Our roof got hit by that June hailstorm — what's the insurance claim process like in Calgary, and do we need a contractor estimate first?

Start by calling your insurance company immediately to report the claim, even if you haven't had a contractor assessment yet. Most insurers prefer early notification and will guide you through their specific process, which can vary significantly between companies.

The typical Calgary hail claim process begins with your insurance company sending an adjuster to assess the damage, usually within 1-2 weeks of reporting. However, after major hailstorms like the June event, adjusters can be backlogged for 4-6 weeks or longer. The adjuster will inspect your roof, siding, windows, and other exterior elements for hail damage, then provide a preliminary damage estimate.

You don't necessarily need a contractor estimate before calling your insurer, but having one can be valuable. Many Calgary roofing contractors offer free hail damage inspections and can help document damage that adjusters might miss. Look for contractors experienced with insurance claims — they understand how to properly document hail damage and can often spot subtle damage to gutters, vents, and flashing that untrained eyes miss. However, be cautious of door-to-door contractors following storms, as some are out-of-province operators who may not be properly licensed or insured in Alberta.

Calgary's hail belt location means insurance companies here are very familiar with hail claims, but they're also thorough in their assessments. Hail damage isn't always obvious — it can appear as granule loss on shingles, small dents in metal components, or cracked caulking around roof penetrations. The damage may not cause immediate leaks but can significantly reduce your roof's lifespan and weather resistance.

Important Alberta-specific considerations: Your insurance policy likely has a depreciation clause, meaning you'll receive actual cash value initially, then recoverable depreciation after repairs are completed. Keep all receipts and documentation. Also, under Alberta's insurance regulations, you have the right to choose your own contractor — your insurer cannot require you to use their preferred contractor, though they may recommend ones they work with frequently.

Professional guidance is essential for hail claims because the damage assessment affects your settlement amount. A qualified roofing contractor can provide a detailed estimate that ensures all damaged components are included in the claim. They can also identify code upgrades that may be required during repairs, which some insurance policies cover.

Next steps: Call your insurance company today to report the claim, then schedule inspections with 2-3 reputable Calgary roofing contractors who specialize in insurance work. Document everything with photos, keep all communication records, and don't sign any contracts until your insurance settlement is finalized. The claims process typically takes 30-90 days from start to finish, depending on the complexity and your insurer's workload.

---

Find a Roofing Contractor

Calgary Construction Network connects you with experienced contractors in the directory:

• New Earth Waste Services Ltd ✓
• Royland Stucco ✓
• Cochrane Roofing ✓