- Review your policy and note key coverages
- Secure your home before severe weather hits
- Document every dent, dribble, and drop to back up your claim
- Navigate post-storm steps to file with confidence
Grab your printable storm preparedness checklist now
When Is Storm Season in Metro Atlanta?
Storm season in Metro Atlanta generally runs from March through May, with a secondary uptick in October when remnants of tropical systems can trigger flash flooding.
- Spring Peak (Mar–May): Expect hail, high-wind events, and occasional tornado watches when warming ground temperatures collide with moist, unstable air.
- Fall Surge (Oct): As Atlantic storms weaken over land, they often stall over North Georgia, dumping heavy rainfall and causing flash floods.
Atlanta Fact:
From 2020–2024, Georgia averaged 13.2 billion-dollar weather and climate disaster events per year, including severe storms—underscoring why preparation is critical.
Pro Tip: Sign up for NOAA alerts and Fulton County emergency notifications on your phone to receive real-time warnings.
Pre-Storm Prep: Your Printable Storm Preparedness Checklist
- Review Your Policy & Note Your Deductible
Locate your homeowner’s policy and find the wind and hail coverage sections. Write down your hail damage deductible so you know your out-of-pocket exposure.
Time estimate: 10 minutes - Photograph Home Exterior & Valuables
Take clear, timestamped photos of your roof, siding, windows, and high-value outdoor items (grills, patio sets). Save images in a dedicated folder on your phone or cloud drive.
Time estimate: 15 minutes - Secure Loose Items
Bring in or firmly anchor patio furniture, plant pots, grills, and décor that could become projectiles in high winds. Store small items in your garage or shed.
Time estimate: 10–20 minutes - Check Gutters, Drains & Sump Pump
Clear leaves and debris from gutters, downspouts, and basement drains. Test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit—make sure it activates.
Time estimate: 10 minutes - Gather an Emergency Kit
Flashlight & extra batteries
Phone charger (power bank)
Bottled water (1 gal per person), non-perishable snacks & essential meds
Time estimate: 10 minutes
Know Your Policy: Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Most standard homeowners policies do cover hail damage—but only if you document it properly and file within policy timeframes.
Pro Tip (Adam Schwartz, Atlanta Adjuster):
“It is vitally important to document damages immediately after a storm showing debris, missing shingles and any evidence of the storm. Having the photos to support a claim makes the process so much easier.”
Key Points:
- Policies vary; some combine wind and hail, and others list separate clauses.
- Unreported or late-reported damage may be denied as “pre-existing.”
- How to document storm damage for insurance
Hail Damage Deductible: What You’ll Owe Out of Pocket
Understanding your deductible helps you anticipate your out-of-pocket costs—and avoid nasty surprises when your claim pays out.
- Percentage-Based Deductibles: Often 1–2% of dwelling coverage. E.g., 1% on a $300K home = $3,000 out-of-pocket.
- Flat Deductibles: Fixed amount (e.g., $1,000), simpler math but less common in Georgia.
- Separate Wind/Hail Deductibles: You may face two deductibles on one event—check your policy.
Pro Tip: Ask your agent about deductible relief or catastrophe waivers after major storms.
Flood Insurance in Georgia: What Every ATL Homeowner Needs to Know
Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. If you live near creeks, low-lying areas, or storm-water basins, consider:
- NFIP Flood Policies: Covers up to $250K for your home and $100K for contents.
- Private Flood Coverage: Higher limits or broader coverage beyond NFIP caps.
- Atlanta-Area Risk: Rapid‐onset flash floods can overwhelm basins in minutes.
Learn more about flood insurance →
How to Document Storm Damage for Insurance
For the full playbook, visit our detailed guide:
Common Questions About Storm Damage Claims
- Photo & Video Guidelines: Wide shots first, then close-ups; timestamp & geotag every file.
- Inventory Your Losses: Spreadsheet with item names, dates, values & serial numbers.
- Keep Receipts & Estimates: Store all mitigation invoices and contractor bids.
During the Storm: Quick How-To Step
Adam’s Tip:
“It is a great idea to take a video of the interior and exterior of your home entirely to show its condition prior to any storm; having this evidence eliminates the insurance company’s classic game of claiming damages are pre-existing.”
- Use a waterproof phone case or zip-lock bag.
- Maintain a safe distance on solid ground.
- Sequence your shots: start wide, then zoom into damage.
After the Storm: Step-by-Step Next Steps
- Inspect & document all damage (photos, notes).
- Notify your insurer ASAP (call them, then email with photos).
- Mitigate further damage (tarp holes, remove water); keep receipts.
Atlanta Fact:
Between 1980–2024, Georgia recorded 68 separate severe-storm events with losses over $1 billion each—showing just how big the stakes are.
FAQ
- Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage in Atlanta?
- Yes—if you document damage immediately and file within your policy window. See “Know Your Policy” above for details.
- What is a hail damage deductible?
- Often a percentage of dwelling coverage (e.g., 1% of $300K = $3,000). Check your policy for exact terms.
- What if my home floods during storm season?
- Standard policies do not cover floods. Review NFIP or private flood options under “Flood Insurance in Georgia.”
Conclusion & Next Steps
Storm season in Metro Atlanta is no joke—but with proactive prep, meticulous documentation, and a clear game plan, you’ll be ready to weather any storm.
