The exact 18-item list roofers and adjusters walk. Download the printable PDF, take it up the ladder (or hand it to your contractor), and file your claim with evidence — not guesses.
Same list a State Farm or Allstate adjuster runs. Photograph each — dated on your phone camera — and you'll never re-open the claim.
Round dents in aluminum drip edge = hail confirmed. Photograph 3 angles per elevation.
Look for dents on the outer face of downspouts, especially north/west sides.
Bent aluminum fins prove stone size. Include unit tag in photo.
Bruised or cracked plastic boots. Look for spatter marks (dark spots where oxidation was knocked off).
Clean oxidation spots inside gutter troughs — proves stone impact, dates the storm.
Chalk a 10×10 area, count bruises. 8+ hits = totaled slope in most policies.
Repeat on south. Compare hit counts across slopes.
Repeat east.
Repeat west. West-facing usually takes the worst hail in NM (storms move E).
Rub chalk across the shingle — bruises show as bright rings. Press each bruise: soft = mat damage.
Photograph exposed asphalt underlayer. Freshly bald = recent hit.
Hail cracks ridge caps first. Look for hairline fractures across the ridge line.
Cracked skylight glass, dented step-flashing around curbs.
Adjusters compare wall damage to roof damage. Photograph dents on any elevation.
Punctured screens = larger hail. Include for size documentation.
Chipped paint on decks, pergolas, or trim from stones bouncing.
If storm is fresh: photograph a stone on a coin or ruler for size reference.
One wide shot of the whole roof from ground level + one of the house number. Filing requires location proof.
Same-day inspections after any hail event 1" or larger in NM. Free, no obligation, photo report in hand.