Central Texas is one of the most hail-prone regions in the United States. The corridor stretching from San Antonio through Austin to Dallas — sometimes called "Hail Alley" — experiences more hail events per year than almost anywhere else in the country. When a significant storm passes through Williamson or Travis County, thousands of homes sustain roof damage, much of it invisible to the untrained eye.
The decisions you make in the 24–72 hours after a hail storm can mean the difference between a fully covered insurance claim and thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. Here is exactly what to do.
Step 1: Document the Storm (Immediately)
Before you do anything else, document the storm event. Note the date and time, check local news or weather apps for official storm reports, and take photos of any visible damage — dented gutters, cracked skylights, damaged window screens, or dented HVAC equipment. This documentation establishes a timeline for your insurance claim.
Do not attempt to access your roof yourself. Wet roofs are extremely slippery, and structural damage from hail may not be visible from the ground. Leave the roof inspection to a licensed professional.
Step 2: Call a Licensed Roofing Contractor — Not Your Insurance Company First
This is the most important and most misunderstood step. Many homeowners call their insurance company first, which triggers an adjuster visit before any professional has assessed the damage. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their assessment may miss damage that a trained roofing professional would identify.
Call a licensed, local roofing contractor first. A reputable contractor will conduct a free damage inspection, document all findings with photos, and provide a written damage report before you file a claim. This report becomes your evidence during the claims process.
Important: Beware of Storm Chasers
After major hail events, out-of-state "storm chaser" contractors flood the Austin market. These companies often use high-pressure tactics, require you to sign contracts before inspections are complete, and disappear after collecting insurance payments. Always verify a contractor's Texas license, local address, and insurance coverage before signing anything.
Step 3: Understand What Hail Damage Looks Like
Hail damage on asphalt shingles appears as circular bruises or dents that remove the granule coating, exposing the underlying fiberglass mat. On metal roofing, hail creates visible dents. On clay tile, it causes cracking or chipping. On gutters and downspouts, hail leaves circular dents that are easy to spot from the ground.
Critically, hail damage is not always visible from the ground or even from a casual roof walkthrough. A trained inspector uses specific techniques — including granule displacement measurement, mat exposure assessment, and pattern analysis — to distinguish hail damage from normal wear.
Step 4: File Your Insurance Claim Promptly
Texas insurance policies typically require claims to be filed within one year of the damage event, but some policies have shorter windows. File promptly. When you call your insurance company, have the following ready: the date of the storm, your contractor's damage report, and photos you took immediately after the storm.
Request that your roofing contractor be present during the adjuster's inspection. A contractor who knows what to look for can point out damage the adjuster might overlook and advocate for a fair assessment.
Step 5: Review the Adjuster's Report Carefully
Once the adjuster completes their inspection, you will receive a claim estimate. Review it carefully against your contractor's damage report. If the adjuster's estimate is significantly lower, you have the right to request a re-inspection or hire a public adjuster. Do not accept a settlement that does not cover the full documented damage.
Step 6: Choose Your Contractor Wisely
Once your claim is approved, select your contractor based on reputation, licensing, and warranty — not just price. The cheapest bid often reflects cheaper materials or shortcuts in installation. Ask for proof of Texas contractor licensing, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage. Request references from recent local projects.
Pro Roofing Systems has guided hundreds of Austin-area homeowners through the storm damage and insurance claim process. We offer free inspections, work directly with all major insurance carriers, and back every installation with our workmanship warranty. Call us at (512) 800-7010 to schedule your free storm damage assessment.