Informational only. This page does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Policy terms, deductibles, and state regulations vary. Consult a licensed insurance professional or attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Great Falls homeowners filing hail damage insurance claims face typical deductibles of 1-2% of their home's value under Montana's standard homeowner policies. For a $350,000 home with a 2% deductible, the out-of-pocket cost reaches $7,000 before insurance coverage begins. Montana homeowner insurance policies typically feature flat-dollar deductibles for hail and wind claims, commonly ranging from $500 to $2,500, though percentage-based deductibles are also available.
Know this before you call your insurer
Wind/hail deductibles are often percentage-based — not flat dollar amounts.
On a home insured for $350,000 with a 2% wind/hail deductible, you owe $7,000 before your insurer pays a dollar.
Full hail damage insurance claim guideStep-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 $350,000 at 2%, your out-of-pocket deductible is $7,000 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
Montana does not require a state-level roofing contractor license, though Great Falls contractors must hold appropriate local permits and business licenses. Homeowners should verify that any contractor holds a general contractor license if required by Cascade County jurisdiction, plus proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Request current insurance certificates, local customer references, and confirm registration status with the Montana Secretary of State.
10
Know your rights if a claim is denied
Great Falls homeowners whose claims are denied or underpaid can file complaints with the Montana Department of Insurance at https://svc.mt.gov/insurance/. Under Montana contract law, homeowners generally have four years from the date a claim is denied to file a lawsuit on an insurance contract, though Montana does not have a specific statute of limitations for property insurance claims in the insurance code. Montana permits homeowners to hire independent adjusters to assess damage and challenge insurer valuations.
Ready to get an inspection?
Get a contractor estimate before your Great Falls claim closes
Great Falls' low contractor market density means most repair work comes from contractors serving the area from larger nearby markets, resulting in 1-2 week post-storm backlogs for repairs. The city sees limited storm chaser activity compared to other Montana regions. Homeowners should be cautious of contractors offering deductible forgiveness, as Montana law does not explicitly prohibit such offers but they may constitute insurance fraud or violation of the insurance contract.
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.
Current Great Falls repair cost reference
2,000 sqft home · standard asphalt shingles