Golf ball-sized hail detected near Fishers, IN on August 14, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Fishers monitoring area. Actual impact can vary by neighborhood, so nearby homes should use this as a signal to check roofs, gutters, siding, and vehicles.
Damage assessment
The radar-confirmed strike landed approximately 17 miles north of downtown Fishers, with one hail report logged across Hamilton County that day. At 1.75 inches, golf ball-sized hail is large enough to cause functional damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles — not just cosmetic bruising. Roofs older than 15 years or already showing granule loss are most vulnerable; newer shingles may show impact marks without immediate leaks. Hamilton County's largest recorded event reached 2.75 inches on June 19, 2021, so this storm sits in the middle of the local severity range.
On a $370,200 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold is roughly $7,404. Typical repair costs for a 2,000 square foot roof run $7,335, with the range spanning $6,002 to $8,669 depending on slope, material, and labor. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, the typical repair cost exceeds a standard 2% deductible. Contact your insurer — damage at this level is likely worth filing before you pay out of pocket.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Fishers inspection
Fishers repair cost reference
Historical context
Among 46 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Hamilton County over the past 10 years, this event ranks 12th by magnitude. The largest on record reached 2.75 inches on June 19, 2021. August produces hail here only occasionally — historically just 3 events in 10 years — making this a less common time of year for storm activity compared to the spring peak.
Storm system
The same system produced 1.5-inch hail near Champaign, Illinois the same day, suggesting this was part of a broader regional weather event rather than an isolated cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 2 to 4 weeks in the Fishers market. The intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate, consistent with what typically follows a notable regional hail event in this area. Indiana does not require a state-level roofing license, but contractors with employees must carry workers' compensation under Indiana Code § 22-3-2-5. Before signing anything, verify general liability insurance, workers' comp coverage, a local business presence, and that the contractor will pull the required permit — any offer to waive your deductible violates Indiana's Home Improvement Contract Act and is grounds to walk away.
Permits & building code
At 1.75 inches, outcomes range from targeted repairs on younger roofs to full replacement on older or already-compromised ones — an inspector's finding drives that decision. Fishers requires a permit for roof work; the contractor pulls it, cost runs $150 to $350, and an inspection is required upon completion. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Indiana insurers.
- 1Photograph all visible hail impacts on the roof, gutters, downspouts, and any soft metals like flashing or AC fins — date-stamp every image.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection with a contractor who has a verifiable local address and proper insurance certificates.
- 3Vet any contractor before signing: confirm general liability, workers' comp, and willingness to pull a city permit — do not sign with anyone who offers to cover your deductible.
- 4Keep a written record of all contractor conversations, quotes, and inspection reports in a single folder.
- 5Check your homeowner's policy declarations page for the wind/hail deductible percentage and any suit limitation clause specific to your policy.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Fishers inspection
Hail size and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data via SWDI; a full NWS storm survey write-up is pending.