What to Do When Hail Hits: Your 24-Hour Action Plan

You just experienced a hailstorm. The immediate aftermath can be stressful, but taking the right steps in the next 24 hours protects your home and strengthens your insurance claim. Here's your action plan.

Immediately After the Storm

1. Ensure Safety First

• Wait until the storm has completely passed
• Check your home for immediate hazards (broken glass, downed power lines)
• Don't go on your roof—it's slippery and damage makes it unstable
• Account for all family members and pets

2. Document Exterior Damage

Before touching or moving anything:

• Take photos and videos of your entire property
• Photograph hailstones next to a ruler or coin for size reference
• Document damage to siding, windows, gutters, AC units
• Take wide shots showing overall property and close-ups of damage
• Note the date and time on your photos

3. Protect Your Property from Further Damage

If you have active leaks:

• Place buckets under drips
• Move valuables away from affected areas
• Cover furniture with plastic if needed
• Don't make permanent repairs yet—just prevent additional damage

Within the First Few Hours

4. Check for Interior Water Intrusion

Inspect your home for:

• Water stains on ceilings (new or expanding)
• Drips or active leaks
• Water in attic spaces
• Damp spots on walls
• Document everything with photos

5. File Your Insurance Claim

Call your insurance company to:

• Report the hail event and potential damage
• Get a claim number
• Ask about your policy's specific requirements
• Confirm your deductible amount
• Ask about timeframes for inspection

Don't wait to file. Texas law requires filing within one year, but sooner is better.

6. Contact a Reputable Roofing Contractor

Choose a contractor BEFORE the adjuster visits:

• Look for HAAG-certified inspectors
• Choose local companies with established presence
• Verify licensing and insurance
• Avoid storm chasers who appeared after the storm
• Schedule a free inspection

Within 24 Hours

7. Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Your contractor should:

• Safely inspect your roof
• Document all damage with photos
• Check soft metals (vents, flashings, gutters)
• Identify both obvious and subtle damage
• Provide a detailed damage report

8. Secure Emergency Repairs if Needed

If you have active leaks or holes:

• Get temporary repairs (tarping, board-up)
• Keep all receipts—insurance reimburses emergency repairs
• Document the emergency and repair
• Don't do permanent repairs until claim is processed

What NOT to Do

Don't Sign Anything Immediately

• Never sign a contract with a contractor who shows up unsolicited
• Don't sign over your insurance benefits
• Avoid "today only" pressure tactics
• Don't agree to start work before claim approval

Don't Make Permanent Repairs

• Adjusters need to see the damage
• Premature repairs can affect your claim
• Only do what's necessary to prevent further damage

Don't Accept the First Adjuster Estimate Without Review

• Initial estimates often miss damage
• Have your contractor review the assessment
• Supplements can add significant approved amounts

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of contractors who:

• Appear right after the storm from out of town
• Offer to pay your deductible (this is insurance fraud)
• Want you to sign contracts immediately
• Won't provide proof of insurance or license
• Ask for large upfront payments
• Don't have a local address or phone number
• Push you to file a claim you're unsure about

Timeline Expectations

Keep These Records

• Claim number and adjuster contact information
• All photos and videos with timestamps
• Weather reports from the storm date
• Any hail reports or size measurements
• Receipts for emergency repairs
• Contractor estimates and communications
• All insurance correspondence

We're Here to Help

Hive Roofing responds quickly after storms throughout Central Texas. Our HAAG-certified inspectors provide thorough damage assessments, and we coordinate directly with your insurance company. Call us within 24 hours of a storm for a free inspection and expert guidance through the claims process.