Texas sees some of the most severe hailstorms in the country. If your home has been hit, you could be looking at thousands of dollars in roof damage — and if you don't know how to navigate the insurance claim process, you could end up paying far more out of pocket than you should. This guide walks you through every step.
Step 1: Don't Wait — Act Within 1 Year
In Texas, most homeowner's insurance policies require you to file a storm damage claim within one year of the date of loss. While that sounds like plenty of time, waiting too long can hurt your claim. Insurance adjusters may argue that damage observed months later was caused by wear and tear rather than the storm event.
The moment you suspect storm damage — even if it's just a few missing granules or a dented gutter — schedule a professional inspection. Early documentation is your strongest protection.
Step 2: Document Everything Before Filing
Before you call your insurance company, gather as much evidence as possible. This includes:
- Photographs of damaged shingles, gutters, vents, skylights, and siding
- The date of the storm (check local news or weather services)
- Any emergency repairs you made to prevent further damage (keep all receipts)
- A copy of your homeowner's insurance policy — specifically the "dwelling coverage" section
- A written report from a licensed roofing contractor documenting all damage
Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company
Once you have your documentation, call your insurance company's claims line and report the storm damage. They will assign an insurance adjuster to your case. The adjuster's job is to assess the damage and determine how much your insurance company will pay — but keep in mind, their interests are aligned with the insurance company, not with you.
This is why having a trusted roofing contractor by your side during the adjuster's inspection is so important. A good roofing company will point out damage the adjuster might miss and ensure everything is properly documented on the claim.
Step 4: The Adjuster's Inspection
Your insurance adjuster will schedule a time to come to your home and inspect the damage. Here's what you should do:
- Have your roofing contractor present during the inspection
- Walk the adjuster through all areas of damage — don't leave anything out
- Ask the adjuster to explain what is and isn't covered under your policy
- Request a written copy of their findings after the inspection
Step 5: Review the Scope of Loss
After the inspection, your insurance company will send you a "scope of loss" document — a detailed breakdown of what they've agreed to cover and how much they'll pay. Review this carefully. Compare it line-by-line with your contractor's estimate.
If items are missing, underpaid, or incorrectly assessed, your roofing contractor can help you file a supplemental claim. This is extremely common — initial insurance estimates often miss items that a trained roofing professional catches, such as ice-and-water shield, drip edge replacement, or interior damage caused by roof leaks.
Step 6: Understand Your Deductible
Texas homeowners often have a separate wind/hail deductible on their policy, which may be higher than their standard deductible. This is typically expressed as a percentage of your home's insured value (e.g., 1% or 2%). On a $300,000 home with a 2% hail deductible, you'd be responsible for $6,000 before insurance kicks in.
Be wary of any roofing company that offers to "waive your deductible" — this is insurance fraud in Texas and is illegal under Texas Insurance Code §707.
Step 7: Choose Your Contractor Carefully
After a major hailstorm, storm chasers — roofing companies from out of state with no local presence — will flood your neighborhood. While not all are bad, many disappear after collecting your check, leaving you with warranty issues you can't resolve.
Always choose a licensed, locally established roofing contractor with verifiable references, a physical address in Texas, and a track record of successful insurance claims in your area.