Protecting Arkansas Roofs from Hail Alley's Worst
Free Haag Certified inspections for Arkansas homeowners. We document the damage, guide your claim, and get your roof restored — at no cost to you.
SDAT documents damage and provides your insurance claim process. We do not represent or negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. All coverage and payout decisions are made solely by your insurance carrier under your policy terms.
Hail in Arkansas — What Homeowners Need to Know
Arkansas sits in the southern corridor of Hail Alley, where warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cold fronts sweeping down from the Plains. The result: Arkansas experiences an average of 5 to 8 significant hail events per year, concentrated between March and June.
Central Arkansas — particularly the Little Rock metro, Conway, Benton, and Bryant corridor — sees some of the state's highest hail frequency due to its geographic position. The most damaging storms typically occur in April and May when atmospheric instability peaks.
Northwest Arkansas — Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville — experiences a slightly different storm pattern, with hail season extending into early summer. The region's rapid development means many roofs are newer, but newer roofs are not immune to hail damage.
Know Your Rights
Filing Deadline
Arkansas law does not impose a specific statutory deadline, but your policy typically requires filing within one year of the date of loss. Check your declarations page for your specific deadline.
Right to Choose Your Contractor
Arkansas homeowners have the legal right to select their own roofing contractor. Your insurance company may offer preferred vendors, but they cannot require you to use a specific contractor.
Anti-Solicitation Laws
Be cautious of contractors who appear uninvited immediately after a storm, pressure you to sign on the spot, or offer to cover your deductible. These are red flags.
Assignment of Benefits (AOB)
An AOB transfers your claim rights to a contractor. While legal in Arkansas, it can limit your control. SDAT does not require an AOB — we work alongside you, not in place of you.
Contractor Registration
Since January 2022, residential roofers must hold a Residential Roofer Registration for projects over $2,000. Verify status through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
AR Insurance Department
Phone: (501) 371-2600 | Toll-free: 1-800-852-5494 | Online: insurance.arkansas.gov. File complaints through the Consumer Services Division.
Areas We Serve in Arkansas
Central Arkansas
Greater Arkansas
Arkansas-Specific FAQ
Common questions from Arkansas homeowners about storm damage and insurance.
Does Arkansas require roofing contractors to be registered?
Yes. Since January 2022, residential roofing contractors must hold a Residential Roofer Registration through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board for projects over $2,000 (including labor and materials). Contractors who hold a Residential Builders or Residential Remodelers License do not need the separate registration. SDAT and all SDAT contractor partners maintain current Arkansas registrations, proper bonding, and comprehensive liability insurance. Always verify a contractor’s registration status before agreeing to any work.
How does Arkansas hail compare to other states?
Arkansas ranks in the top 15 states nationally for hail frequency and in the top 10 for hail-related property damage claims. The state’s position at the southern edge of Hail Alley means storms often carry significant moisture content, producing dense hailstones that cause more damage per impact than drier storms in the northern Plains.
What if my roof is less than 5 years old?
Age does not make a roof immune to hail damage. Newer roofs may actually show damage more clearly because the shingles haven’t yet weathered. If your newer roof was impacted by a confirmed hailstorm, an inspection is still warranted. Your insurance coverage typically provides full replacement cost for newer roofs, making the claim process more straightforward.
Are there specific Arkansas insurance regulations I should know about?
Arkansas follows a “file and use” system for insurance rates, meaning companies can adjust rates after filing with the state. After a major storm event, some insurers may attempt to non-renew policies in heavily affected zip codes. If you receive a non-renewal notice, you have the right to seek coverage through other carriers. The Arkansas Insurance Department monitors post-storm market practices and can assist homeowners who believe they’re being treated unfairly.
Arkansas Storm Damage? Get Your Free Roof Report Card.
Our Haag Certified inspectors serve homeowners across Arkansas with free, professional storm damage assessments. No cost, no obligation, no pressure.