Hail Damage and Your Roof Claim: A Texas Homeowner's Guide

Hail is part of life in Texas. When a storm rolls through, the minutes and days afterward can decide how smoothly your claim goes. Here's a practical, step-by-step guide from a local Texas agent who helps clients through roof claims.

Step 1: Stay safe, then look (from the ground)

Don't climb on a wet or damaged roof. Walk around the house and look for signs of hail:

• Dents on gutters, downspouts, vents and A/C units
• Granules from shingles collecting in gutters or at downspout exits
• Cracked or missing shingles, or bruised spots
• Dings on window screens, siding, fences and your car
• Water stains on ceilings or in the attic

Step 2: Document everything

Take photos and video of the damage, both outside and inside, with dates. Photograph hailstones next to a coin or ruler if you can. Keep a written list of what you see. The Texas Department of Insurance recommends this in its guide on what to do after hail or windstorms.

Step 3: Prevent more damage

Your policy expects you to make reasonable temporary repairs to stop further damage, like tarping a roof or boarding a broken window. Keep every receipt. Don't make permanent repairs before the adjuster has seen the damage, unless your insurer says it's okay.

Step 4: Report the claim quickly

Call your insurer or your agent as soon as you can. Most Texas home policies require you to file within a set time, and TDI notes that many policies give you one year from the date of the storm. Policies issued through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association have their own claims rules, so check your declarations page.

When you report, have ready:

• Your policy number
• The date of the storm
• A description of the damage
• Your photos

Step 5: Know the timelines insurers must follow

Texas has prompt-payment rules for most insurers. According to the TDI Home Insurance Guide, an insurer generally must acknowledge your claim and begin its investigation within 15 days, then accept or deny it within 15 business days after it receives everything it asked for. Insurers can get more time after a declared disaster. TDI's claims tips sheet is a good checklist.

Step 6: Meet the adjuster

Try to be home when the adjuster inspects. Walk them around, show them your photos, and point out interior damage. If you have a roofer you trust, it can help to have them there too. Ask the adjuster:

• What damage they're including
• Whether the estimate is replacement cost or actual cash value
• What happens with depreciation you may get back after repairs (recoverable depreciation)

Step 7: Understand your payment

Two policy terms decide how much you'll get:

• Your wind/hail deductible. In Texas it's often a percentage of your dwelling coverage. A 1% deductible on a $350,000 home is $3,500.
• Roof settlement. Replacement cost policies pay to replace the roof, sometimes in two payments (the second after the work is done). Actual cash value policies subtract depreciation for age. TDI explains this in insurance and your roof.

If your mortgage company is on the policy, the check may be made out to you and the lender. Call the lender early to learn their process for releasing funds.

Step 8: Watch out for storm chasers

After big hail events, out-of-town contractors often go door to door. Protect yourself:

• Get more than one written estimate.
• Check reviews and local references.
• Don't sign anything that hands over your claim rights.
• Never pay the full cost up front.
• Be wary of anyone offering to "cover your deductible." Texas law prohibits contractors from waiving or rebating your deductible.

Step 9: If you disagree

If the estimate seems low:

1. Ask the insurer for a detailed explanation in writing.
2. Get a written estimate from a licensed, reputable roofer.
3. Ask whether your policy has an appraisal process.
4. If you still can't resolve it, you can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance.

Before the next storm: review your policy

The best time to think about your roof claim is before it happens. Check:

• Your wind/hail deductible in dollars, not just a percentage
• Whether your roof is covered at replacement cost or actual cash value
• Whether impact-resistant shingles could earn a discount
• Your dwelling limit compared with today's rebuild costs

We're one local agent with access to many carriers, including Farmers, Bristol West and Foremost, and we've helped Texans for 25+ years. We can compare how different carriers handle roof coverage and deductibles so you're not surprised after the next storm.

Review my home coverage, or call or text (281) 379-5400. Already a client with a claim question? Email service@taltonagency.com.

This article is general information, not legal or coverage advice. Your policy wording, carrier and situation decide what's covered. Updated October 2026.

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