Start by calling your insurance company and opening a claim as soon as you suspect hail damage. Then get a licensed roofer to document the damage before the adjuster arrives.
That order matters. A clear record and a professional inspection give you the strongest footing when the adjuster shows up.
Here is the full process, step by step, for homeowners across Central Texas.
Step 1: Confirm You Actually Have Hail Damage
Not every storm leaves a claimable roof. Wind can loosen shingles, but hail leaves a specific signature.
Look for dark bruises where the granules have been knocked off, dented gutters and downspouts, and dinged metal vents or flashing. Soft spots that feel like a bruise on an apple are a strong sign.
Hail is a regular event in Leander and across Williamson County, so damage is common after spring and early summer storms. Still, you want confirmation before you file.
A professional roof inspection tells you whether the damage is real and worth a claim. Many homeowners file on cosmetic marks that get denied, which can count against your record.
Step 2: Document Everything
Good documentation is what wins or loses a claim. Do this before anyone climbs on the roof to make repairs.
Photograph the roof, gutters, siding, window screens, and any interior water stains. Note the date of the storm.
- Date and time of the hail event
- Photos and video of all damaged surfaces
- Circled or chalked hits so the adjuster can find them fast
- A written summary from your roofer describing the damage
Keep everything in one folder. If your claim goes to a supplement or dispute later, this record is your evidence.
Step 3: File the Claim With Your Insurer
Call your carrier or use their app to open the claim. You will get a claim number and, within a few days, an assigned adjuster.
Texas policies usually carry a wind and hail deductible, often a percentage of your home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. Check your policy so you know what you owe before repairs begin.
Be factual on the call. State the storm date and that you have damage, and avoid guessing at causes or dollar amounts you are not sure about.
Step 4: Meet the Adjuster With Your Roofer Present
The insurance adjuster inspects the roof and writes an estimate. This visit largely decides your payout.
Have your roofer there at the same time. A contractor who knows Texas building code and hail patterns can point out damage the adjuster might miss and make sure measurements are correct.
If your roof needs a tarp or fast fix to stop leaks before this visit, arrange emergency roof repair first and document the damage before you cover it. Protecting the home does not cancel your claim.
What the Adjuster Looks For
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Hits per test square | Sets whether the slope qualifies |
| Damaged vents and flashing | Often added to the repair scope |
| Roof age and material | Affects depreciation and payout |
| Collateral damage | Gutters, screens, and siding support the claim |
Step 5: Review the Scope and File a Supplement If Needed
The first estimate is rarely the final number. Adjusters work quickly and often miss items or underprice labor and materials.
A supplement is a formal request to add missing work or correct pricing. Your roofer submits the documentation, and the insurer revises the payout.
Common supplement items include code-required upgrades, extra flashing, and full replacement when repairs are not feasible. If the damage is widespread, our storm damage repair team handles the scope and paperwork so you are not fighting the insurer alone.
When the whole system is compromised, the claim may cover a full roof replacement rather than a patch. Your roofer will tell you which path the damage actually supports.
Step 6: Watch for Storm Chaser Red Flags
After every major Texas hailstorm, out-of-town crews flood neighborhoods like Leander, Cedar Park, and Georgetown. Some are legitimate. Many are not.
Protect yourself by watching for these signs:
- They knock on your door uninvited and pressure you to sign the same day
- They offer to waive or absorb your deductible, which is insurance fraud in Texas
- They ask for a large deposit up front before any work
- They have no local address, license, or verifiable reviews
- They want you to sign a contract or assignment before the adjuster has even inspected
A local contractor is still here next year if a problem shows up. Verify licensing and insurance, and never sign anything that hands over control of your claim.
Step 7: Complete Repairs and Close the Claim
Once the scope is approved, schedule the work with a roofer you trust. Most policies release payment in two parts, an initial amount and the recoverable depreciation after the job is finished.
Keep the final invoice and photos of the completed work. Your insurer needs proof the repair matches the approved scope to release the remaining funds.
Whether you have asphalt shingles or a metal roof, the same claim process applies, and a proper repair should return the roof to full strength. Ongoing roof maintenance after the claim helps you catch the next storm's damage early.
Get a Straight Answer on Your Hail Damage
Filing a hail claim in Texas is manageable when you document early, involve a licensed roofer, and stay alert to storm chasers.
If a recent storm hit your home, reach out for a free inspection and quote. We will tell you honestly whether you have a claim worth filing.