Roofing crew says hail means full replacement, but owner worries about filing another claim

"Nothing is ever easy to get approved but this is textbook hail damage."

A homeowner is deciding whether to replace a roof that was installed only three years ago after hail damaged the surface. Because the owner has already relied on insurance for one replacement, the possibility of higher premiums — or even losing coverage — has made the choice harder.

Here's what to know

The roofing company advised replacing the entire roof after saying damage was visible on every slope. The homeowner shared the inspection results in Reddit's r/Roofing community, including fractured shingles, missing granules, and broken skylights.

According to the homeowner, the roofers found more than 10 hail hits in a 100-square-foot test area. The company reached out after the storm and offered an inspection. "Does this really warrant an entire roof replacement?" the homeowner asked.

More background

The homeowner's financial worry centered on the cost of another claim after premiums rose from an earlier one. That prior claim had covered new roofing and skylights after a windstorm three years earlier, the owner said.

The homeowner also said the attic was not included in the roofers' repair work. Roughly two years after the installation, leaks developed at one skylight and near an air-conditioning unit; the company fixed the sealing issue and the interior drywall damage but would not enter the attic. That experience left the owner uncertain about hiring the same contractor again.

What can be done?

Several commenters advised filing an insurance claim and getting a different roofer involved. Still, opinions were mixed on whether making another claim would affect the homeowner's rates.

Some Reddit users said insurance pricing is often based more on location than on individual claims, while another noted that state rules can differ. Those remarks do not show how this homeowner's insurer would react.

"This can vary based on state regulations, but in many states, an 'act of God' claim can and will result in a premium increase. But yes, it's why you have insurance. Weigh the costs and file if right for you!" one commenter wrote.

Another suggested reaching out to a separate roofing company if the homeowner was dissatisfied with the original contractor. A second opinion could provide an alternative to relying only on the company that installed the roof and recommended replacement.

One commenter said the damage described in the post was unusual compared with other roofing concerns discussed on the forum: "This is one of the first times I've seen actual good hail damage posted here. Nothing is ever easy to get approved but this is textbook hail damage."

Where can I learn more?

Other homeowners have also faced disputes involving roofing contractors and insurance coverage.

• Colorado homeowners signed over insurance checks before the BBB gave their roofer an F.

• In San Antonio, residents warned that free roof inspections could become sales pitches.

• A North Carolina roofer cashed an insurance check, then filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

• A new homeowner lost insurance coverage over a tar roof a month after closing.

• Texas homeowners cannot be denied coverage on age alone for roofs, wiring, or HVAC.