FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about HailScore, hail damage, and protecting your home.
About HailScore
What is HailScore?+
HailScore is a free tool that generates hail risk scores for any US address using 10 years of NOAA radar data. Enter any street address and get a score from 0 to 100 that reflects how much hail activity has occurred near your property. A higher score means more hail exposure and greater likelihood of roof damage.
Is HailScore free?+
Yes. HailScore is completely free for homeowners. No credit card, no signup, no hidden fees. We built HailScore because we believe storm damage transparency should not cost money. Every homeowner deserves access to the same data that insurance companies use.
Can I check any address?+
Yes, HailScore currently covers all US addresses. Our coverage is strongest in hail-prone states like Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, areas commonly known as "Hail Alley."
Data and Methodology
What data does HailScore use?+
All storm data comes from the official NOAA Storm Events Database and NEXRAD radar network. Our database includes over 4.5 million verified hail detections from 2015 to 2025, covering all 50 US states. Every record is filtered to hail 0.75 inches or larger, which is the National Weather Service threshold for damaging hail. This is the same data used by meteorologists and insurance adjusters.
How is the score calculated?+
The HailScore analyzes all NOAA-verified hail events within an 8-mile radius of your address. The algorithm weighs five factors: hail size, frequency, recency, cumulative damage potential, and proximity. Larger hail causes exponentially more damage, more events mean greater cumulative exposure, and recent storms within the last 2 years are weighted more heavily. Distance decay is applied so events closer to your property contribute more to the score.
Scores and Next Steps
What should I do if my score is high?+
If your HailScore is 50 or above, we recommend having a qualified roofer inspect your roof. Many homeowners discover hidden hail damage that their insurance will cover. Knowing your storm history puts you in control. You can make informed decisions and avoid being taken advantage of by anyone who knocks on your door after a storm.
Does a high score mean my roof is damaged?+
Not necessarily. A high HailScore means your area has experienced significant hail exposure, which increases the probability of damage. However, actual roof damage depends on many factors including your roof's age, material, and the specific path of each storm. Only a professional inspection can confirm whether your roof has sustained damage.
How long do I have to file an insurance claim?+
The time limit varies by state and insurance policy, but most carriers allow one to two years from the date of the storm to file a hail damage claim. In Colorado, for example, the statute of limitations is typically two years. We strongly recommend checking with your insurance provider and acting promptly. The sooner you file, the smoother the process.
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Get My Free HailScoreWeather data provided by NOAA National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center. This product is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government. This tool provides weather data for informational purposes only and is not a professional roof inspection.