Spring hail in Georgia doesn’t wait for a convenient time. When it hits, the documentation you gather in the first couple of days carries more weight than anything anyone produces later. Stay off the roof unless you’re trained and equipped — most of what matters can be captured from the ground.
1. Record the storm itself
- Note the date and approximate time. Screenshot weather alerts on your phone.
- If it’s safe, photograph hailstones next to a coin or ruler — size is evidence.
- Save local news coverage and neighborhood posts mentioning the storm.
2. Walk the ground-level evidence
Soft metals tell the story before anyone climbs a ladder.
- Gutters and downspouts: round dents, especially on the side facing the storm.
- AC condenser fins: combed or flattened fins on top and sides.
- Window screens and wraps: tears, dents in aluminum frames.
- Mailboxes, light fixtures, grills, car hoods: anything metal in the open.
- Siding: cracks or holes in vinyl; spatter marks on painted surfaces.
- Decks and fences: fresh splatter marks on weathered wood.
3. Look up, carefully
From the yard, photograph each roof slope with a zoom lens. Look for shingle granules collecting at downspout outlets — that’s a strong indicator. A professional inspector or appraiser can do the test squares later.
4. Check the inside
Look at ceilings under the attic and along exterior walls. Hail can crack skylights and dislodge flashing even when the roof looks fine from below.
5. Organize before you file
Name photo files by date and location (“2026-04-12 north gutter”). Keep originals with their metadata. Write a short timeline. When you file, you’ll have everything ready — and if the claim ends up in appraisal, your Georgia Insurance Appraiser starts from a solid foundation.