Questions & answers · Home insurance
Hail or wind damaged my roof. How do I file a homeowners claim and what should I do first?
Home insuranceHow to fileTexasChecked Nov 5, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-05 · Source: TDI View original ↗
In short
- File as soon as you can after hail or wind damage.
- Take photos, stop more damage, and keep every receipt.
- In Texas, your insurer has 15 business days to start its review.
What this means
TDI says to file a claim as soon as you can if hail or strong winds damaged your home, and that if you have wind and hail coverage on your home policy, your insurance company should pay for hail damage [1].
TDI's claim tips [1]: • Take pictures and video of the damage and list the damage inside and outside. • Don't throw damaged items away until the company tells you. • Prevent more damage (remove standing water, cover broken windows and holes) and save all receipts. Your policy may pay for temporary repairs. • Be available for the adjuster visit, and keep a list of everyone you talk to at the company. • If you can't stay in the house, ask about living expenses and keep receipts.
On the roof itself, TDI says replacement cost coverage pays with two checks: a partial payment first and the rest after you start repairs. TDI also says the insurer won't pay for a new roof just because it is old or worn out [2]. Ask your agent whether your wind and hail deductible is different from your other deductible [2].
Your next step
+ deadline (Texas): TDI says your company has 15 business days to say it got your claim, start its review and ask for any information it needs [3].
Where this comes from (3)
[1] TDI · checked 2026-11-05
File an insurance claim as soon as you can if hail or strong winds damaged your home or car. … If you have wind and hail coverage on your home policy or comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, your insurance company should pay for your hail damage. … Take pictures and video of the damage. Also, make a list of the damage inside and outside your house or car. Don't throw any damaged items away until your insurance …
[2] TDI · checked 2026-11-05
Ask your agent if the deductible for wind and hail damage is different than the deductible for other types of damages. … If you have replacement cost coverage, the company will pay with two checks. The first check will be a partial payment. Your company will send the rest of your claim amount after you've started repairs. Remember, your insurance company won't pay for a new roof just because it's old or worn out.
[3] TDI · checked 2026-11-05
Deadline: Your company has 15 business days to say it got your claim. The company must also start its review and ask you for any information it needs.
How we found this
We matched your question to 3 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-05.
What we don’t know yet
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Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
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