Filing a hail damage claim in Kentucky takes 6 steps and about 30-90 days from documentation to payout. Do these in order — the sequence affects your payout.
Written by Blake Boswell, licensed Kentucky property & casualty producer. Updated July 2026.
Step 1: Document everything before you clean up
Take timestamped photos of every side of the home, roof if safely visible from ground level, dented gutters, downspouts, screens, HVAC condenser fins, and any vehicles. Wide shots plus close-ups. Save to cloud storage immediately in case your phone breaks. Do NOT tarp or clean until you have documentation.
Step 2: Get a reputable local roofer inspection — in writing
Call a local Murray, Paducah, or western Kentucky roofer with 10+ years of history. Ask for a free hail inspection and a written report of findings. Do NOT hire “storm chaser” contractors who show up door-to-door — many will file fraudulent claims in your name and disappear before the check clears.
Step 3: File the claim with your carrier
Call the claims number on your declarations page (or your agent if you have a local one). You’ll get a claim number and an adjuster assigned within 1-3 business days for most Kentucky carriers. Give the claim number to your roofer.
Step 4: Read your declarations page for two critical details
- Wind/hail deductible. If it’s stated as a percentage of dwelling (1-2%), that’s your out-of-pocket exposure. A 2% deductible on a $300k dwelling is $6,000 before the policy pays anything.
- Roof settlement method. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays for a full replacement. Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays depreciated value on older roofs — often 40-60% less on a 15+ year roof.
Step 5: Meet the adjuster with your roofer present
Insurance adjusters do a scope of loss inspection. Have your local roofer present. Two independent contractors on-site usually find items the carrier’s adjuster misses. If the scope comes back missing something obvious, request a supplemental inspection.
Step 6: Save all receipts and follow up
Tarp costs, board-up services, hotel if displaced — Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage on most policies reimburses these. Save everything. If the initial check doesn’t cover the actual repair cost once work starts, submit a supplement.
When to loop in your agent
A local agent can advocate on your behalf when the adjuster’s scope comes back missing items. If you’re a Boswell client, call (270) 925-1524 and we’ll help push the adjuster.
