Gillette, Wyoming experienced ping pong ball-sized hail (1.5 inches) on May 29, 2026.
The hail strike occurred approximately 22 miles southeast of downtown Gillette in Campbell County.
Damage assessment
Ping pong ball-sized hail (1.5 inches) typically causes moderate damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles, which dominate Gillette's housing stock. At this magnitude, damage is primarily functional rather than cosmetic, potentially including granule loss, exposed mat, and possible cracking of older shingles. Roofs older than 15-20 years face higher risk of penetration and immediate leak concerns. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles would likely sustain minimal damage at this hail size, demonstrating their protective value.
With a typical deductible of $5,290 (2% of median home value $264,500) and repair costs averaging $5,039 for a 2,000 square foot home, filing a claim may not provide significant financial benefit for most homeowners. The repair estimate falls just below the deductible threshold, meaning most costs would be out-of-pocket regardless. Homeowners have until May 29, 2030 under Wyoming's four-year statute of limitations to file claims if additional damage is discovered.
Wyoming allows four years from the event date to file property insurance claims, providing until May 29, 2030.
Repair costs fall below your deductible — you will likely pay out of pocket regardless of filing. Focus on getting competitive estimates from licensed contractors rather than rushing a claim.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Gillette inspection
Gillette repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks 43rd out of 112 recorded hail events of 1 inch or larger in Campbell County over the past decade. The county's largest recorded hailstorm produced 3-inch stones on July 17, 2023. May historically sees 9 hail events per decade in this area, making this occurrence typical for the month, while July remains the peak season with 73 recorded events.
Storm system
This hailstorm was part of a broader weather system, with Laramie also reporting quarter-sized hail (1 inch) on the same day. The regional pattern suggests an organized storm system moved across Wyoming.
Contractor guidance
Current contractor backlogs in Gillette are manageable at 1-2 weeks due to low market density. Moderate storm chaser activity is expected following this event, and while Wyoming lacks specific statutes prohibiting deductible waivers, such offers may constitute insurance fraud under Wyo. Stat. § 27-29-101 et seq. Homeowners should verify any deductible waiver offers with their insurer and confirm contractor legitimacy. Contractor registration is handled at the county and municipal level only.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, repairs are more likely than full replacement for most properties. Permit requirements vary by municipality with costs ranging $150-350 for typical repairs. Given the 10-30% insurance discount for Class 4 shingles and their superior performance against this hail size, homeowners facing roof replacement should strongly consider upgrading to impact-resistant materials.
- 1Document all visible damage with photos before any cleanup or temporary repairs
- 2Contact insurance company to report the claim and understand your specific deductible terms
- 3Obtain multiple estimates from locally-registered contractors before proceeding
- 4Verify contractor credentials and avoid any offers to waive insurance deductibles
- 5Consider Class 4 impact-resistant shingles if replacement becomes necessary
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Gillette inspection
Event data sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar (SWDI) with radar confirmation pending full National Weather Service documentation.