Hail Damaged Your Texas Roof? What to Do Before You Call a Contractor

By James Brazil

James Brazil lives in Mérida, Mexico. He founded Swift Agent Sites and studied Classics at the University of Mississippi.

Published 5 November 2026 · Updated 5 November 2026

Insurance: P&C

After a Texas hailstorm, file with your insurer first, document the damage, and know that waiving a homeowners deductible is illegal under state law. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) spells out a clear checklist for home and auto hail claims so you can move in the right order.

Spring and early summer storms hit Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and the Hill Country hard. Roofers show up fast. That is fine once you've reported the claim and protected the house. Jumping straight to a signed contract is how people get stuck with blank spaces, full up-front payments, or a "we'll waive your deductible" pitch that violates Texas law.

What should I do right after hail hits?

TDI's first instruction is simple: file an insurance claim as soon as you can if hail or strong winds damaged your home or car. If you have wind and hail coverage on your homeowners policy, or comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, your insurer should pay for covered hail damage, subject to your deductible and policy terms.

Then work through the claim tips TDI lists:

• Take pictures and video of the damage. Make a written list of what is damaged inside and outside. Don't throw damaged items away until your insurer says you can.
• Prevent more damage. Remove standing water. Cover broken windows and roof holes so rain doesn't make things worse. Save every receipt. Your policy may pay for temporary repairs.
• Be available when the adjuster visits so you can point out everything.
• Keep a list of everyone you talk to at the company, and be ready to answer questions about the damage.
• Ask about additional living expenses if you can't stay in the house. Most policies cover some of those costs. Keep receipts.

If you need your company's phone number, TDI's consumer line is 800-252-3439.

Should I call a roofing contractor before I file the claim?

You can get estimates after you've documented the scene and opened the claim. TDI warns you not to treat the first truck in the driveway as the only option.

Get more than one bid. Check references and phone numbers. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if a contractor or body shop has complaints. Don't pay in full up front, and don't make your final payment until the work is done. Never sign a contract that has blank spaces.

The big Texas-specific rule: avoid contractors who offer to waive your deductible. It is illegal to waive a homeowners deductible under state law. Your insurer may ask for proof that you paid your deductible. A pitch that sounds like "we'll just handle the deductible for you" is a red flag, not a favor.

Does my Texas homeowners policy treat the roof differently?

Yes, and that matters at claim time. TDI explains that some policies pay replacement cost for the roof (up to the cost to repair at current prices). Others pay actual cash value, which can be less if the roof is older or showing wear.

When you renew, check whether roof coverage changed. As roofs age, some companies switch to actual cash value. If a roof is in poor condition, a company might not cover it at all. Your company should tell you when coverage changes.

Also ask whether the deductible for wind and hail is different from the deductible for other losses. A higher storm deductible means more out of pocket after a Dallas or San Antonio hail event, even when the claim is covered.

One more TDI point people miss: your insurer won't pay for a new roof just because it's old or worn out. Storm damage is the claim. Age alone isn't.

How does a roof claim usually get paid?

If you have replacement cost coverage, TDI says the company typically pays with two checks. The first is a partial payment. The rest comes after you've started repairs.

That timing is why temporary protection and a clear contractor bid matter. You're documenting a covered loss, not asking the insurer to fund a remodel.

Consider roofing materials that hold up better to wind, hail, or fire. TDI notes that some insurers may give a discount for those materials. Keeping tree limbs off the roof, checking shingles after storms, and cleaning gutters also help your next inspection go better.

What if I live on the coast or can't find a regular policy?

Inland Texas homeowners usually have wind and hail inside the standard policy. Along the Gulf Coast, many policies exclude wind and hail, and coverage may come through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) instead. That is a different product from flood insurance.

If private companies won't write your home at all, the Texas FAIR Plan is the last-resort homeowners market after two authorized declinations. Keep FAIR Plan and TWIA straight: they solve different gaps.

FAQ

Is it illegal for a Texas contractor to waive my homeowners deductible? Yes. TDI says it's illegal to waive a homeowners deductible under state law, and your insurer may ask for proof you paid it.

Should I throw out damaged shingles or gutters before the adjuster arrives? No. TDI says don't throw damaged items away until your insurance company tells you. Photos and the physical evidence both help.

Will my policy pay for a hotel if the house isn't livable? Ask about additional living expenses. TDI says most policies cover some related costs if you can't stay in the house. Keep every receipt.

My roof is old. Will hail still be covered? Coverage depends on your policy. Replacement cost and actual cash value pay differently, and some carriers limit older roofs. Read the declarations page and ask your agent before storm season, not after.

Who do I call if I have a problem with my claim? Start with your insurer. For questions or complaints, call TDI at 800-252-3439.

Next step

A licensed local insurance agent can walk through your wind and hail deductible, roof settlement terms, and any contractor paperwork before you sign. Bring storm photos, your declarations page, and the repair bids. For more Texas consumer guides, browse Texas insurance articles.

Sources: TDI: Hail damage to your home or car, TDI: Insurance and your roof, TDI: What is windstorm insurance?.