Last updated: November 11, 2026
After hail hits your Wichita home, document the damage with photos, check your wind and hail deductible, hire a roofer registered with the Kansas Attorney General, and refuse any offer to waive your deductible, which is illegal in Kansas.
On the evening of September 3, 2025, supercell storms dropped hail up to 2.75 inches across parts of Wichita, according to National Weather Service storm reports. Home improvement companies estimated that 100,000 to 140,000 homes in the area may have been damaged, and Sedgwick County accounted for $383 million of the $879 million in storm claims Kansas insurers paid that year.
For roofers, home services and more local guides, see the Wichita, KS Business Services Hub.
Storms like that are a regular part of life in Wichita. This guide walks through what to do after hail hits, how Kansas law protects you from storm chasers, and how to get a fair claim and a solid new roof. It is general information, not legal or insurance advice, so always read your own policy.
What To Do In The First 48 Hours
Start with safety. Stay off the roof, check ceilings and attic spaces for leaks, and move valuables away from any wet areas. If water is coming in, a temporary tarp is reasonable, and most policies expect you to take steps to prevent further damage.
Then document everything. Photograph hailstones next to a coin or ruler, dents on gutters, downspouts, window screens, siding, fences and vehicles, and any damage inside. Note the date and time of the storm. Those photos help prove the damage came from a specific event if the claim is questioned later.
Finally, find your declarations page. Many Kansas homeowners policies now use a percentage wind and hail deductible tied to your dwelling coverage, so a 1% or 2% deductible on a $300,000 home means $3,000 or $6,000 out of pocket before the policy pays.
How Kansas Law Protects Homeowners From Storm Chasers
Every big storm brings out-of-state crews knocking on doors. Kansas responded with the Kansas Roofing Registration Act, which requires most roofing contractors to register with the Kansas Attorney General before soliciting or doing residential or commercial roofing work.
Check The Registration Number
Ask any roofer for their Kansas registration number and confirm it shows as in good standing on the Attorney General’s Roofing Registration Directory before you sign anything.
Never Accept A Deductible Waiver
Kansas law prohibits a residential roofer working from insurance proceeds from advertising, promising to pay or rebating any part of your deductible. A contractor who offers to cover your deductible is breaking the law, and the offer is a red flag about how the rest of the job will be handled.
Read The Contract Before You Sign
Be cautious with contingency agreements that commit you to a contractor before your insurer has decided anything. Ask for a written estimate, a start date, the materials to be used and the warranty terms.
How The Claim Process Usually Works
Call your insurer or agent to open the claim, then schedule an inspection. Many homeowners also ask a registered local roofer to inspect first, so they understand the damage before the adjuster arrives.
The adjuster will look for functional damage such as cracked shingles, bruised mats and lost granules, plus damage to soft metals like vents and gutters. It helps to have your roofer present for the adjuster’s visit to point out what they found.
Your insurer will then issue an estimate. With a replacement cost policy, the first check usually covers the depreciated value, and the rest is paid once the work is finished and documented. With an actual cash value policy, depreciation is not recovered, which matters a great deal on an older roof.
If the estimate misses items, your roofer can submit a supplement with photos and measurements. If you still disagree, ask about your policy’s appraisal clause or contact the Kansas Insurance Department for guidance.
Should You Upgrade To Class 4 Shingles?
Impact-resistant shingles rated Class 4 under the UL 2218 test are designed to withstand larger hail than standard shingles. They usually cost more than standard architectural shingles, but many insurers offer premium discounts for verified Class 4 roofs, and they may reduce the chance of another claim.
Before you commit, ask your insurer in writing what discount applies and what proof they need, such as the shingle wrapper or a certificate from the installer. Keep that paperwork with your policy.
Choosing A Roofer After A Storm
Choose a registered Wichita contractor with a local address, manufacturer certifications and a written workmanship warranty. Get at least two inspections, compare the scope and materials line by line, and do not feel pressured by deadlines a door-knocker sets.
Our list of the top roofing companies in Wichita, KS profiles established local roofers, and our guide to roof replacement costs in Wichita, KS explains what a new roof typically costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal for a roofer to waive my deductible in Kansas?
No. Kansas law prohibits residential roofers paid from insurance proceeds from advertising, promising or rebating any part of the deductible.
Should my roofer meet the insurance adjuster?
It helps. Having your roofer present lets them point out damage the adjuster might miss, though the claim stays between you and your insurer.
Do Class 4 shingles lower insurance premiums?
Many insurers offer discounts for verified Class 4 impact-resistant roofs. Ask your insurer in writing what discount applies and what proof it needs.
Conclusion
Hail is part of owning a home in Wichita, but a bad claim does not have to be. Document the damage quickly, hire a registered local roofer, refuse any deductible waiver and read your insurer’s estimate carefully. Those steps protect both your roof and your wallet.
