roof.
- Check your coverage – Review your home insurance coverage.
Before the storm
- Park your car in a garage – If you don’t have a garage, cover as much as you can with car covers or heavy blankets.
- Move items inside – Bikes and outdoor furniture may blow around during the storm and cause damage.
- Close the curtains – Protect against blowing or shattered glass.
During the storm
- Seek shelter if you are outside – Protect your head from hail.
- Remain inside – Stay away from windows.
- Stay unplugged – Do not use phones or electrical outlets during a severe hailstorm where lightning is present, or you risk electrocution.
- Safely pull over to the side of the road if you are driving – Close your sunroof cover and position yourself away from the sunroof to avoid shattered glass.
After the storm
If you've been impacted by hail:
- If safe to do so, assess your home for damage.
- Call us or your agent to review your coverage and deductibles.
- If you need a contractor:
- We encourage you to work with a local, reputable contractor for any repairs. Your local agent may be able to help recommend one.
- Be wary of door-to-door contractors that may come to your neighborhood following a hailstorm. Before choosing to work with a contractor like this that approaches you, be sure to review online ratings of their company as well as any warranties in the contract that may void work that's been completed.
- Your chosen contractor will assess if there's damage and if a partial or full repair is needed.
- If you need to file a claim, call us or file online through My Hanover Policy.
- While your home is being repaired, please consider these improvements when reroofing that can help make your roof stronger to withstand the weather.
- Seal the roof deck
- Use composite shingles
IBHS has additional resources to help guide your re-roofing or renovation decisions.
Be sure to notify our claims team immediately if there is damage and protect the property while mitigating any future risk.
Explore hailstorm resources
Find tips on additional ways to stay protected during a hailstorm:
See additional hail resources
Hail safety tips for individuals
Hailstorms can come in all sizes and can result in extensive and costly damage to homes and vehicles. We are here to help you get back to business should you need to file a claim.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the storm and keep your family and property safe.
Prepare today
- Inspect your roof for damage – Repair any problem areas.
- Think impact resistance – Consider installing impact-resistant shingles if re-roofing.
- Keep trees trimmed and maintained.
- Clean your gutters – Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear to ensure water can efficiently drain from your roof.
- Check your coverage – Review your home insurance coverage.
Before the storm
- Park your car in a garage – If you don’t have a garage, cover as much as you can with car covers or heavy blankets.
- Move items inside – Bikes and outdoor furniture may blow around during the storm and cause damage.
- Close the curtains – Protect against blowing or shattered glass.
During the storm
- Seek shelter if you are outside – Protect your head from hail.
- Remain inside – Stay away from windows.
- Stay unplugged – Do not use phones or electrical outlets during a severe hailstorm where lightning is present, or you risk electrocution.
- Safely pull over to the side of the road if you are driving – Close your sunroof cover and position yourself away from the sunroof to avoid shattered glass.
After the storm
If you've been impacted by hail:
- If safe to do so, assess your home for damage.
- Call us or your agent to review your coverage and deductibles.
- If you need a contractor:
- We encourage you to work with a local, reputable contractor for any repairs. Your local agent may be able to help recommend one.
- Be wary of door-to-door contractors that may come to your neighborhood following a hailstorm. Before choosing to work with a contractor like this that approaches you, be sure to review online ratings of their company as well as any warranties in the contract that may void work that's been completed.
- Your chosen contractor will assess if there's damage and if a partial or full repair is needed.
- If you need to file a claim, call us or file online through My Hanover Policy.
- While your home is being repaired, please consider these improvements when reroofing that can help make your roof stronger to withstand the weather.
- Seal the roof deck
- Use composite shingles
IBHS has additional resources to help guide your re-roofing or renovation decisions.
Be sure to notify our claims team immediately if there is damage and protect the property while mitigating any future risk.