How to file a hail damage claim in Texas
Last reviewed: October 2026. General information, not legal or insurance advice. Your policy's wording decides your deadlines.
The short version: report hail damage as soon as you can. Many Texas policies require reporting within about one year of the storm, and the time limit for a lawsuit over a disputed claim is usually two years.
Deadlines to know
- Your policy's reporting deadline. Many Texas homeowners policies require you to report wind or hail damage within one year of the storm. Look for "notice of claim" or "duties after loss" in your policy.
- Lawsuit deadline. If a claim is denied or underpaid, the usual limit to sue in Texas is two years from the date of the storm (some policies differ).
- Your insurer's deadlines. Under the Texas Insurance Code, insurers generally must acknowledge your claim within 15 days and accept or deny it within 15 business days after receiving everything they asked for.
Step by step
- Find your storm date. Check your address to see the dates and hail sizes reported near you. Your insurer will ask for the date of loss.
- Document the damage. Take dated photos of the roof (from the ground is fine), gutters, vents, siding, windows, fences and cars. Don't climb on the roof.
- Prevent more damage. Cover leaks with a tarp and keep receipts. Most policies expect you to stop damage from getting worse.
- Read your deductible. Many Texas policies have a separate wind and hail deductible, often 1% to 2% of your dwelling coverage, not a flat dollar amount.
- File the claim. Call your insurer or use its app. Write down your claim number and the adjuster's name.
- Get an independent inspection. A licensed roofer can inspect and document damage. In Texas, a roofer can't negotiate your claim for you; only you, a licensed public adjuster or an attorney can.
- Meet the adjuster. Be there for the inspection if you can, and share your photos and storm date.
- Review the estimate. If damage was missed, you can ask for a supplement or re-inspection with supporting photos.
Watch out for storm chasers
- Be careful with door-to-door roofers who show up right after a storm, especially from out of town.
- Texas law bars contractors from waiving or paying your deductible. An offer to "cover your deductible" is a red flag.
- Don't sign anything that hands control of your claim to a contractor.
- Check reviews, a local address and proof of insurance before hiring.
Sources
- RoofVista: Hail damage roof claim guide for Texas
- Noble Public Adjusting Group: Texas hail claims
- Texas Department of Insurance (official consumer help and complaints)