Hail Last Night? Take a Breath Before You Call Your Insurance Company

If you were in Southeast Wisconsin last night, you probably heard it—the pounding hail, strong winds, and maybe even saw some pretty intense skies.
We’ve already had a couple people reach out  just because they had large hail… anywhere from golf-ball to softball sized. Totally understandable. That’s unsettling.

​But here’s the important part:

Just because you HAD hail does NOT mean you HAVE damage.

A lot of homeowners think they can call their insurance company to “just check things out.” 
​That’s not how it works.

From there:

• An adjuster gets assigned
• They come out to inspect
• A claim record is created—whether there’s damage or not

If they find damage? Great—you’ve got a claim in motion.
​
But if they don’t find damage?
That claim still exists- it just closes with a $0 payout.

​And while that might sound harmless... it's not.

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Once you call the insurance company to report potential damage, a claim is opened. Period.


​Why a $0 Claim Still Matters

Even a zero-dollar claim:
​

•  Shows up on your insurance history for up to 5 years
•  Can make you look riskier to future insurance companies
•  May limit your options when shopping for better rates

Is it better than a $30,000 claim? Sure.
But it’s still not nothing.

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If you suspect damage:

• Start with a visual check from the ground
• Call a trusted, LOCAL contractor (not your insurance company first)
• Talk to your agent (hi 👋) before filing anything

We can help you decide if a claim actually makes sense.

​And About Those Door Knockers…They’re coming. They always do after storms like this.
A few quick rules to protect yourself:

• Do NOT let anyone on your roof without proof of insurance  (they should have liability insurance)
  
• Don't feel pressured to sign anything at the first visit
• Be cautious of anyone promising to “waive your deductible” (that’s illegal in Wisconsin)
  
• If it sounds too good to be true (“free roof!”)… it is
  

Instead:

• Take your time
  
• Google them
  
• Check reviews and social media
  
• Look them up on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
  
• Ask how long they’ve actually been in the area
  
• Ask if they use subcontractors (and vet them too)
  
• Get a written, itemized estimate

Bottom LineLast night’s storm was intense—but reacting too quickly can create problems you didn’t have to begin with.
If you’re unsure what to do next, reach out. That’s what we’re here for.

Better to ask first… than file first.