How does an insurance claim for hail damage on a roof work?
You report the damage to your insurance company, they send an adjuster to inspect the property, and the adjuster writes a scope of the damage they find. If the claim is approved, most Texas policies pay the actual cash value first, then release the remaining recoverable depreciation once the work is completed. Your deductible is subtracted from the total, and on many North Texas policies it is a percentage of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat amount. A roofing company can inspect and document the damage and be present for the adjuster inspection, but it cannot negotiate the claim on your behalf.
Step 1: Report the Damage Promptly
Texas policies commonly require a claim to be reported within a year or two of the date of the storm, and the exact deadline is written in your policy. Hail damage does not always cause a leak right away, so it is a good idea to have your roof inspected soon after a storm, even if you do not see any problems inside.
Make a note of the date of the storm. If neighbors on your street have had their roofs replaced recently, that can help you identify when your area was hit.
Step 2: The Adjuster Inspection
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect your property and write up the damage they find. Anything that is not documented at this visit can be harder to add to the claim later.
Hail often leaves evidence on gutters, window screens, fencing, paint and other soft metals as well as on the roof. Having that damage documented before the adjuster arrives can be helpful.
No roofing company is legally authorized to negotiate an insurance claim. If you want someone to represent you in the claim, a licensed public adjuster can do that.
Step 3: Understanding ACV and RCV Payments
Most homeowner policies in Texas are replacement cost value (RCV) policies that pay in two parts. The first check is the actual cash value (ACV), which is the replacement cost minus depreciation for the age of the roof and minus your deductible. This first check is often smaller than homeowners expect.
Once the work is completed and invoiced, the insurance company releases the recoverable depreciation. A policy written as actual cash value only does not release that second payment, so it is worth checking your declarations page to see which type of policy you have.
Step 4: Paying Your Deductible
Your deductible is your responsibility. In Texas, it is illegal for a contractor to waive, absorb or rebate your insurance deductible.
If your deductible is a percentage of your dwelling coverage, it can be a significant amount. Knowing your deductible ahead of time helps you decide whether a small repair is worth filing a claim for.
What to Do After a Hail Storm
Take photos of any damage you can see from the ground, including gutters, window screens and dents in soft metal, and note the date. If part of your roof is open to the weather, get it covered to prevent further damage.
Then schedule a roof inspection before you file. Knowing whether you have real storm damage can save you from filing a claim that gets denied.
Related Questions
Will my rates go up if I file a hail claim?
Weather claims are generally treated differently from at-fault claims, but it depends on your insurance company. Your insurance agent can tell you how your policy handles it.
Do I have to replace the roof after I receive the insurance check?
The recoverable depreciation is typically only released after the work is completed. An unrepaired roof can also cause problems when your policy renews.
What if my claim is denied?
You can ask your insurance company for a re-inspection. A licensed public adjuster can also represent you in the claim.
Do I have to use the roofer my insurance company recommends?
No. You can choose the roofing company that does the work.
