What to Do After a Hail Storm in North Texas

The first 72 hours matter

In North Texas, the decisions you make in the days right after a hail storm can determine whether your insurance claim is approved, underpaid, or denied. Hail damage often isn't visible from the ground, so a roof that "looks fine" may have taken real damage. Here's the checklist, in order.

Step 1: Safety first, then check for leaks

Make sure everyone is safe and stay clear of downed power lines and broken glass. Once it's safe, check inside for active leaks — look at ceilings and in the attic for water intrusion. If water is coming in, contain it (buckets, move valuables) and note where.

Step 2: Document the storm and the damage

This is the step that protects your claim:

• Write down the date and time of the storm.
• Save local weather/hail reports for your address or neighborhood.
• Photograph everything from the ground — roof (zoom in), gutters, downspouts, window screens, fences, AC unit, garage door, outdoor furniture, and any dents on your vehicles.
• Photograph interior damage — water stains, leaks, damp insulation.

Dented gutters, screens, and AC fins corroborate that damaging hail fell, which supports a roof claim even when the shingle damage is hard to photograph.

Step 3: Make safe temporary repairs

If there's an active leak, prevent further damage where you safely can — for example, placing a bucket under a drip or covering interior valuables. Don't climb onto a wet or damaged roof. If the roof needs tarping, that's a job for a professional. Keep receipts for any emergency expenses; they may be reimbursable.

Step 4: Get a professional roof inspection

Because most hail damage isn't visible from the driveway, a qualified roofer should inspect the roof itself. A good inspection produces a written report with photos identifying bruising, granule loss, and any decking concerns. This tells you whether the damage even exceeds your deductible before you file.

See our guide on signs of hail damage on a roof for what inspectors look for.

Step 5: Review your policy

Check your declarations page for your wind/hail deductible (often a percentage of insured value), whether you have RCV or ACV coverage, and your notice-of-loss deadline. If the documented damage is well above your deductible, a claim makes sense. Learn more in whether insurance covers hail damage in Texas.

Step 6: File your claim — promptly and in writing

Open the claim with your carrier, provide your documentation and date of loss, and keep written records of every interaction. Texas generally allows two years to file suit, but your policy's reporting window can be far shorter, so don't sit on it. Our step-by-step Texas roof insurance claim guide walks through the adjuster meeting and settlement.

What NOT to do after a hail storm

• Don't ignore it because the roof looks okay — damage is often invisible from the ground.
• Don't sign a contract with the first door-knocker who pressures you (more below).
• Don't get on the roof yourself — it's dangerous and you can cause damage.
• Don't wait until the next storm season and risk your deadline.

Beware the post-storm door-knockers

After every major North Texas hail event, out-of-town "storm-chaser" crews canvass neighborhoods with high-pressure pitches. Some do shoddy work, skip permits, or vanish mid-job. Take your time, verify licensing and insurance, and choose a local contractor who'll be here next year. See how to choose a roofing contractor in DFW.

Key Takeaways

• Work in order: safety → document → temporary fixes → inspection → policy review → file.
• Documentation (storm date + photos of all damage) is what protects your claim.
• Most hail damage isn't visible from the ground — get a professional inspection.
• Check your deductible, RCV/ACV, and deadline before filing.
• Be cautious with post-storm door-knockers; verify before you sign anything.

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This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Review your own policy and consult a licensed professional about your situation.