This blog covers the time limit to file a hail damage claim in Oklahoma. Your time limit might be different if you are in a different state. Always refer to your policy for specific information.
Living in Oklahoma City, we are no strangers to severe weather, and hailstorms are common, especially during summer. While hail may seem harmless at first, it can cause significant damage to your roof, siding, windows, gutters, and more.
Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware of the extent of hail damage until a leak forms or another noticeable issue arises. After getting a professional inspection, they learn that a hailstorm caused the damage years prior.
Hail damage is a covered peril under most insurance policies, but can you still make a claim for damage years later?
This is a question we get asked often! Unfortunately, the time limit to file a hail damage claim in Oklahoma can vary. Two years is an unwritten rule, but policy type, coverage amounts, and the date of loss can impact that.
Read on to learn more about the variables that impact the time limit to file a hail damage claim in Oklahoma and what information to look for in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Factors Impacting Time Limit To File A Hail Damage Claim
If you find out your roof has old hail damage and needs repairs, there are a few things you can check to determine if you are within the time to file a hail damage claim.
Insurance Policy May Set Time Limit
No two homeowners insurance policies in Oklahoma are the same. Some require hail damage claims for roof or home damage repairs to be made in a certain time; others do not. Before making a claim, review your policy and declaration page to find out if a claim time limit exists. It may also be wise to get confirmation from your insurance agent.
Statute of Limitations For Hail Damage Claims
Another factor to consider is the statute of limitations for hail damage claims in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Legislature enacted House Bill 3495 in May 2022 and states:
“Any policy that specifies a time limit covering damage to a roof due to wind or hail must allow the filing of claims after the first anniversary but no later than twenty-four (24) months after the date of the loss if the damage is not evident without inspection.” Read the full text here.
*Note this applies to new policies signed after the effective date and only to those that mention a specific time limit
Knowing this information is still important even if your policy does not include a specific time limit. Insurance carriers and adjusters are likely to use this timeline as a guide making it sort of an unwritten rule.
Date Of Loss & Time Limits To File A Hail Damage Claim
When filing a homeowners insurance claim, the two pieces of information needed are the type of damage and when it occurred (also known as the date of loss.) Carriers use this information to determine if the cause of damage is covered under the policy and if the damage occurred when the policy was in effect.
Knowing the date of loss for storm damage is a unique challenge for homeowners in Oklahoma. It’s not uncommon for any city to see multiple rounds of hail storms each year.
For example, this year alone Lawton, OK was impacted by two massive hail storms – the first in April and the second in June. Both storms had hail over 1.75” in diameter. For the sake of this example, let’s say a homeowner did not notice any obvious signs of damage after either storm and did not get a roof inspection. If the homeowner makes a claim years from now for roof leaks caused by storm damage, how is anyone supposed to know which storm did it?
Another challenge for Oklahoma homeowners is storm damage that spans several years. Older hail damage is easy to see due to the loss of granules around the impact mark. It’s not uncommon to find new and old hail damage during inspections.
With that said, homeowners can (and do) run into issues when filing hail damage claims. Insurers may cover newer damage but deny areas of the roof that have older damage claiming the time limit to file a claim has passed for older storms.
Both of these problems can be prevented by getting a hail damage inspection after every major storm.
Benefits Of Immediate Hail Damage Inspections
Having your roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible after a major hailstorm can prevent a number of issues. Here’s how:
Timely Repairs: Identifying and addressing hail damage promptly helps prevent further deterioration of your roof and potential interior damage. It allows for timely repairs, minimizing the risk of leaks and structural issues.
Insurance Claim Process: Insurance companies may set a specific time limit to file a hail damage claim after the hailstorm. Filing the claim early ensures you meet any deadlines set by your insurance provider, facilitating a smoother and more efficient claims process.
Claim Documentation: The longer you wait to file a claim, the harder it becomes to establish the connection between the hailstorm and the resulting damage. Prompt inspection and documentation provide stronger evidence for your claim and increase the likelihood of a successful resolution.
Key Takeaways About Time Limit To File A Hail Damage Claim
As homeowners in Oklahoma City, it is essential to understand the time limits and procedures involved in filing a hail damage claim. While the statute of limitations for property damage claims is generally two years, we strongly recommend addressing hail damage as soon as possible. You can mitigate the potential risks and costs associated with delayed repairs by promptly scheduling a roof inspection, contacting your insurance provider, and seeking professional assistance.
At Triple Diamond Construction, we are committed to helping homeowners in Oklahoma City impacted by hail and storm damage. Our team of roofing experts is ready to assist you with thorough inspections, accurate damage assessments, and photo-documented reports.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—take proactive steps to protect your home and ensure the longevity of your roof. Think you might have hail damage? Contact us today for a comprehensive inspection and get a professional report on the condition of your roof!
