If Central Texas hail storms or severe thunderstorm winds just hit your home, the decisions you make in the next 24 hours will determine how smoothly your insurance claim goes — and whether you get a fair payout. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step.
Average roof replacement cost in Austin, TX: $9,000–$17,000 depending on material, size, and damage extent. Your insurance deductible will apply.
Step-by-Step: What to Do After Storm Damage in Austin, TX
Stay safe — do not go on the roof
After a storm, roofs can be structurally compromised, slippery, and dangerous. Document visible damage from the ground using your phone. Take photos and video of any missing shingles, dented gutters, or debris.
Document everything before cleanup
Photograph every area of visible damage — exterior and interior. Check your attic for water intrusion. Time-stamp your photos. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim. Do not move or discard any debris until after the adjuster visits.
Apply emergency tarping if needed
If there is active water intrusion through the roof, install a temporary tarp to prevent further interior damage. Most insurance policies cover emergency tarping costs. Keep all receipts.
Call your insurance company
File your claim as soon as possible. Read your policy for its own reporting deadline and report promptly. Texas Insurance Code Ch. 542 requires insurers to acknowledge your claim within 15 days. Have your documentation ready when you call. Ask for the claim number and the adjuster's contact information.
Get a professional inspection from a licensed roofer
Before or alongside the insurance adjuster's visit, have a licensed Texas roofer inspect the damage. They can identify damage the adjuster might miss and provide a written estimate. Texas has no statewide roofing license, so ask for the roofer's local registration and proof of insurance.
Review the adjuster's estimate carefully
Compare the insurance adjuster's estimate against the contractor's estimate line by line. If they differ significantly, you have the right to request a re-inspection or hire a public adjuster. Do not accept a settlement that doesn't cover the full scope of repairs.
What Makes Austin, TX Storm Damage Different
Austin's clay soil expands and contracts with rain, which can stress roofing systems already weakened by hail.
Red Flags to Watch For
⚠️ Storm chasers are common after major weather events in Austin, TX. Never sign a contract with a roofer who knocks on your door unsolicited, pressures you to sign immediately, or offers to "waive your deductible." Deductible waiving is insurance fraud in Texas.
- Roofers who demand full payment before starting work
- No local business address or Texas license
- Pressure to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) before speaking with your insurer
- Quotes provided verbally with nothing in writing
- Out-of-state plates and no verifiable local references
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage in Austin TX?
Yes. Most standard homeowners insurance policies in Texas cover hail and wind damage. Texas law requires your insurer to acknowledge your claim within 15 days and accept or deny it within 15 business days of receiving all required information.
How long do I have to file a storm damage claim in Texas?
Your policy sets its own deadline for reporting a claim, so read it and report damage promptly. For wind and hail in the Texas coastal (TWIA) area, the claim must be filed within 1 year of the loss. Texas also bars a policy from setting a deadline to sue shorter than 2 years, but that is a separate clock. Waiting makes it harder to prove the damage was storm-related.
How do I find a licensed roofer after a storm in Austin?
Avoid door-to-door contractors who appear right after a storm. Use a directory like BestRoofersIn.com and confirm the contractor's Austin registration and insurance (Texas has no statewide roofing license).
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