Texas leads the country in hail events, with over 1,100 significant hailstorms a year. If you own a home in Central Texas, it is worth understanding what your policy generally covers before the next storm rolls through.

The short version: most Texas homeowner policies (HO-3) include coverage for hail damage to the roof and exterior of the dwelling. What that coverage actually pays out, what it excludes, and how your deductible is calculated are all set by your specific policy and your carrier — not by your contractor. This post is a plain-English explainer so you can read your declarations page with confidence and have an informed conversation with your insurer.

What Texas Homeowner Policies Typically Cover

A standard HO-3 policy in Texas usually addresses hail damage under "dwelling coverage." Items commonly included are:

Roof system: shingles, underlayment, flashing, decking
Siding: dents, cracks, and holes from hail impact
Windows: broken or cracked glass and frames
Gutters and downspouts
HVAC condenser units on the exterior
Fencing

Every policy reads differently. The only authoritative source on what your policy covers is your policy and your carrier. Pull your declarations page and read it once before storm season — it is the single most useful 20 minutes a Texas homeowner can spend.

Understanding the Wind/Hail Deductible

Here is the surprise that catches many Texas homeowners: wind and hail deductibles are often separate from your standard deductible and are commonly calculated as a percentage of your home's insured value.

Common structures we see on Central Texas declarations pages:

1% deductible: on a $400,000 dwelling that is $4,000
2% deductible: on a $400,000 dwelling that is $8,000
Flat deductible: some carriers still offer a flat $1,000 to $5,000 figure

Under Texas law, your deductible is your responsibility. Any roofer who offers to "waive" or "absorb" your deductible is asking you to commit insurance fraud — that is a real statute, and it is enforced. Walk away from anyone who pitches that.

What Hail Damage Actually Looks Like

Hail damage is often invisible from the ground. Here is what HAAG-certified inspectors look for on the roof itself:

On asphalt shingles

Random pattern of dark spots or bruises
Granule loss exposing the asphalt mat
Soft spots that give under thumb pressure, like a bruised apple
Cracks or splits in the shingle mat

On metal roofs

Dents or dimples in the panels
Chipped or peeling paint at impact points
Damage at seams and flashing

The soft-metal "tells" off the roof

Dented gutters and downspouts
Damaged window screens and frames
Dents on AC condenser fins, plumbing vents, and ridge vents
Siding damage on the storm-facing elevations

Rule of thumb: if your vehicle, A/C fins, or patio furniture have new dents, your roof almost certainly has matching damage. Soft metal is the canary.

The Order of Operations We Recommend

If you suspect hail damage, the sequence matters. Here is what we suggest, and why:

Step 1 — Document what you can safely see from the ground

Before doing anything else, photograph the dents on vehicles, A/C fins, gutters, downspouts, screens, and any visible roof debris. Note the date and time. Save the local weather report or the Interactive Hail Maps report for your block. Do not climb the roof.

Step 2 — Get a professional inspection

Have a licensed, local roofer on the roof to do a hands-on inspection. A HAAG-certified inspector is trained to the same forensic standard adjusters are trained to, which is why the report tends to be useful when you do talk to your carrier. At Hive our 47-point inspection is free, and the report belongs to you regardless of whether you hire us for the work.

Step 3 — Read the inspection report before you call your carrier

You will know exactly what is on your roof and what is not. That is the position you want to be in before you ever pick up the phone.

Step 4 — Talk to your carrier

Only your carrier can tell you whether a claim is appropriate for your specific situation, what your deductible is, and what the policy timeline looks like. We can hand you a documentation package; we cannot speak to your insurer for you.

Step 5 — If a claim moves forward, an adjuster will inspect

You can ask us to be on the property when the adjuster visits, so we can walk through our findings together on-site. That is not advocacy or negotiation — it is one inspector handing notes to another so nothing gets missed on the walk.

Common Reasons Claims Get Pushed Back

"Pre-existing damage"

Carriers sometimes attribute damage to age rather than the storm. Previous inspection reports, satellite-imagery history, and clean maintenance records help here. So does a HAAG-trained inspector who can separate storm patterns from age-related wear.

"Cosmetic damage only"

Some policies exclude cosmetic-only damage. A good inspection report documents how the damage affects the roof's function and remaining lifespan, not just appearance.

"Maintenance issues"

Carriers occasionally blame poor maintenance. Annual maintenance records and dated inspection reports are your best defense.

"Filed too late"

Most Texas policies have a window for filing storm claims. Inspect quickly and decide quickly. If you wait until the next storm season, it becomes much harder to tie damage to a specific event.

If a Claim Is Denied or Underpaid

You have options. You decide which to use:

Request a re-inspection with a second adjuster
Submit a supplemental claim with additional documentation — if you ask, we can provide updated documentation for you to share with your carrier
Invoke appraisal if your policy includes that clause
File a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance at tdi.texas.gov/consumer or 1-800-252-3439
Consult a licensed Texas public adjuster or an attorney for significant disputes

Hive is a roofing contractor, not a public adjuster. We do not negotiate, settle, or adjust claims. Those are licensed activities in Texas, and they belong to you, your carrier, and licensed professionals — not your roofer.

How Hive Fits Into the Process

Our job is the roof. Specifically:

Free 47-point inspection with photos and a written report
On-site at the adjuster's visit at your request, to walk through findings together
Updated documentation if you decide to submit a supplement to your carrier
Repair or replacement to manufacturer specifications by GAF Master Elite installers

Texas Policyholder Rights Worth Knowing

Prompt payment: Texas law requires carriers to pay undisputed claims within 5 business days of agreement
Written denial: if a claim is denied, you are entitled to a written explanation
Right to appraisal: most policies allow appraisal for disputed amounts
Right to choose your contractor: carriers cannot require you to use a specific roofer

The Bottom Line

Yes, hail damage is generally covered under Texas homeowner policies. What that coverage actually means in your situation depends entirely on your policy, your deductible, and your carrier's evaluation. Get the inspection first, read the report, then talk to your insurer — in that order.

If you have not had your roof inspected since the last hail event, schedule a free 47-point inspection. We will document what is on your roof, hand you the report, and step out of your way. What you do with it is your call.

Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Texas? A Homeowner's Guide