In 2025, State Farm® paid nearly $110 million in hail damage claims across the state of Georgia. The average payment totaled $17K for Georgia customers. “Hail is one of the most frequent and costly weather hazards in the U.S., causing major damage to homes, vehicles, and property,” says State Farm spokesman Roszell Gadson. Nationally, State Farm paid out more than $5.6 billion in hail-related claims in 2025. Texas led the nation with $1.4 billion in claims, followed by Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. 

Protect Your Home

When hail strikes, your roof often bears the brunt of the damage, but windows, gutters, and siding are also at risk. Understanding your roof’s age, material, and condition helps determine how it will hold up and what your insurance will cover. For example, a 30-year-old roof is less resilient and may have lower replacement value than a newer one.

Regular maintenance and inspections can reduce damage and costs. Work with your insurance agent to ensure you have the right coverage before a storm hits.

Avoid Contractor Scams

After a hailstorm, it’s common to see contractors canvassing neighborhoods offering repairs. Beware of scams. Always verify a contractor’s license and reputation. Before signing any repair contract, consult your insurer. They can confirm coverage, assess damage, and may offer programs or discounts to ease your recovery. Once you sign a contract, your insurer’s ability to assist may be limited.

Choose Impact-Resistant Materials

Investing in impact-resistant roofing materials can reduce damage and repair costs, especially in hail-prone regions. Replacing wood shingles with durable options may also qualify you for insurance discounts. Check with your agent for eligibility.

By knowing your roof, understanding your policy, avoiding scams, and choosing resilient materials, you can better protect your home and make recovery smoother after hail damage.

Prepare Before the Storm

Before any severe storm approaches, take important and proactive steps to prepare your home and minimize potential damage, help to protect your property, ensure your safety, and reduce the stress and cost of repairs after the storm passes.

• Inspect the Roof: Check for loose or damaged shingles and repair them to reduce the risk of hail damage.
• Secure Windows and Doors: Make sure windows, doors, and screens are tightly sealed and consider installing storm shutters if available.
• Clear Gutters and Drains: Remove debris to prevent water backup and damage during heavy rain.
• Trim Trees: Cut back branches that could break and damage your home or vehicles.
• Protect Outdoor Items: Bring in or secure patio furniture, grills, and other items that could be damaged or become projectiles.
• Check Insurance Coverage: Review your homeowner’s and auto insurance policies to understand your coverage for hail damage.
• Document Your Property: Take photos or videos of your home and belongings for insurance purposes in case of damage.

See the complete story here: newsroom.statefarm.com