After Storm Damage
How Should You Choose Shingles After Hail Damage?
After hail damage, the right shingle isn't automatically the one that was on the roof before. The answer depends on your policy, the carrier's written estimate, and applicable code — not brand preference alone. Here's how to think through the decision.
We Inspect, Document & Estimate — We Don't Determine Coverage
Quick Answer
How should you choose a shingle after hail damage?
After hail damage, the right shingle isn't automatically the one that was on the roof before. Start with an inspection to document the roof's condition. The answer depends on the homeowner's policy, available materials, the insurance carrier's written estimate and coverage decision, and applicable code requirements. The insurance carrier determines what it will cover under the policy.
A homeowner may choose a different or higher-tier roofing product, but the additional cost may be a voluntary upgrade. Mr. GoodRoof can provide a roofing estimate based on the carrier's written scope and a separate price for optional product upgrades so the homeowner can see the difference clearly. Mr. GoodRoof inspects, documents, estimates, and explains roofing options — it does not negotiate claims or determine coverage.
Where To Start
Start with inspection, not a product decision
Before choosing a replacement shingle, your roof needs to be inspected and the damage documented — see our hail damage inspection guide for that process. This page picks up once you know repair or replacement is needed and are deciding what goes back on the roof.
Insurance Scope vs. Voluntary Upgrade
Does insurance require the same shingle that was there before?
The answer depends on the homeowner's policy, available materials, the carrier's written estimate and coverage decision, and applicable code requirements. The insurance carrier determines what it will cover under the policy. A homeowner may choose a different or higher-tier roofing product, but the additional cost may be a voluntary upgrade.
The carrier's written estimate and coverage decision describe the work and amount it currently recognizes under the homeowner's policy. Mr. GoodRoof can prepare a roofing estimate for that work and separately price any voluntary product upgrade. If the carrier's estimate is based on one architectural shingle and the homeowner selects a higher-tier Class 3, Class 4, or designer product, the price difference may remain homeowner-funded unless the carrier confirms otherwise in writing.
Mr. GoodRoof does not promise that insurance will pay for an upgrade. Its role is to make the roofing scope, product choices, and pricing clear.
Weighing Your Options
Should you choose standard, Class 3, or Class 4 after hail?
A conventional architectural shingle minimizes upfront cost. Class 3 (Highlander AR, qualifying GAF Timberline HDZ packages) is a meaningful impact-resistance step up. Class 4 (Malarkey Vista, Legacy, Windsor; GAF Timberline AS II) is the highest UL 2218 classification.
| Option | Impact classification | Relative tier | Insurance consideration | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional architectural option | Varies by exact product | Entry/value | Product- and carrier-specific | Verify the exact product |
| Class 3 option | UL 2218 Class 3 | Mid-tier comparison | May qualify in some carrier programs | Not hail-proof |
| Class 4 option | UL 2218 Class 4 | Higher impact-rated tier | May qualify in some carrier programs | Not hail-proof; cosmetic marks remain possible |
Read The Fine Print
Do Class 3/4 shingles come with cosmetic-damage limitations?
A Class 3 or Class 4 rating is not a warranty against hail damage.
UL 2218 testing allows cosmetic denting and granule loss — it only fails a shingle for cracking through the material. A Class 3 or Class 4 shingle can still show visible marks after a future storm without that representing a failure of the rating it earned. Review the warranty issued for the selected product and roofing system.
Beyond The Shingle
Can Class 4 lower your premium, and why does the whole system matter?
Can a Class 4 upgrade lower my insurance premium?
Some carriers may offer a credit for qualifying impact-resistant roofing, but eligibility is carrier- and policy-specific, and no discount should be assumed. See our Class 4 insurance discount page.
Why does the complete system matter, not just the shingle?
A replacement is an opportunity to address more than the field shingle — underlayment, starter, ridge, flashing, and ventilation all affect how the new roof performs going forward.
Keep This On File
What documentation should you keep?
- Inspection photos
- The carrier's written estimate
- The estimate and contract
- Product information
- Any upgrade pricing
- The final invoice
- Installation photos
- Warranty registration
Our Role, Clearly Defined
When should you contact your carrier, and what does Mr. GoodRoof actually do?
When should I contact my carrier?
Follow your policy's notice deadlines — don't delay required notification to your insurer. You can also have Mr. GoodRoof inspect and document the roof, which can support your claim whether that happens before or after you've contacted your carrier.
How does Mr. GoodRoof help without acting as a public adjuster?
Mr. GoodRoof inspects the roof, documents visible conditions, provides roofing estimates, and explains repair and replacement options. It does not represent or negotiate with the carrier on the homeowner's behalf, and it does not determine policy coverage.
Get Started
Ready to see your roofing options after hail?
Mr. GoodRoof can inspect your roof, document the damage, and provide an estimate based on your carrier's written scope — plus a separate price for any optional upgrade.
- Free hail damage roof inspection
- Documentation to support your claim
- Estimate based on the carrier's written scope
- Separate pricing for optional product upgrades
Request a Hail Damage Roof Inspection
Hail Damage Shingle FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Will insurance pay for Class 4 shingles?
Only if the carrier's written estimate and coverage decision approves it — otherwise it's typically a voluntary, homeowner-funded upgrade.
Does hail damage always mean full replacement?
No — depends on extent, location, repairability, and the carrier's written estimate.
Does Class 4 prevent future hail damage?
No — highest UL 2218 classification, not a damage guarantee.
Which Malarkey shingle is commonly considered after hail?
Vista AR is a common comparison point; Legacy and Windsor are premium Class 4 options.
Should I file a claim before calling a roofer?
Follow your policy's required notice deadlines; roofing documentation can be obtained either before or after contacting your carrier.
Keep Reading
Related roofing & insurance resources
Sources
Where this information comes from
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance disaster guidance
- Malarkey Vista AR, Legacy Scotchgard, and Windsor Scotchgard product pages
- GAF Timberline AS II
