Severe weather events are becoming increasingly common across the United States, and homeowners are feeling the financial pressure. Among the most damaging — and most frequent — of these weather phenomena is hail. In 2022 alone, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported over 4,400 major hail events, many of which resulted in billions of dollars in property damage.
But one pressing question on every homeowner’s mind remains:
Will hail damage increase your home insurance premium?
This article explores the relationship between hail damage and home insurance rates, providing detailed, research-backed insight. We’ll focus especially on what homeowners in Asheville, NC, and surrounding areas should know — while also delivering nationally relevant advice.
As licensed roofing experts, Litespeed Construction is here not only to help repair your hail-damaged roof but also to help you understand the broader financial implications of a hail event — including how it might impact your insurance.
Key Takeaways
💡Yes, hail damage can increase your home insurance premium, especially if you file a claim in a high-risk area.
💡Insurance companies track hail risk by ZIP code, which can influence rates even if you don’t file a claim.
💡Frequent hail damage may lead to actual cash value (ACV) policies instead of replacement cost coverage.
💡Choosing the right roofing contractor in Asheville helps you manage the insurance process and keep costs low long-term.
How Common Is Hail Damage in the U.S.?
| Year | Number of Hail Events | Estimated Damage (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 4,611 | $14.2 Billion |
| 2021 | 3,763 | $15.0 Billion |
| 2022 | 4,436 | $18.8 Billion |
| 2023 | 4,235 | $19.6 Billion |
North Carolina Is No Exception
While North Carolina isn’t in the heart of “Hail Alley” (Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska), Buncombe County and other parts of Western NC experience hail 3-5 times per year, according to NOAA’s Storm Events Database.
Asheville and surrounding mountain areas are especially vulnerable due to unpredictable climate shifts. When hail strikes, it doesn’t just damage roofs — it impacts insurance risk assessments.
Why Hail Damage Can Raise Your Home Insurance Premium
Most homeowners assume that home insurance is there to cover them after a hailstorm — and it is. However, what’s often overlooked is how claims impact premiums over time.
Here’s how hail damage can affect your rate:
1. Claim History Impacts Risk Profile
Each time you file a claim for hail damage, it becomes part of your CLUE Report (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) — a database used by most insurers. Multiple claims within a 3–5 year span may flag you as high-risk, even if the damage wasn’t your fault.
“Insurance premiums are largely based on loss history and future risk projections.”
— National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
2. ZIP Code Rating System
If you live in a hail-prone region like Asheville, your premiums may increase even without a personal claim.
Insurers use geographic data to evaluate catastrophic loss probability, raising premiums for entire neighborhoods based on hailstorm frequency.
3. Policy Changes: From Replacement Cost to ACV
In high-risk areas or after frequent claims, insurers may shift coverage from Replacement Cost Value (RCV) to Actual Cash Value (ACV) — meaning you’ll get less money for a roof replacement, factoring in depreciation.
Real-World Examples: Hail Damage and Premium Increases
| Scenario | Impact on Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Single hail claim in 10 years | Minor increase (0–10%) or none, depending on state |
| Multiple claims in 5 years | 10–25% increase, possibly more |
| Living in a high-risk ZIP code | Base premiums raised 5–15% for entire area |
| High-end home with repeated storm claims | May be denied renewal or forced into ACV policy |
Asheville homeowners who filed more than one hail damage claim in a 5-year period reported average premium hikes of $200–$500 per year depending on insurer and roof type.
How to Minimize the Insurance Impact of Hail Damage
✅ Get a Professional Roof Inspection
Insurers prefer working with licensed roofing contractors like Litespeed Construction who provide detailed inspection reports, photos, and storm documentation.
✅ Repair Minor Damage Before It Gets Worse
Fixing small hail dents early can prevent major structural issues, reducing the likelihood of costly future claims.
✅ Use Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials
Some insurers offer discounts of up to 20% for Class 4 impact-resistant roofing (UL 2218-rated shingles).
✅ Consider a Higher Deductible
Raising your deductible can lower your annual premium and may prevent unnecessary claims for minor hail events.
Why Trust Litespeed Construction?
✅ Experience: 20+ years of roofing expertise in Asheville and Western NC
✅ Expertise: Certified roofing inspectors familiar with insurance claim processes
✅ Authoritativeness: Trusted by hundreds of NC homeowners and recommended by local real estate professionals
✅ Trustworthiness: Google 5-star rated, A+ BBB-accredited, and fully licensed and insured
FAQs: Hail Damage & Home Insurance Premiums
Not always. Some insurers offer "storm forgiveness" for first-time claims, especially if no prior claim exists.
Typically, 5–7 years on your CLUE report.
Yes, but beware — unseen damage can worsen over time.
Possibly, especially if you're in a high-risk ZIP code.
Use a licensed roofer like Litespeed Construction to provide inspection reports and photographic evidence.
Only if damage is due to a covered peril like hail. Wear-and-tear is typically excluded.
Within 1 year of the storm, but ideally as soon as possible.
Yes, especially if you use impact-resistant shingles.
Yes, if the damage is deemed cosmetic or pre-existing.
Absolutely. Many homeowners call Litespeed for a second inspection after insurance denial.
