Golf ball-sized hail detected near Indianapolis, IN on August 11, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Indianapolis 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 13 miles southeast of downtown Indianapolis, with one hail report logged in Marion County on that date. At 2.5 inches, golf ball-sized hail routinely causes functional damage to architectural asphalt shingles — not just cosmetic bruising. Expect cracked or missing granules, damaged flashing, and potential impact fractures on older roofs; shingles past 15 years are especially vulnerable. Tippecanoe County recorded 2.75-inch hail the same day, so some surrounding areas took a harder hit.
On a $207,000 home with a 2% deductible, you're looking at a $4,140 threshold before insurance pays anything. A typical repair on a 2,000 square-foot roof runs $7,335, ranging from roughly $6,000 to $8,700. 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 Indianapolis inspection
Indianapolis repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks sixth out of 82 recorded hail events of 1 inch or larger in Marion County over the past decade — a record large enough to support that comparison. The largest event on record for the county was 3.4 inches on June 19, 2021. August typically sees moderate hail activity here, averaging about six events per year over the past decade, well below the May peak of 27.
Storm system
This was not an isolated cell. The same system produced hail reports across at least ten surrounding counties in Indiana and Illinois on August 11, including 4-inch hail in St. Joseph County and 2.75-inch hail in both Tippecanoe County and Champaign County, Illinois.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4 to 8 weeks in the Indianapolis market — scheduling sooner reduces that wait. The storm chaser risk assessment for Indianapolis is rated high; door-to-door solicitation typically begins within 24 to 48 hours of a major event, so be cautious with anyone who shows up unsolicited. Indiana does not require a state roofing license, but contractors with employees must carry workers' compensation under Indiana Code § 22-3-2-5, and general liability coverage is a separate requirement you should confirm. Before signing anything, ask for proof of both coverages, verify a local business presence, and confirm the contractor will pull the required permit — any offer to cover your deductible violates the Indiana Home Improvement Contract Act.
Permits & building code
At 2.5 inches, full roof replacement is a realistic outcome on older or already-worn shingles, not just patching. Indianapolis requires a contractor-pulled permit for roof replacement, typically costing $150 to $400, and an inspection is required. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Indiana insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior damage — date-stamp every image before touching anything.
- 2Schedule a licensed third-party roof inspection promptly; backlogs are running 4–8 weeks locally.
- 3Contact your insurance company to report potential damage and start the claims process.
- 4Verify any contractor's general liability and workers' comp certificates before signing a contract — do not accept verbal assurances.
- 5Keep copies of all inspection reports, contractor bids, and insurer correspondence in one place.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Indianapolis inspection
Hail data for this event is sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar via the Severe Weather Data Inventory (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed, with a full NWS write-up pending.