Sangamon County·IL Dept. of Insurance·Step-by-step guide
Springfield homeowners filing hail damage claims face percentage-based deductibles that have become the Illinois standard, typically ranging 1–2% of the home's insured value. On a home valued at $155,200, a 2% deductible means the homeowner pays $3,104 out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins. Illinois carriers have accelerated this shift to percentage deductibles in 2025–2026 as storm losses escalate across Sangamon County.
Know this before you call your insurer
Wind/hail deductibles are often percentage-based — not flat dollar amounts.
On a home insured for $155,200 with a 2% wind/hail deductible, you owe $3,104 before your insurer pays a dollar.
Step-by-step claim process
1
Document the damage immediately
Photograph every area of visible damage — roof surface, gutters, downspouts, AC condenser fins, window screens, and any soft metal flashing. Date-stamped photos establish the storm event for your insurer. Do not throw away damaged materials.
2
Do not sign anything yet
Storm chasers frequently knock on doors within 48 hours of a major hail event. Do not sign an Assignment of Benefits or any roofing contract before your insurance adjuster has inspected the property. Signing early can forfeit your right to negotiate.
3
Contact your insurance company
File your claim promptly — most policies require notification within a reasonable time after the event. Have your policy number, the approximate date of the storm, and your photo documentation ready.
4
Understand your wind/hail deductible
Many policies in hail-prone regions carry a separate wind/hail deductible — not a flat dollar amount, but a percentage of your dwelling coverage. On a home insured for $155,200 at 2%, your out-of-pocket deductible is $3,104 before your insurer pays anything. Check your declarations page for your specific percentage.
5
Get an independent inspection before the adjuster arrives
Schedule an inspection with a reputable local roofer before the insurance adjuster visits. Their assessment gives you an independent benchmark to compare against the adjuster's estimate. Most reputable contractors offer free post-storm inspections — confirm this before scheduling.
6
Understand ACV vs replacement cost value
An Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy depreciates your roof before paying out. A 15-year-old roof may be valued at 40–50 cents on the dollar. A Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy pays the full replacement cost less your deductible. Check your policy type — it dramatically changes your out-of-pocket exposure.
7
Review the adjuster's estimate carefully
Insurance adjusters may miss code upgrade requirements, matching shingle provisions, or supplemental items like ice-and-water shield. Compare the adjuster estimate line by line against your independent contractor estimate. Discrepancies can often be resolved through supplementing.
8
Negotiate — you have the right to supplement
If your contractor's estimate is higher than the adjuster's, your contractor can submit a supplement to the insurance company. This is standard practice and not adversarial. Code upgrades, permit fees, and matching shingle requirements are commonly missed items.
9
Choose your contractor carefully
Springfield contractors must hold a state license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under 225 ILCS 335/3.2 — the Roofing Industry Licensing Act. Licensed contractors must carry general liability insurance with minimum limits of $250,000/$500,000, maintain workers' compensation coverage, and post a surety bond. Verify contractor license status through the IDFPR public database, insurance certificates, and local reviews before signing any agreement.
10
Know your rights if a claim is denied
Springfield homeowners with denied or underpaid claims can file complaints with the Illinois Department of Insurance at https://idoi.illinois.gov/consumers/file-a-complaint.html. Under Illinois law, homeowners generally have five years to file suit for unpaid claims, but most policies contractually shorten this period — carriers commonly require claims within 30 days to one year, with suit limitation clauses of one to two years standard. Check your declarations page for the specific policy deadline rather than relying on statutory defaults.
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Get a free inspection estimate from a local Springfield roofer
Springfield's moderate contractor market typically experiences 2–4 week backlogs following major hail events in Sangamon County. The city sees moderate storm chaser activity after regional storms, making contractor verification essential. Illinois law under the Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335) and the Home Repair and Remodeling Act (815 ILCS 513) prohibits contractors from offering to waive or absorb your insurance deductible.
Storm chaser red flags
After major hail events, out-of-state contractors flood affected neighborhoods. Watch for these warning signs:
✕Offers to waive your deductible — this violates state law in most hail belt states and is prohibited under specific statutes in Illinois, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, Colorado, Indiana, Minnesota, and South Dakota.
✕Pressures you to sign before the adjuster has visited
✕No local address or verifiable local business history
✕Door-to-door solicitation within 24–48 hours of a storm
✕Requests full payment upfront before work begins
✕Cannot provide proof of liability insurance and worker's comp
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, insurance, or financial advice. Consult your policy documents and a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.