DFW Hail Season: April–June (Primary) | Sept–October (Secondary) — Act within 2 years of storm date
How to File a Hail Damage Roof Insurance Claim in Texas (Step-by-Step)
If a Texas hailstorm just hit your neighborhood, you're probably looking at your roof wondering what happens next. The short answer: you need to act fast and smart. The insurance claims process is manageable — but only if you follow the right steps in the right order. Make a mistake early on and you could leave thousands of dollars on the table or have your claim denied entirely.
Dallas-Fort Worth experiences some of the most severe hail in the United States. The primary season runs from April through June, with a secondary spike in September and October. We've helped thousands of DFW homeowners navigate the insurance process — here's exactly what to do.
Step 1 — Document the Damage Immediately
Before you do anything else, document. Take photos and video of every piece of visible damage — from every angle. Don't wait until tomorrow morning. If it's safe to do so, photograph:
- Dents or dings on gutters, downspouts, AC unit, and metal flashing
- Missing or displaced shingles
- Granule loss in gutters (looks like coarse sand)
- Any interior ceiling stains, water intrusion, or wet insulation in the attic
- Damage to your fence, deck, or outbuildings (to support the storm's severity)
Also pull the weather report for your exact date and address. Services like NOAA Storm Events Database and Hail History apps provide official hail size data by zip code — your adjuster will use something similar.
Step 2 — Call Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company's claims line to open a claim. This is important: report only what you know to be true. Say the storm occurred on [date], you believe there is storm damage to your roof, and you'd like to open a claim for inspection. Keep it factual.
What NOT to say:
- • Don't estimate repair costs or say "I need a full replacement"
- • Don't admit any roof issues existed before the storm
- • Don't say you "think" damage is severe or minor — leave assessment to professionals
- • Don't sign anything the insurance company sends before you review it with your contractor
Write down your claim number, the adjuster's name, and the scheduled inspection date. You'll need these for every follow-up conversation.
Step 3 — Schedule the Adjuster Visit
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. This is the most critical moment in the entire process. A few things to know:
- Have a roofing contractor present. This is your right. A good contractor will point out damage the adjuster might overlook, including hail hits on pipe boots, flashing, ridge caps, and ventilation — items that add up quickly.
- Don't go on the roof alone. It's dangerous and if you slip it could complicate your claim. Let the professionals handle rooftop assessment.
- Take your own photos during the adjuster visit. Document the adjuster's inspection scope so you can compare to the final report.
- Ask about the adjuster's scope of damage before they leave — not to argue, but to understand what they're noting.
Step 4 — Get a Contractor's Estimate BEFORE Accepting Settlement
This step saves DFW homeowners thousands of dollars. Once you receive the insurance company's estimate and settlement offer, do not accept it as final until you compare it to an independent contractor estimate.
Insurance adjusters use software called Xactimate to calculate payouts. The numbers are often based on regional averages that may not reflect current material and labor costs in your specific Dallas-area market. If the gap is significant, you (or your contractor) can submit a Supplement Request — a formal counter-estimate with supporting documentation.
Top Notch handles this process for you at no extra charge. We review the insurance scope, identify missing line items, and negotiate the supplement. In our experience, supplementing increases the average DFW claim settlement by $1,500–$4,000.
Step 5 — The Insurance Check Process in Texas
Once your claim is approved, your insurer typically sends two checks:
- ACV Check (Actual Cash Value): The current value of the damaged materials, minus depreciation. This is your upfront payment to begin work.
- RCV Check (Replacement Cost Value): Sent after work is complete — this covers the depreciation holdback. You must submit your contractor's completion invoice to receive this second check.
Mortgage lenders: If you have a mortgage, the check will be payable to both you and your lender. Your lender must endorse it. This is standard procedure — call your mortgage servicer's insurance department and they'll guide you through endorsement. Some lenders release funds in stages as work is verified.
Your deductible: You are responsible for paying your deductible directly. Be aware that in Texas, any contractor who waives your deductible as part of their pitch is violating Texas Insurance Code Section 27.02 — a misdemeanor. Avoid such offers.
Common Mistakes Texas Homeowners Make with Hail Claims
Waiting too long to file
Texas gives you 2 years, but most policies require "prompt notification." File within 30–60 days of the storm for the strongest claim.
Accepting the first settlement offer without review
Initial offers are often undervalued. Always compare to an independent contractor estimate before accepting.
Hiring the cheapest storm chaser who shows up after the storm
Out-of-state contractors flood DFW after major hail events. They often disappear before honoring warranties. Hire a locally-licensed DFW contractor with a track record.
Signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) without reading it
Some contractors ask you to sign over your insurance rights to them. You lose control of the claim. Avoid AOB agreements — work with contractors who communicate directly with you throughout the process.
Not following up on the RCV check
Many homeowners forget to submit their completion invoice and never receive the depreciation holdback — free money left unclaimed.
How Top Notch Helps With Insurance Claims
We've been through this process thousands of times on behalf of DFW homeowners. When you call Top Notch after a hailstorm, here's what you get — at no upfront cost:
- Free roof inspection with photographic documentation of every damage point
- Adjuster meeting — we're on-site when the adjuster arrives to advocate for you
- Supplement handling — we review the insurance estimate and file supplements for missed items
- Full claims guidance from first call through final RCV check collection
- 6-year labor warranty on all work completed
We are licensed, insured, BBB A+ rated since 2015, and RCAT Texas certified. We've served 5,000+ DFW homeowners and we know how insurance companies in this market operate. Our job is to make sure you get every dollar you're entitled to.
Storm Hit Your Area? Don't Wait.
Get a free hail damage assessment today. We'll inspect, document, and guide you through the entire insurance process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Texas?
In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the storm to file a hail damage insurance claim under Texas Insurance Code Section 542A.003. However, you should file as soon as possible — delays give insurance companies more room to dispute whether damage is storm-related or from pre-existing wear.
Will filing a hail damage claim raise my insurance rates in Texas?
Filing a weather-related claim (hail, wind, storm) in Texas typically does not directly raise your rates the same way an at-fault auto accident would. However, if you file multiple claims in a short period, your insurer may raise premiums or choose not to renew your policy. One legitimate storm claim is generally safe to file.
Do I need a contractor before calling my insurance company?
You don't need a signed contract, but you should get a contractor's inspection BEFORE your adjuster visit. A good roofing contractor will document all damage in detail, including items adjusters commonly miss. Having a professional inspection report ready when your adjuster arrives significantly strengthens your claim.
What does the insurance check process look like for roof repairs in Texas?
After your claim is approved, your insurer typically issues a two-party check payable to both you and your mortgage lender (if you have one). Your lender must endorse the check before you can access funds. Your contractor may release work-in-progress payments as each phase is completed. The final check covers the depreciation holdback once work is complete.