Hail Damaged Your Tulsa Roof? Don’t Make These 5 Mistakes (A 48-Hour Checklist)

Last Updated: May 8, 2026

Quick Snapshot: What NOT to Do

• Don’t Climb on the Roof: It’s dangerous, and walking on damaged shingles can cause further granule loss, giving insurance companies a reason to dispute your claim.
• Don’t Sign with “Storm Chasers”: Avoid out-of-town contractors using high-pressure tactics; stick with reputable, local professionals who will be there if issues arise later.
• Don’t “Wait and See”: Hidden damage to the shingle matting can lead to rot and mold. Act quickly to stay within your insurance policy’s filing time limits.
• Don’t Toss the Evidence: Keep any fallen shingles and take photos of hailstones next to a coin or ruler to document the storm’s severity.
• Don’t Call Insurance First: Have a trusted roofer inspect the damage first to ensure it exceeds your deductible; otherwise, you may end up with a claim on your record for no reason.

How to File a Tulsa Hail Damage Roof Claim Successfully

The unsettling sound of hail pounding on your roof has finally stopped. The storm has passed, and you’re left with the sinking feeling of uncertainty and dread. Your mind is racing with questions: How bad is the damage? Is my home safe? What do I do first? And how do I handle the insurance company?

In the chaotic hours after a Tulsa hailstorm, the decisions you make can cost you thousands of dollars and cause immense stress. Unscrupulous “storm chasers” will soon be knocking on your door, and your insurance company will have its own process to follow. You are in the most vulnerable position of the entire process.

As veteran Tulsa contractors, we at Koalaty Roofers have guided hundreds of homeowners through this exact moment. Our mission is to connect you with honest, vetted, local professionals who will advocate for you. Before you do anything else, take a deep breath. This is your 48-hour emergency playbook to protect your home and your finances.

First, BREATHE. Then Avoid These 5 Costly Mistakes.

Trying to avoid high repair costs after the storm? Well here’s the thing— what you don’t do after the event is just as important as what you do.

1. DO NOT Climb on Your Roof. 

Your roof is likely slippery and may have sustained structural damage. Furthermore, walking on hail-damaged shingles can cause further granule loss, potentially giving your insurance company a reason to dispute the extent of the storm damage.

2. DO NOT Sign a Contract with a “Storm Chaser.” 

Within hours, you will have people at your door offering a “free roof.” These out-of-town contractors often use high-pressure tactics, perform shoddy work, and will be gone when you have a problem later. A reputable local roofer will never pressure you into signing a contract on the spot.

Koalaty Pro Tip: Look, we’ve seen this time and time again. A storm passes, and before you know it, there is someone at your door offering you all sorts of things just to make a quick buck. In these stressful moments, these individuals may seem like angels but it is important not to rush to make decisions.

Check out our guide on the 15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring the Right Roofing Contractor to protect yourself from predatory sales tactics.

3. DO NOT “Wait and See.” 

Even if you don’t see a leak inside, the protective granule layer of your shingles could be compromised. The next rain can saturate the newly exposed matting, leading to slow leaks, wood rot, and mold. Most insurance policies have a time limit for filing claims, so swift action is critical.

4. DO NOT Throw Anything Away. 

Storms pass and many homeowners rush to get things back in order and we don”t blame you. However, please slow down! Cleaning too fast can cost you!

Keep any damaged shingles that may have fallen, take photos of hailstones next to a ruler or coin for scale—every piece of evidence matters. This will help you down the road with insurance claims.

5. DO NOT Call Your Insurance Company First. 

This is the single most important piece of expert advice. Calling your insurer initiates a formal claim. If the damage turns out to be minor and falls below your deductible, you still have a claim on your record, which can impact future premiums. The professional first step is to call a trusted local roofer.

Your 48-Hour Post-Hailstorm Action Plan

Now that you know what NOT to do after the storm, we invite you to follow this action place to take control of the situation.

Step 1: Document Everything (From the Ground)

Your smartphone is your most powerful tool right now. Walk around your property and document the “collateral damage” that proves the storm’s severity. Take photos and videos of:

• Dented gutters, downspouts, and window screens.
• Dings on your air conditioner unit’s fins.
• Impact marks on your mailbox or fence.
• Any fallen shingles you find in your yard.
• The date and time of the storm.

Step 2: Check for Interior Leaks

Inside your home, check for any signs of water intrusion. Walk around your entire house and take extra care to watch out for signs of leaks:

• Look for dark, circular stains on your ceilings or walls.
• Check in your attic for damp insulation or visible water dripping from the roof deck.
• If you see an active leak, place a bucket underneath it and call for an emergency repair or tarp-up immediately to mitigate further damage.

Step 3: Call a Vetted Local Roofer for a Free Inspection

This is your strategic next move. A professional, independent inspection from a company like one of Koalaty’s partners accomplishes three critical things:

1. Safety: A trained professional will safely assess the roof’s condition.
2. Damage Validation: They will determine if the damage is significant enough to warrant a full insurance claim.
3. An Advocate on Your Side: You now have an expert assessment to use as a baseline. Your roofer can meet with the insurance adjuster to point out specific areas of damage and ensure you get a fair and complete evaluation.

Step 4: Now, File Your Insurance Claim

With your professional inspection report in hand, you can now contact your insurance provider with confidence. You can inform them that your roof has sustained damage, has been inspected by a professional, and you are ready to start the claims process. This positions you as a prepared, proactive homeowner and sets the stage for a smoother process.

Navigating a hail damage claim is a complex process, but you don’t have to do it alone. By following these initial steps, you can avoid common pitfalls and protect your home’s value.

Additonal Resources:

1. FEMA: How to Document Damages After Severe Weather Events
2. Oklahoma Insurance Department: Homeowner’s Insurance Guide
3. National Weather Service – Tulsa Office