How to file a hail damage claim in Nebraska

Last reviewed: October 2026. General information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy's wording decides your deadlines.

The short version: report hail damage as soon as you can. Many policies require reporting damage within about a year — check your policy.

Deadlines to know

Your policy's reporting deadline. Many policies require reporting damage within about a year — check your policy. Look for "notice of claim" or "duties after loss" in your policy.
Lawsuit deadline. Nebraska generally allows 5 years to sue on a written contract, and an insurance policy cannot shorten that period (Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-205 and 44-357).
Your insurer's deadlines. Nebraska insurers must acknowledge a claim within 15 working days, accept or deny it within 15 working days after receiving a proper proof of loss, and pay within 15 working days after you accept a settlement (210 NAC 60). If your claim stalls, you can contact the Nebraska Department of Insurance.

Find your storm date. Check your address to see the dates and hail sizes reported near you. Your insurer will ask for the date of loss.
Document the damage. Take dated photos of the roof (from the ground is fine), gutters, vents, siding, windows, fences and cars. Don't climb on the roof.
Prevent more damage. Cover leaks with a tarp and keep receipts. Most policies expect you to stop damage from getting worse.
Read your deductible. Many policies have a separate wind and hail deductible. It may be a percent of your dwelling coverage or a dollar amount. Check your policy.
File the claim. Call your insurer or use its app. Write down your claim number and the adjuster's name.
Get an independent inspection. Only you, a licensed public adjuster, or an attorney can negotiate your claim. A roofer can document damage but is not licensed to negotiate the claim for you.
Meet the adjuster. Be there for the inspection if you can, and share your photos and storm date.
Review the estimate. If damage was missed, you can ask for a supplement or re-inspection with supporting photos.

Be careful with door-to-door roofers who show up right after a storm, especially from out of town.
Nebraska law bars contractors from promising to rebate or offset any part of your insurance deductible (Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-8601 to 44-8604).
You can cancel a roofing or storm-repair contract by written notice within 3 business days after signing it, or within 3 business days after your insurer tells you in writing that all or part of the claim is not covered.
Don't sign anything that hands control of your claim to a contractor.
Check reviews, a local address and proof of insurance before hiring.