Spring and summer hailstorms are a reality across Iowa — from Des Moines and Ames to Sioux City, Council Bluffs, and rural communities statewide. Hail can cause immediate, visible damage or subtle issues that don’t show up until months later.
If your home or business has been hit, knowing what to do next can save time, money, and frustration — especially when insurance is involved.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to handling hail damage to your home.
1. Stay Safe First — Then Do a Visual Inspection
Once the storm passes and it’s safe to go outside, start with a ground-level inspection:
- Dented gutters, downspouts, or metal vents
- Cracks or chips in siding and window trim
- Missing shingles or granules collecting near downspouts
- Avoid climbing on your roof — wet or damaged roofing materials can be dangerous.
2. Document the Damage Thoroughly — Photos & Videos
Before making any repairs or cleanup:
- Take clear photos and videos of all affected areas
- Capture wide shots and close-ups
- Note the date and time of the storm
- This documentation is critical when working with your insurance company and helps establish that damage came from a specific hail event.
3. Schedule a Professional Roof & Exterior Inspection
Hail damage isn’t always obvious. Trained professionals can identify:
- Bruised or fractured shingles
- Damaged flashing around chimneys and vents
- Siding cracks or dented metal components
- These issues may not leak immediately but can significantly shorten the lifespan of your roof or exterior.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company — But Be Prepared
For many Iowa homeowners, insurance is a huge help after storm damage — but navigating claims can also be stressful and time-consuming.
Insurance companies may take days or weeks to respond, and policyholders are often left waiting for answers while trying to make their home safe and livable again. The key is preparation and persistence.
How to Deal With Your Insurance Company After Storm Damage
Here are proven tips to reduce delays and confusion during the claims process:
1. Make a Plan Ahead of Time
Ideally, you should understand your storm damage coverage before disaster strikes. Knowing how claims work helps you act quickly and confidently.
2. Keep Everything in Writing
Written documentation helps avoid misunderstandings and gives you a clear reference if questions come up later about coverage or repairs.
3. Organize Important Documents
Keep your policy, claim numbers, inspection reports, photos, and correspondence organized and easy to access. A basic home inventory can also be helpful.
4. Understand Your Coverage Limits
Knowing your deductibles, depreciation rules, and coverage caps helps you make informed decisions about repairs and replacements.
5. Know Your Home’s Pre-Storm Condition
Regularly inspecting your home helps establish what damage is truly storm-related. Looking at neighboring homes can also support your claim if damage is consistent across the area.
6. Build a Relationship With Your Insurance Agent
An agent who knows you and your property can be easier to reach and more responsive when you need help the most. Follow up consistently if responses are delayed.
5. Work With a Local Iowa Contractor Who Knows Insurance Claims
After major storms, out-of-state contractors often flood Iowa neighborhoods. While some are legitimate, local companies understand Iowa weather patterns, building codes, and insurance expectations.
Why this matters:
- Accurate damage documentation
- Realistic repair scopes
- Fewer surprises during the claims process
- If you choose Brincks Exteriors, we help you navigate insurance, communicate with adjusters, and ensure covered damage is properly addressed so you can move forward faster.
6. Make Temporary Repairs — But Don’t Rush Permanent Ones
If water intrusion is an issue, temporary solutions like tarping may be necessary. However, avoid permanent repairs until inspections and insurance reviews are complete, as this could complicate your claim.
Get your free inspection from Brinck Exteriors if you live in one of our service areas. We service western Iowa, parts of eastern Nebraska, and communities near Black Creek, WI.
7. Consider Storm-Resistant Upgrades for the Future
Many Iowa homeowners choose to upgrade after hail damage:
- Impact-resistant shingles (Class 3 or 4)
- Hail-rated siding and gutters
- Better ventilation and drainage systems
- These improvements can reduce future damage and may even qualify for insurance discounts.
Hail or Storm Damage in Iowa? You Don’t Have to Handle It Alone
If hail or a storm just rolled through your neighborhood — whether you’re in Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, or any Iowa community — you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
From roofing and siding to windows and gutters, Brincks Exteriors helps Iowa homeowners and business owners recover after hail storms, and we assist with the insurance process every step of the way.
Contact Brincks Exteriors today for a free hail damage inspection and claim support.
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This blog post was updated on 1/21/2026. It was originally published on April 22, 2021.