Key points
- Pin down the date of loss. Insurers often argue the damage came from an earlier storm or a different policy period.
- Read your endorsements: cosmetic-damage exclusions (common on metal roofs) and roof payment schedules can limit recovery.
- Hail claims are weather claims, so Texas’s Chapter 542A 61-day pre-suit notice applies.
- An independent inspection often finds damage the carrier’s adjuster missed.
Hail damage we help recover
- Roofs: bruised or fractured asphalt shingles, granule loss exposing the mat, dented metal panels, flashing and vents;
- Exterior: cracked or dented siding, broken windows and screens, and dented gutters, downspouts and fascia;
- Equipment: HVAC condenser fins and coils, solar panels and rooftop units;
- Interior: ceiling and wall staining, leaks at fixtures and vents, and resulting mold; and
- Commercial roofs: membrane punctures, skylights and rooftop equipment on flat and low-slope roofs.
Common hail claim disputes
| Dispute | What decides it |
|---|---|
| Date of loss / prior storm | Hail maps and storm reports, prior inspections, photos and repair history. |
| “Cosmetic only” | Policy language. Whether the damage affects function, watertightness or remaining life. |
| Repair vs. replace | Brittleness and repairability of the roof, manufacturer guidance and code requirements. |
| Matching | Policy wording and the availability of matching materials. |
| Wear and tear | Expert evidence distinguishing hail impacts from age, blistering or mechanical damage. |
| Actual cash value vs. replacement cost | Policy terms, roof schedules, and timely completion of repairs for recoverable depreciation. |
Roofer says replace, insurer says repair?
That gap is where most hail claims are won or lost. Book a discovery call and we’ll review the estimates side by side.
Document hail damage the right way
- Photograph hailstones (with a coin or ruler for scale) and damage as soon as it’s safe;
- Save local storm reports and note the date and time;
- Get a licensed roofer or engineer inspection and a written estimate;
- Make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage, and keep receipts; and
- Don’t sign assignment-of-benefits or contingency agreements without understanding them.
How we help
We assess the full scope of hail damage with industry professionals, analyze your policy and endorsements, present a complete claim, negotiate with the carrier, invoke appraisal where it’s the fastest path, and file suit under the policy and the Texas Insurance Code when necessary. See storm insurance recovery for the statutes that protect you.