The AI Feature API allows you to assess the impact of hurricanes via the Hail Vulnerability score. The sections below explain how this score is calculated and how it should be interpreted.
Hail Vulnerability score
The Hail Vulnerability Score is a 1-5 score that differentiates between buildings based on their relative susceptibility to experiencing a hail claim if exposed to hail events. A score of 1 represents the most vulnerable to hail damage, and a score of 5 represents the least vulnerable score.
The score is based on roof characteristics, roof condition, and building size.
The Hail Vulnerability Score is calculated in real time using a machine learning model trained on actual hail damage outcomes. For this reason, it is omitted from the API response by default and comes with a latency cost when requested on the API.
Quick info
Available for properties in: | USA, AU, NZ* |
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Available in APIs | AI Features API |
Available in Applications | Betterview |
Model Version | B.0 |
* Data is available in Australia and New Zealand where it assesses vulnerability to Hail. However, FEMA frequency data is only available for the USA.
Hail Risk Score (Claim Predictor)
In addition to the vulnerability score, the API also provides a Hail Risk Score that combines vulnerability with FEMA-based hazard frequency from the FEMA National Risk Index model. This risk score (also known as a Claim Predictor) measures the likelihood of experiencing a hail claim, where 1 is most likely to file a claim and 5 is least likely.
Quick info
Available for properties in: | USA |
|---|
Available in APIs | AI Features API |
Available in Applications | Betterview |
Model Version | B.0 |
Vulnerability vs Risk scores
It is important to distinguish between the Vulnerability and Risk scores.
Vulnerability score
- Building-specific susceptibility to hail damage
- Based on building characteristics only (roof material, shape, condition, size)
- Independent of location and hazard frequency
- Two identical buildings in different locations have the same vulnerability score
Risk score (Claim Predictor)
- Combines vulnerability with geographic hazard data (FEMA frequency)
- Predicts likelihood of experiencing a hail claim
- Location-dependent
- Two identical buildings in different locations can have different risk scores
Formula
Overall Risk = Hazard × Vulnerability
The vulnerability score provides the susceptibility component, while the risk score combines both susceptibility and hazard to predict claim likelihood.
Model input features
The Hail Vulnerability Score is calculated using a machine learning model trained on actual hail damage outcomes. The following features are used as inputs to the model.
Roof Characteristics indicators
flatPresent: Boolean, 1 if flat roof detected, 0 otherwise. Flat roofs can have different hail resistance compared to pitched roofsshinglePresent: Boolean, 1 if shingle roof detected, 0 otherwise. Shingle roofs typically have different hail performance characteristics than other roof materials
Roof Condition indicators
logStaining: Log-transformed roof staining ratio. Staining can indicate aging, water damage, or deterioration that may affect hail resistance
Building Size
logFootprintArea: Log-transformed building footprint area. Larger buildings can have different hail exposure and damage patterns
The modelInputFeatures object in the response provides transparency into which specific factors influenced the vulnerability score for each building.
Geographic Applicability
The Hail Vulnerability Score is theoretically applicable to any building exposed to risk of hail damage. The model was trained on data from U.S. regions and validated on actual hail claim outcomes.
The FEMA-based Hail Risk Score utilizes the FEMA National Risk Index for hazard frequency data, which provides coverage across the United States. For properties outside the United States, the vulnerability score can still be calculated, but the risk score will not be available due to omission of FEMA hazard data.
Peril Applicability
The Hail Vulnerability Score correlates with hail damage from hailstorms. It applies to:
- Hail damage from hailstorms
- Hail events of varying intensity
It does not apply to:
- Wind damage (use Wind or Hurricane Vulnerability Scores instead)
- Flood damage
- Other non-hail perils
The score is not expected or designed to perform optimally on non-hail damage claims.
Regulatory Approvals
The Hail Vulnerability Score and associated rate factors are filed with U.S. regulatory authorities and approved for use in insurance rating in specific states. For detailed information on regulatory approvals, SERFF filing numbers, and approved rate factors, contact your Nearmap account representative.
ParcelMode Behavior
For property based analysis, parcelMode=true is recommended. For information about the AI Feature API’s behavior when parcelMode=true is included in the request, see the article on Parcel Mode.