A complete guide to protecting your rights, maximizing your insurance claim, and getting your home fully restored after a hail storm.
Hail damage is not always visible to the untrained eye — but insurance companies will find it when it works in their favor. You need an expert in your corner first.
Hail impacts can bruise shingles, crack granules, dent metal flashing, and compromise the underlayment — all without obvious visible holes. Left untreated, this accelerates aging and leads to leaks within 1–3 years.
Most homeowners insurance policies require you to file a claim within 1–2 years of the storm date. The sooner you have a documented inspection, the stronger your claim. Waiting weakens your position.
A professional inspection creates a detailed written and photographic record of all damage. This report becomes the foundation of your insurance claim and your legal protection if the claim is disputed.
If the insurance adjuster inspects your roof before you have your own contractor's report, you may receive a lowball estimate or a denial. Always have your professional inspection completed first.
Our inspection is completely free with no obligation.
Schedule Free InspectionThis is one of the most important steps homeowners skip — and it often costs them thousands of dollars.
An adjuster's job is to settle claims efficiently and cost-effectively for their employer. Without a roofing professional present, important damage can be overlooked, underdocumented, or dismissed entirely. Having our team on-site levels the playing field.
Our team walks the roof alongside the adjuster and points out every area of damage — including items adjusters routinely miss or minimize, like flashing, pipe boots, and soft metal denting.
We know insurance terminology, Xactimate pricing (the software adjusters use), and what constitutes a valid claim. We advocate professionally and effectively on your behalf throughout the process.
Adjusters may try to limit the scope to a "repair" when a full replacement is warranted. We challenge incorrect scopes, present evidence, and ensure the settlement reflects the true extent of the damage.
We arrive before or with the adjuster and do a joint roof inspection
We present our pre-documented damage report and photos
We point out and discuss each area of hail impact on-site
We discuss code upgrades, code requirements, and proper restoration scope
We review the adjuster's initial estimate and flag any missing line items
We keep you informed every step of the way — no surprises
Proper documentation is the backbone of a successful insurance claim. Here's what should be gathered and organized before, during, and after your claim.
Detailed photos of every damage point, date-stamped and organized by location (front slope, back slope, left, right, gutters, siding, etc.). Photos are the single most powerful tool in your claim.
Official weather reports confirming the date, location, and severity of the hailstorm. This ties your damage to the specific weather event and is required to validate your claim date.
A detailed written assessment from our team listing every damaged item, the cause of damage, and the recommended repair or replacement — in the same format insurance companies use.
Know your deductible, whether you have ACV (Actual Cash Value) or RCV (Replacement Cost Value) coverage, and any endorsements. We help you understand what your policy entitles you to.
Keep every letter, email, and phone call log related to your claim. Written records protect you if the insurance company changes their position or disputes previously agreed-upon items.
Once the adjuster completes their inspection, you'll receive an Explanation of Benefits. We review this carefully against our scope to identify underpaid or missing line items that need to be addressed.
The insurance company pays the depreciated value of your roof based on its age and condition. For example, a 15-year-old roof may only receive 40% of replacement cost. You are responsible for the depreciation gap.
The insurance company pays the full cost to replace your roof with like kind and quality, regardless of age. You receive an initial check (minus depreciation), then the recoverable depreciation is released once work is complete. This is the best coverage to have.
Here's exactly what to expect when you work with Gallagher Bros Construction through your hail damage restoration.
Our team inspects your entire roof and exterior, documents all damage with photos and written notes, and provides you with a comprehensive report at no charge.
Timeline: Same week as your call
We help you file your claim, coordinate your adjuster appointment, and attend the inspection with you to ensure all damage is properly acknowledged and documented.
Timeline: 1–2 weeks after inspection
We review the insurance estimate in detail and compare it to our scope. Any discrepancies are addressed through supplements to ensure nothing is left out of your settlement.
Timeline: 1–3 weeks after adjuster visit
You select your shingle style, color, and any upgrades. We order materials, schedule your installation date, and confirm all details with you before work begins.
Timeline: 1–2 weeks to schedule
Our crew arrives on time, protects your property, completes the full installation efficiently, and cleans up thoroughly — including magnetic nail sweeping of the yard and driveway.
Timeline: Typically 1–2 days
We perform a final walkthrough with you, provide all warranty documentation, and submit the completion paperwork to your insurance company so your recoverable depreciation is released promptly.
Timeline: Within days of project completion
Supplementing is the process of going back to the insurance company after the initial estimate to add missing items, correct pricing, and ensure you receive the full amount your policy entitles you to.
Insurance adjusters process hundreds of claims and often use outdated pricing, skip code-required upgrades, or miss items that only an experienced contractor would catch. Supplementing is not about being greedy — it's about making sure you get what you paid premiums for.
We compare the insurer's estimate against our detailed scope and flag every discrepancy, missing item, and incorrect price.
We prepare a formal supplement with supporting documentation and submit it directly to your insurance adjuster or desk reviewer.
We handle all follow-up communication with the insurance company on your behalf until a fair resolution is reached.
Once approved, the supplement increases your settlement check — giving you the funds needed for a full, proper restoration.
We believe you should always know where things stand. Our process is built around keeping you informed at every stage.
You'll have a dedicated project manager who knows your claim inside and out. No being passed around or explaining yourself repeatedly.
We reach out to you with updates — you won't need to chase us. If there's a delay or change, we communicate it immediately.
You receive written confirmation of your installation date and a reminder call before we arrive. No ambiguous "sometime next week."
After completion, you receive final photos, warranty paperwork, and all documentation needed for your insurance company's depreciation release.
Free inspection & report
Damage documented, claim guidance provided
Claim filed & adjuster visit
We attend, advocate, and document
Estimate review & supplementing
Scope finalized, supplements submitted if needed
Material selection & scheduling
You choose your materials, date is set
Installation completed
Full restoration in 1–2 days
Final docs & depreciation released
You receive your final insurance payment
*Timelines may vary depending on insurance company response times and scheduling availability.
Answers to what homeowners ask us most.
The sooner you act, the stronger your claim. Our free inspection gives you the documentation and expertise to navigate the entire process — from the first call to the final check.
No pressure. No obligation. Just honest, professional guidance from a team that's been doing this for over 50 years.
Call or Text Anytime
618-939-8869Email Us
[email protected]Serving the Midwest
Kankakee County & Surrounding Areas