If your home has been hit by hail, one of the first questions you probably have is:
"How much is this going to cost me?"
At Built Right Roofing & Construction, we believe homeowners deserve clear, honest answers. Filing a hail damage claim can feel overwhelming, but the truth is — it’s not as costly as many people think, and it’s often the smartest move you can make to protect your biggest investment.
How Much Does It Cost to File a Hail Claim?
In most cases, your out-of-pocket cost for a hail claim is your deductible. The most common deductibles we see in South Dakota are:
$2,500 flat deductible, or
- 1% to 2% of your home’s insured value
So if your home is insured for $400,000 and you have a 1% deductible, your portion of the claim would be $4,000.
That deductible applies no matter how much damage was caused — which is why it’s so important to make sure you get all of the damage covered under your claim.
What If You Have an ACV (Actual Cash Value) Policy?
If your policy is ACV instead of RCV (Replacement Cost Value), your costs could be significantly higher.
With an ACV policy, your insurance company pays you only the depreciated value of the damaged materials. For example:
If you have a 30-year roof that’s 15 years old, the insurer considers that roof 50% used
- So you would only be paid half of the replacement cost
In that case, you’d be responsible for both your deductible and the non-recoverable depreciation.
ACV policies are more common on rental properties or homes with older roofs (typically 10+ years old).
What Does a Hail Claim Actually Cover?
Many people assume a hail claim is just about the roof—but it can go far beyond that.
Your insurance is responsible for covering all damage caused by the storm, including:
Roofing
- Siding
- Windows and screens
- Gutters and downspouts
- Paint and stain on decks or fences
- Damaged A/C unit fins
- Interior water damage (if hail breaks a window or causes a leak)
We’ve even had claims where hail shattered a window and flooded a room—the claim covered new carpet.
That’s why choosing a contractor who knows what to look for (and how to properly document it) is critical.
Your Insurance Rate Won’t Go Up for Filing a Claim
Here’s a common myth:
“If I file a claim, my insurance premium will go up.”
The truth? Hail and wind damage are considered “acts of God” and are not based on individual claims. Insurance companies set rates by region, not by how many claims you personally file.
So What Will It Really Cost You?
At the end of the day, the cost of a hail claim typically comes down to:
Your deductible, plus
- Any non-recoverable depreciation (if you have an ACV policy)
For most homeowners in the Rapid City area, that means paying somewhere between $2,500 and $5,000—whether your repairs total $10,000 or $50,000.
And here's the best part:
Once your claim is approved, you can choose any contractor you want. Your price is locked in—so who you hire makes a big difference in the quality of the results.
The Hotel Analogy: Why Contractor Choice Matters
We like to put it this way:
“If your insurance company is buying you a hotel room, would you choose the Super 8 or the Ritz Carlton?”
The cost to you is the same either way—your deductible. But the experience, comfort, and outcome are very different.
That’s exactly how hail claims work. Whether you go with a bare-minimum contractor or a top-rated team like Built Right, your deductible stays the same. So it only makes sense to choose a company that will do it right the first time.
Choose Built Right for Maximum Value from Your Hail Claim
At Built Right Roofing & Construction, we specialize in hail damage inspections, insurance claims, and full restoration services. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Rapid City recover from hail damage with:
Thorough damage inspections that catch what others miss
- Clear documentation to support your claim
- Direct communication with your insurance company
- High-quality repairs and upgrades, all within your approved scope
Our goal is to make sure you maximize your coverage and restore your home to better-than-before condition—all for the cost of your deductible.
