When the Storm Passes, the Real Work Begins
Texas leads the nation in hail damage claims, severe thunderstorms, and tornado activity. From the DFW hail alley to Gulf Coast hurricanes and the spring storm season across Central Texas, almost every homeowner in the state will eventually deal with storm damage to their roof, siding, fence, or HVAC system. Unfortunately, the days and weeks after a major storm are also when scammers, out-of-state crews, and unlicensed operators flood the area looking for easy targets.
Knowing how to handle the insurance claim process — and how to spot a legitimate contractor — can save you tens of thousands of dollars and prevent years of headaches. Here’s what every Texas homeowner should know about storm damage repair Texas-style.
Step 1: Document the Damage Before You Do Anything Else
Before you call anyone, document what you can safely see. Insurance adjusters and contractors will both ask for this later.
- Take wide and close-up photos of the roof (from the ground or a drone), siding, gutters, windows, fence, AC condenser, and any interior water stains.
- Photograph hail on the ground next to a coin or ruler — size matters for your claim.
- Save receipts for any emergency mitigation: tarps, board-ups, water extraction, hotel stays if you were displaced.
- Note the date and time of the storm. Many insurers cross-reference NOAA storm reports.
If there’s active water intrusion, your policy requires you to mitigate further damage. A tarp on the roof or a board over a broken window isn’t optional — it’s part of your duty as the policyholder.
Step 2: File the Claim Yourself
You do not need a contractor to file a claim. In fact, it’s better if you don’t have one yet. Call your insurer directly, give them the basics, and request an adjuster appointment.
A few things to know about the Texas claim process:
- Deadlines matter. Most Texas policies require claims to be filed within one year of the date of loss, but many require prompt notice — often within 30 to 60 days.
- Your deductible is yours to pay. It’s illegal in Texas for a contractor to waive, rebate, or absorb your insurance deductible. If someone offers to, walk away — they’re either committing insurance fraud or planning to cut corners to make up the difference.
- You’ll likely get two checks. Insurers typically pay an initial ACV (actual cash value) check, then a depreciation check after the work is completed and invoiced.
Step 3: Beware the Storm Chaser Texas Playbook
Within 24 hours of a major hail event, you’ll see out-of-state license plates rolling through neighborhoods. Some of these crews are legitimate. Many are not. The classic storm chaser Texas pattern looks like this:
- Door-knocking with high-pressure sales tactics (“We’re already in the neighborhood, can do it this week”).
- Pressuring you to sign an “Assignment of Benefits” (AOB) or contingency contract before you’ve even talked to your insurer.
- Promising to “handle everything” with insurance, including the deductible.
- Using subcontracted day-labor crews with no long-term ties to your area.
- Disappearing six months later when a leak develops and there’s no warranty to honor.
A legitimate hail damage contractor will be patient, walk you through the process without pressure, and have a verifiable Texas business address, local references, and proof of insurance.
Step 4: Vet Your Contractor Like Your Money Depends on It (Because It Does)
Texas doesn’t license general roofing contractors at the state level, which makes vetting even more critical. At a minimum, your insurance claim contractor should provide:
- A physical Texas business address (not just a P.O. box or a truck).
- Proof of general liability insurance (minimum $1M) and workers’ comp.
- Local references from jobs completed at least 2-3 years ago — you want to know their work holds up.
- A written, itemized scope of work that matches your insurance estimate line-by-line.
- A clear warranty: typically 1-2 years on workmanship and the manufacturer’s warranty on materials.
For more on this, our guide on how to hire a contractor in Texas walks through the full vetting checklist. If your damage is primarily roofing, the 10 questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor is worth reading before you sign anything.
Step 5: Understand the Adjuster Meeting
When the insurance adjuster comes out, you have the right to have your contractor present. This is actually a good idea — a reputable contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss (soft metals, vents, flashing, decking) and ensure the scope reflects code-required upgrades like drip edge or proper ventilation.
If the adjuster’s estimate seems low, you have options: - Request a re-inspection with supplemental documentation. - File a written appeal with photos and your contractor’s detailed estimate. - Invoke appraisal under your policy if you and the insurer can’t agree on the loss amount.
You don’t need a public adjuster or attorney for most claims, but for large losses (tornado, hurricane, total roof replacement plus interior damage), they can be worth the percentage they take.
Step 6: Don’t Forget the Hidden Damage
Hail and wind don’t just hit the roof. After a major Texas storm, also have these checked:
- HVAC condensers. Hail can flatten the aluminum fins and reduce efficiency or cause failure within a season or two. If yours is older, see our guide on HVAC replacement in Texas.
- Solar panels. Most quality panels are rated for 1” hail at 50 mph, but larger stones can crack cells. Have your installer or a qualified inspector check output before assuming they’re fine.
- Fences, gutters, screens, and skylights. Easy to overlook but usually covered.
- Foundation issues from heavy rain or flooding. Sudden water exposure can accelerate settlement — watch for new