Texas Insurance Guide — 2025
Hail Damage Roof Claim Guide
for Texas Homeowners
Know your rights, document damage the right way, and use pre-vetted contractor estimates to make sure your settlement is fair.
Get Your Free Roof Damage EstimateTexas Hail Season at a Glance
Texas accounts for more hail insurance claims than any other state. Storms move quickly — knowing the process before damage happens can save thousands of dollars.
Step-by-Step Hail Claim Process
Follow these 7 steps in order to protect your claim from the start.
- 1
Document the damage immediately
Take photos and video of every impacted surface — shingles, gutters, vents, siding. Enable date/time stamping. Store copies in the cloud before any repairs begin.
- 2
Contact your insurer within 24-48 hours
Call the claims line on your policy card, not general customer service. Get a claim number in writing and note the representative's name.
- 3
Review your policy carefully
Locate your deductible (flat dollar vs. percentage), coverage type (RCV vs. ACV), and filing deadline. Texas percentage deductibles are commonly 1-2% of dwelling coverage.
- 4
Schedule the adjuster inspection
Request a specific date and ask whether a field adjuster or third-party inspector will attend. You have the right to be present during the inspection.
- 5
Get independent estimates from pre-vetted contractors
Obtain at least two estimates from pre-vetted contractors before accepting any settlement offer. Contractor scopes often catch items adjusters miss.
- 6
Compare estimates to the adjuster's scope
Review each line item. If the adjuster's estimate is lower, compile contractor documentation and file a supplemental claim. This is common and expected.
- 7
Approve repairs and track progress
Sign a contract with a payment schedule tied to milestones. Keep all receipts, permits, and inspection reports — you may need them to release the recoverable depreciation holdback.
Know Your Rights in Texas
The Texas Insurance Code provides strong protections for policyholders.
TX Insurance Code Protections
Texas law requires insurers to acknowledge your claim within 15 days and accept or deny within 15 business days after receiving all requested items.
Right to Choose Your Contractor
You have the legal right to hire any licensed contractor. Your insurer cannot require you to use a preferred vendor network.
Supplemental Claim Process
You may file supplemental claims for missed or undervalued damage at any time before your claim closes — even after initial payment.
Appraisal Clause
If you and your insurer disagree on the loss amount, either party may invoke the appraisal clause for a binding resolution without litigation.
Bad Faith Claim Options
If your insurer unreasonably delays or denies a valid claim, Texas law allows you to recover damages plus attorney fees under Chapter 541 of the Insurance Code.
Common Hail Damage Signs
Know what to look for before the adjuster arrives — from the ground and in your gutters.
- Bruised or cracked shingles — dark circular impact marks
- Granule loss visible in gutters and downspouts
- Dented metal vents, flashing, and ridge caps
- Soft spots on roof deck when walked (with caution)
- Cracked or chipped tile on clay/concrete roofs
Insurance Claim Do's and Don'ts
DO
- File your claim promptly — within 24-48 hours of the storm
- Document everything with photos, video, and written notes
- Get at least two independent contractor estimates
- Keep all receipts, invoices, and permit documents
- Be present during the adjuster inspection
DON'T
- Sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) without consulting an attorney
- Accept the first settlement offer if it seems below contractor quotes
- Let a contractor negotiate your claim — only licensed adjusters can do this
- Miss your policy filing deadline (often 1 year in Texas)
- Make major permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects
Texas Hail Damage FAQs
Answers to the most common questions from Texas homeowners.
How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Texas?
Texas law generally allows one year from the date of loss, though some policies allow up to two years. File as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Does Texas have a mandatory hail deductible?
Many Texas policies carry a separate windstorm/hail deductible of 1-2% of your dwelling coverage value — not a flat dollar amount. Check your declarations page.
Can my insurer cancel my policy after a hail claim?
Insurers cannot cancel your policy solely because you filed a weather-related claim under the Texas Insurance Code. They may choose not to renew at term end.
What if the adjuster misses damage on my roof?
File a supplemental claim with contractor documentation of missed items. Supplemental claims are common and your right under Texas law.
Should I use a public adjuster or roofing contractor to negotiate?
A licensed public adjuster can legally negotiate your claim. A roofing contractor can document damage but is not authorized to negotiate claim amounts on your behalf.
What is the appraisal clause?
If you dispute the insurer's valuation, either party can invoke the appraisal clause. Each side selects an appraiser; if they disagree, a neutral umpire makes a binding decision.
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