Texas hail damage: A homeowner’s guide to insurance and repairs

Texas is America’s hail capital. In 2024 alone, the state saw 878 individual hail events and over $1 billion in hail damage — the highest figures in the nation. It’s no surprise then that year after year, Texas leads the nation in hail-related insurance claims. 

While hail is inevitable here, navigating the home insurance process after a storm doesn’t have to be overwhelming for Texas homeowners. By documenting damage thoroughly and understanding claim guidelines, you can help streamline the process and receive a fair settlement.  

Does homeowners insurance cover hail in Texas?

Homeowners insurance in Texas typically covers hail damage to: 

• Your roof and other parts of your home’s structure, such as siding or windows
• Other structures on your property, such as sheds, gazebos, or guest houses 
• Your personal property, such as outdoor furniture 

However, Texas homes in coastal areas prone to hurricanes may not be eligible for wind and hail coverage through a standard insurance policy. If your standard home insurance excludes hail damage, you will need to purchase a separate windstorm insurance policy through a private insurer or the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. 

How do wind and hail deductibles work?

Approved claims for wind and hail damage are subject to a deductible, which is the amount of the covered loss you’re responsible for paying for out of pocket. The rest would be covered by insurance, up to your policy limits. In Texas, wind and hail deductibles are typically a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit rather than a fixed figure. 

Example: If your dwelling coverage limit is $300,000 and you have a 2% wind and hail deductible, you’ll be responsible for $6,000 of the covered cost of repairs or replacements; insurance helps cover the remainder. 

When is hail damage in Texas not covered?

Most hail damage is covered under standard home insurance in the state of Texas. However, coverage specifics can vary. For this reason, it’s important to review your policy’s declarations page and endorsements. If you have questions, contact an agent to clarify how your specific policy applies to storm damage.

How to identify hail damage on your property

Hail damage is not always immediately obvious, so it’s important to inspect your property after a storm and look for signs of damage that may be covered by your policy. 

Check your home for: 

• Roof damage: You may see impact marks, dents, loose shingles, loss of granules, black marks, or split shingles. Leaks in the roof are also a telltale sign of hail damage. 
• Siding: Cracked, chipped, warped, or discolored siding may indicate hail damage. 
• Windows: Check the frames, screens, and glass of all exterior windows for damage, which may show up in the form of tears, dents, or cracks. 
• Gutters and vents: Gutters and downspouts may be dented in the wake of a hailstorm. 

Pro tip: Don't jeopardize your safety while inspecting your home for hail damage. Check your home from the ground and leave roof-climbing to the professionals.

Navigating Texas hail insurance claims

If your home has been damaged by hail in Texas, it’s best to start the claim process as soon as possible to avoid delays or denial. The filing deadline might be between one to two years — or there may not be a time limit at all. Check your policy details or contact your agent to make sure that your claim is filed in the appropriate window. 

Your insurance policy may cover hail damage in one of two ways: 

1. Replacement cost value (RCV): RCV covers the full cost to replace or rebuild the damaged portion of your home based on current repair prices, minus your wind and hail deductible. 
2. Actual cash value (ACV): ACV only covers the current (depreciated) value of the damaged property, minus your deductible. 

Example: Roof replacement with RCV vs. ACV coverage

To see how these valuations work in the real world, imagine a hailstorm damages your 10-year-old roof beyond repair. Replacing it with brand-new materials will cost $30,000.

• With RCV coverage: Your policy covers the full $30,000 needed to get a new roof over your head, minus your deductible.
• With ACV coverage: Your payout is based on the roof's current worth, not what it costs to buy a new one. If the roof loses 5% of its value each year, a 10-year-old roof has depreciated by 50%. In this case, the payout would be $15,000, minus your deductible.

Pro tip: If you have an older roof, ask an agent about a roof surfacing payment schedule endorsement to learn whether this optional add-on coverage could help you save money on home insurance costs. 

Understanding Texas roof replacement laws

Post-storm contractor fraud is among the most common insurance crimes tracked by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Knowing Texas’s roof replacement laws can help you avoid contractor fraud and potential criminal charges. 

• Never work with a contractor who promises to waive your deductible. Thanks to a 2019 law (Texas House Bill 2102), it is strictly illegal in Texas for contractors to “pay,” “waive,” “absorb,” or “otherwise decline to charge or collect” a home insurance deductible. 
• Provide proof of payment to your insurance company. You may need to show proof that you’ve paid for your share of the damage (your deductible), such as receipts or canceled checks, before your insurance company will release the final “holdback” payment. 
• Avoid rebates and credits. Rebates and credits that offset your deductible fall under the definition of illegal activity under House Bill 2102. 
• Understand the legal risk: Homeowners who knowingly accept a waived deductible can be found guilty of a Class B misdemeanor in Texas. 

Steps to take after a Texas hailstorm

Following a hailstorm, take the following steps to prepare and submit a claim: 

1. Document everything. Take clear and thorough photos and videos of any damage to your home. Use multiple angles and take photos from the ground to avoid risking injury. List all damaged property and note the date and time of the damage. 
2. Prevent further damage. Homeowners are almost always required to prevent further losses during the claims process. If your roof, windows, or other structures are damaged, you may need to place tarps over holes, stop leaks, or otherwise reinforce your home to protect against further damage. 
3. Begin the claim. You may be able to initiate the claim process online via your insurer’s website or mobile app. Otherwise, contact your agent or a customer service representative by phone. Along the way, keep track of everyone you speak to at your insurance company. 
4. Provide documentation. Follow your provider’s instructions to submit all the documentation you’ve gathered so far. 
5. Get a professional inspection. Look for a reputable local roofer or other contractor to inspect the damage to your home. Ask friends, neighbors, and family for recommendations. Get at least two to three estimates. 

Beware of "storm chasers"

Untrustworthy contractors may approach you in the wake of a major storm with offers that sound attractive but could leave you in financial and legal trouble. Look out for these common red flags: 

• Out-of-state plates: Out-of-state license plates, IDs, and vehicle registrations are common indicators of fraudulent activity. 
• High-pressure sales tactics: Pushy contractors who emphasize the need for speed and urgency may be attempting to scam you. 
• Upfront payment: Never pay for repairs until they are complete. 
• Deductible waivers: It’s illegal in Texas for contractors to waive an insurance deductible or offer credits and rebates to offset it. 
• Insurance advice: Contractors should not offer to negotiate with your insurance company or interpret the language of your policy. 
• Contracts with blanks: Never sign a contract for repairs that includes blanks, as these can be filled in later with terms you didn’t agree to. 
• Create a paper trail: Get everything in writing and document each conversation you have with a contractor to ensure that everything is above board. 

How to prevent hail damage in Texas

Hail in Texas is inevitable; hail damage doesn’t have to be. 

Being proactive can help you prevent or reduce hail damage to your home. The following upgrades will help fortify your home against hail: 

• Storm shutters: If you live in an area with frequent hailstorms, shutters or hail-resistant window glass can reduce the risk of damage to windows. 
• Reinforced garage door: Your garage door is key to your home’s weather resistance. A reinforced door may withstand hail better than an older door. 
• Upgraded shingles: Reinforce your roof with Class 4 hail-resistant roofing material designed to hold up against hail damage. 

Before any major storm, inspect your roof, windows, gutters, downspouts, and vents. Clear out any obstructions and reinforce the structure if possible. 

Frequently asked questions

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a hail claim in Texas?

In Texas, insurance companies can’t raise your rates for claims related to “acts of God,” such as severe weather like hail. However, you might see your rates increase if your insurance company adjusts its pricing across your region to reflect a growing number of weather-related claims in that geographic area. You might also see a premium increase on your policy if you file a high number of claims in a short time. 

Does insurance cover hail damage to my car in Texas?

Your home insurance policy won’t cover hail damage to your car in Texas — that falls under the umbrella of car insurance. If you have comprehensive auto coverage, your policy should cover hail damage to your vehicle. 

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

Some homeowners insurance policies in Texas require policyholders to notify the company of hail damage within a certain timeframe — often, within one or two years of the storm. Check your personal policy to find out if there’s a specific claim-filing window (it could be spelled out within a “notice of loss clause” in your policy documents). If you try to file a claim after that deadline has passed, your insurance company might deny the claim.