Hail damage roof insurance claim steps for San Antonio homeowners
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) says to file a claim as soon as you can after hail or strong winds damage your home (TDI: Hail damage to your home or car? What to do next). The steps below follow that advice, along with the way we handle a storm-related roof assessment.
1. Start with safety, from the ground
Please don't climb up on the roof to check. Wet shingles are slick, and a lot of hail damage is hard to read from up there anyway. Stay clear of sagging ceilings, wet light fixtures and any limbs or debris that came down. If water's coming inside right now, treat it as an active leak and call us to check current availability.
2. Write down what changed and when
Jot down the date of the storm and about what time it hit. Note which rooms have new stains or drips. Outside, look for dented gutters, granules piling up at the downspouts, or pieces of shingle in the yard. Then dig out whatever roof records you've got, like when the roof went on and any old repair invoices or inspection notes. That history helps sort out what the storm did from what was already wearing out.
3. Photograph and video what you can safely see
TDI recommends taking pictures and video of the damage and making a list of damage inside and outside the house. Shoot from the ground and from inside. A wide shot that shows where a close-up was taken is worth more than one tight photo with no context. And hang on to damaged items until your insurance company says otherwise.
4. Prevent more damage and save every receipt
TDI also says to prevent more damage, like covering openings to keep the rain out. Save your receipts, because your policy may pay for temporary repairs. TDI's homeowner claim guide adds that you shouldn't make permanent repairs until your insurance company tells you to (TDI: How do I file a homeowners insurance claim?). A temporary cover now and the permanent repair later are two separate decisions.
5. Report the claim to your insurer or agent
Call your insurance company or agent to get the claim started. Your policy sets the reporting requirements and deadlines, so read it or ask your agent. Keep a running list of who you talked to at the insurance company and what they told you. You'll be glad you did.
6. Get a roof assessment that explains the findings
A good roof inspection after a hail storm should tell you where the damage is and how far it spreads. It should also be honest about what couldn't be seen, and explain why repair, replacement or no work right now is the right fit. We offer a free, photo-documented roof assessment for homeowners around San Antonio. Where appropriate, Roesler's can provide photographs, findings, estimates, and roofing technical information for an insurance-related project. If you're wondering what a dent or a bruise on a shingle actually tells you, read up on what hail marks do and don't establish.
7. Be there for the adjuster visit
TDI suggests walking the property with the insurance company's adjuster so nothing gets missed. It also notes you might want your contractor there to talk through estimates or technical specifications. If we've already looked at your roof, just ask, and a Roesler's team member can be on site to explain the roofing findings. We're there to talk about the roof. The claim itself stays between you and your insurer.
8. Compare the scope, not just the total
When the adjuster's estimate comes in, go through it line by line next to the roofing scope. TDI recommends getting more than one bid. Our roof estimate checklist shows what a written proposal should spell out: the roof areas, materials, flashing and vents, decking, permits, cleanup, and warranty documents.
What a roofer can and can't do on a Texas insurance claim
Texas law is pretty clear here. A roofer or contractor who's doing the work on a property can't act as a public insurance adjuster on that claim, and can't advertise that they will (TDI: Roofing and insurance: Know the law). That's why Roesler's does not negotiate claims or act as a public adjuster.
What we can do is explain the roof. We'll document its condition and show you which findings point toward a repair or a replacement. Then we write up a clear scope of work. Coverage questions stay between you, your policy and your insurer. That includes whether the loss is covered, how depreciation applies and what the settlement should be.
Be careful with anybody who promises to "get you a new roof" through insurance or offers to file the claim for you. Same goes for the pitch that your neighbor got approved, so you will too. A nearby claim outcome doesn't establish the scope or coverage for your home.
Your deductible is yours to pay
It's illegal in Texas for a contractor to offer to waive, rebate, or absorb a homeowner's deductible. State law also requires contracts of $1,000 or more that involve an insurance settlement to include a notice that the policyholder must pay the deductible. It also lets insurance companies ask for proof that you paid it (TDI, Know the law). So if somebody tells you "we'll cover your deductible," that isn't a discount. It's a red flag.
What to expect from the insurance company
TDI's homeowner claim guide lays out the general timeline Texas insurers have to follow:
- The company must acknowledge your claim within 15 days of receiving it, and may ask for more information, such as a proof-of-loss form.
- It must accept or reject the claim within 15 business days of getting all the information it needs. A rejection must be explained in writing.
- Once it agrees to pay all or part of the claim, it must pay within five business days.
TDI also notes that most companies pay homeowners claims in two checks. The first one covers the estimated repair cost, minus depreciation and your deductible. The second comes after the company gets the contractor's bill for the finished job, as long as the work's done within 365 days of the date of loss. Your policy controls the details, so check with your agent on how yours handles it.
Repair or replace after hail? Let the roof tell you
Hail in the area isn't a roofing diagnosis. If the damage is in one spot and the rest of the roof is sound, a repair may take care of it. If it's spread across the roof, or the roof was already worn out, we may recommend a roof replacement. Sometimes the honest answer is that it doesn't need any work right now. You should still get photos and an explanation with that answer. And if we point you toward a roof repair, ask what the repair fixes and how the rest of the roof looks.
If you disagree with the adjuster's estimate
TDI's guide says to tell the insurance company why you disagree, since they may have missed something. If you still don't agree, TDI describes options that include the appraisal process, hiring a licensed public insurance adjuster, or filing a complaint with TDI. Those calls are yours to make. Our job is to give you clear information about the roof. Arguing the claim isn't part of it.
Hail claims across the San Antonio area
It works the same way if you live in San Antonio, Helotes, Boerne, New Braunfels, Schertz, or Cibolo. If permanent work gets approved, your city may require a permit. Each of our city pages links to the official local resources.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage to a roof?
It depends on your policy. TDI says that if you have wind and hail coverage on your home policy, your insurance company should pay for your hail damage. Your insurer decides what's covered, and your deductible and policy terms still apply.
How soon should I file a hail damage roof insurance claim?
As soon as you can. That's TDI's advice after hail damages your home. Your policy sets the reporting requirements, so check it or ask your agent instead of waiting.
Will insurance replace my whole roof after hail?
Not necessarily. Whether a claim pays for a repair or a full replacement is your insurer's call under your policy. A roof assessment can show how widespread the damage is and why we'd recommend a repair or a replacement. It isn't a coverage decision.
Can a roofer handle my insurance claim for me?
No. In Texas, a contractor doing the work can't act as a public adjuster or negotiate your claim. Roesler's can provide photographs, findings, estimates, and roofing technical information where appropriate. Roesler's does not negotiate claims.
Should I get a roof inspection before the adjuster comes?
It can help. If you know the roof's condition before the adjuster comes, you can point out every spot you're worried about. A photo-documented assessment shows what was found and what's still uncertain. The adjuster still does the insurer's own inspection.
Can a roofer pay or waive my deductible?
No. Texas law makes it illegal for a contractor to waive, rebate, or absorb your deductible, and your insurer may ask for proof that you paid it.
Know what the storm changed before you choose the next step
Roesler's Roofing and Remodeling is Insured & GAF Certified. We offer a free, photo-documented roof assessment for homeowners in San Antonio, Helotes, Boerne, New Braunfels, Schertz, and Cibolo. Call us at (830) 465-3823 or request your free roof assessment. Want to know who you'd be working with? Read more about Roesler's.
Roesler's Roofing and Remodeling · 7715 Mainland Dr Ste 114, San Antonio, TX 78250 · (830) 465-3823