You Are Covered. Now File the Claim the Right Way.

North Texas hail season does not give you much warning. A storm rolls through, your roof takes hits, and you are standing in your driveway wondering what to do next.

If you have already confirmed your policy covers hail damage — see that breakdown here — then the next question is how to actually file the claim. The process is not complicated, but the order in which you do things matters. Moving too fast, calling the wrong person first, or waiting too long can all cost you money or complicate your settlement.

Here is how to do it right.

When to File vs. When to Wait

Texas gives you two years to file a hail damage claim. That is enough time to be deliberate — but waiting is still a risk. Hail damage gets harder to prove as sun, rain, and another storm season alter what the roof looks like. Documentation fades. Contractor quotes go up.

The right move: file as soon as you have documented the damage and confirmed it clears your deductible. If you are unsure, call your agent before filing. A filed claim — even one that pays nothing — can appear in your claims history. Filing on damage that falls under your deductible is not in your interest.

Not sure how your deductible works? The math behind 2% hail deductibles in Texas is worth a quick read before you file anything.

Step-by-Step: How to File a Hail Damage Claim in Texas

Step 1: Document the Damage First

Before you call anyone, walk your property and photograph everything. This means:

• The roof from ground level and from any accessible angles
• Gutters and downspouts — fresh hail leaves clean, circular dents on soft metal
• Window screens and sills
• AC condenser units
• Any damaged vehicles, fencing, or outbuildings on the property

Note the date of the storm. If you can pull up a weather service record showing the storm date and hail size in your zip code, save that too. The National Weather Service and several private weather data providers archive storm events by location — this kind of third-party documentation is useful if there is any dispute later.

Step 2: Call Your Agent Before You Call a Contractor

This is the step a lot of homeowners miss — and it is the most important one.

After a major hail event, roofing crews flood affected neighborhoods within 24 to 48 hours. Some of them are legitimate. Some are storm chasers who move city to city following claims season. Before you sign any contract or let anyone get on your roof, call your agent.

Your agent can walk you through your coverage, your deductible, and whether filing makes sense based on the damage you have described. That conversation takes 10 minutes and gives you a clear picture of what your policy will actually do before any contractor is involved.

Step 3: File the Claim

Once you have documented the damage and spoken with your agent, file the claim directly with your insurer. Your agent can help you initiate this. You will typically need:

• The date of the storm
• A description of the damage
• Your policy number
• Your documentation (photos, weather records)

After the claim is filed, an adjuster will be assigned to your case.

Step 4: The Adjuster Inspection

An adjuster will schedule an inspection of your property. Here is what they are looking for:

• Hail strikes on soft metals. Gutters, downspouts, AC units, and flashings show consistent circular dents from real hail events. This is usually the first thing they check.
• Shingle granule loss. Hail knocks protective granules off asphalt shingles. Look for exposed asphalt spots and granule buildup in gutters.
• Functional vs. cosmetic damage. The adjuster distinguishes between damage that compromises the roof and damage that is cosmetic only. Some policies exclude cosmetic damage — know whether yours does.
• Pre-existing wear. They separate storm damage from deferred maintenance. If your roof was already in rough shape, expect scrutiny on what is attributable to the storm.

You have every right to be present during the inspection. If you believe the adjuster missed damage, you can request a reinspection or bring in a public adjuster for an independent assessment.

Red Flags: Storm Chasers and Door-Knockers

After every major hail event in the DFW area, the door-knocking starts. Roofing contractors — some local, some not — canvass affected neighborhoods fast. A few things to know before you talk to anyone:

• Do not sign an Assignment of Benefits agreement without reading it carefully. This transfers your claim rights to the contractor. It is a significant step and should not happen under pressure.
• Legitimate contractors do not rush you. High-pressure tactics (“sign today or lose your window”) are a red flag.
• Inflated estimates create problems. If a contractor submits an inflated scope to your insurer, you can end up caught between their settlement and the final invoice.

Get at least two written estimates from licensed contractors. Check their Texas license at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Local contractors with established reputations have more accountability than crews that follow the storm circuit.

What If Your Claim Is Denied or Underpaid?

It happens. Insurers deny or reduce hail claims over pre-existing damage, cosmetic-only findings, or storm date disputes. If you believe your claim was wrongly handled, you have options:

• Request the denial in writing. You are entitled to the specific reason. Get it documented.
• Hire a public adjuster. They work for you, not the insurer. They inspect independently and negotiate on your behalf, typically for a percentage of the settlement.
• File a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance at tdi.texas.gov. TDI regulates insurers operating in Texas and handles consumer complaints when companies do not follow the rules.
• Consult an insurance attorney. For significant underpayments or bad faith denials, an attorney specializing in property insurance claims can advise you on your options under Texas law.

A denial is not necessarily final. Adjusters miss things, and the appeals process exists for exactly that reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Texas?

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for hail damage insurance claims. However, filing sooner gives you better documentation, more accurate contractor estimates, and less room for dispute about storm timing and damage attribution.

Should I call a roofer or my insurance agent first?

Call your agent first. Understand your coverage and deductible before any contractor is involved. Your agent can help you decide whether filing makes sense based on the estimated damage. Once you file, the process is in motion — it is better to go in informed.

Will filing a hail damage claim raise my rates?

It depends on your insurer and your claim history. A single weather-related claim on an otherwise clean record typically has less impact than a pattern of claims over a short period. Talk to your agent before filing to understand the potential implications for your specific policy.

What if the adjuster says my damage is cosmetic only?

Some Texas policies include cosmetic damage exclusions — particularly for metal roofing materials. If you disagree with the adjuster’s assessment, you can request a reinspection, hire a public adjuster for a second opinion, or consult with a licensed contractor who can document functional damage in detail.

Ready to Review Your Coverage Before the Next Storm?

The best time to understand your hail coverage is before you need it. If you are not sure what your deductible is, how your roof is valued, or whether your current policy is the right fit for your home — let’s take a look.

No pressure, no sales pitch. Just a plain-language review of what you have and whether it still makes sense.

Request a policy review or ask a question here.

David Offutt is a licensed insurance agent (TX License #1465807) based in Fort Worth, TX. He is the co-author of Understanding Insurance in Simple English and the founder of Texas Real Estate Academy, where he teaches insurance continuing education to Texas real estate agents.