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Quick, low-risk steps
- Photograph damage only from the ground or a safe interior location.
- Record the storm date and check official event records.
- Contact your insurer to learn claim deadlines and required forms.
- Make temporary, safe coverings only if you can do so without climbing.
- Save all receipts, estimates, and correspondence.
What to Document Before You Call Your Insurer
Gathering clear evidence helps you describe the damage accurately. Use your phone to take wide and close-up photos from the ground or through a window. Do not risk injury by climbing onto the roof.
Write down the date and approximate time of the storm. Note any hail size you observed or wind that broke branches. This information helps match your claim to official weather records.
- Date and time of the storm event.
- Photos of roof damage from the ground or a safe interior location.
- Photos of any hail stones or debris next to a ruler or coin for scale.
- Notes on wind strength, hail size, and direction.
- Photos of interior water stains, ceiling cracks, or wet insulation.
Questions to Ask Your Texas Insurance Agent or Adjuster
Every policy is different. Asking the right questions early can prevent surprises later. Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke with.
Texas Department of Insurance resources remind consumers to verify the adjuster's license and avoid contractors who promise to handle your claim. You control the process.
- What is my deductible for wind and hail damage?
- Do I need to submit a sworn proof of loss, and by what deadline?
- Will you send a company adjuster or an independent adjuster?
- Can I get a copy of the adjuster's report and photos?
- What temporary repairs will you reimburse while I wait for inspection?
How to Handle Contractor Estimates and Scope of Work
Get at least two written estimates that detail the same scope items. A thorough scope includes measured roof area, tear-off layers, decking allowance, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, materials, permits, and disposal.
Never sign a contract that gives the contractor the right to negotiate your claim or collect payment directly from your insurer without your approval. This is a red flag for fraud.
- Request itemized estimates with line items for materials, labor, and permits.
- Compare scopes using a checklist: area, layers, decking, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, fastening, disposal, warranties.
- Ask if the estimate includes permit fees and inspection costs.
- Verify the contractor's Texas license and insurance before sharing your policy details.
- Do not authorize work until your insurer has inspected or given written approval.
Keeping Records and Following Up
Create a folder for all claim-related documents. Save emails, texts, and voicemails. Take notes during every phone call, including the date, time, and person you spoke with.
If your claim is delayed or denied, you have the right to ask for a written explanation. Texas Department of Insurance can provide consumer guidance, but they do not decide individual claims.
- Keep a log of all communications with your insurer and adjuster.
- Save receipts for temporary repairs, tarps, and hotel stays if your home is uninhabitable.
- Request a copy of the final estimate and any engineering reports.
- If you disagree with the settlement, ask about your policy's appraisal process.
- Report suspected fraud to the Texas Department of Insurance.
Take this with you
Evidence and scope checklist
- Measured roof area and waste calculation
- Number of tear-off layers
- Decking replacement allowance per sheet
- Underlayment type and coverage
- Flashing and penetration details
- Ventilation requirements
- Material brand, color, and fastening method
- Permit and inspection inclusion
- Disposal and cleanup fees
- Workmanship and manufacturer warranty terms
Common questions
What homeowners ask next
Does my Texas homeowners policy automatically cover hail damage?
Not automatically. Coverage depends on your specific policy. Some policies have separate wind and hail deductibles or exclusions. Check your declarations page or ask your agent.
Can my contractor talk to the insurance adjuster for me?
You can allow it, but be cautious. A contractor who insists on handling your claim entirely may be committing fraud. You should be present for the adjuster's inspection.
What if the insurance company's estimate is lower than my contractor's?
Ask for a detailed comparison of the two scopes. Differences often arise from missed line items like decking, disposal, or code upgrades. You can request a re-inspection or use your policy's appraisal process.
Evidence
Sources used for this guide
Research checked July 31, 2026
- NOAA Storm Events DatabaseNOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Dated official storm-event records; an area event does not prove damage at a property.
- Storm and property insurance consumer resourcesTexas Department of Insurance
Texas consumer process and fraud-prevention context; never a promise of coverage.
- International Residential Code wind and roof compilationFEMA
Model-code background; locally adopted code and permits control.
Optional next step
Need an on-site professional?
Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.
We have not enabled a provider route for this site. Use the checklist to contact and verify local providers yourself; urgent hazards should go to the appropriate emergency or public service.