My insurer says the hail damage on my roof is only cosmetic and won't pay. Can they do that?

Home insuranceDeniedTexasChecked Nov 7, 2026

From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-07 · Source: Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · What risks does a home policy cover? View original ↗

In short

Some policies do not pay for hail dents that only change how a roof looks.
Ask your insurer to show you the policy words it used.
Appraisal is for how much, not for if it is covered.

What this means

Most home policies cover hail, but not always on the Texas coast [1]. Some policies also have an add-on that leaves out cosmetic hail damage to roofs. In 1998, Texas approved an optional add-on called "Exclusion of Cosmetic Damage to Roof Coverings Caused by Hail" [2]. It was meant for homes that get a premium credit for an impact-resistant roof [3]. The rules took effect on May 2, 1998 [4]. We do not know if every policy sold today follows that rule.

Ask your insurer for the reason in writing. In Texas, if the insurer rejects a claim, its notice must state the reasons [5]. Read your policy and look for a cosmetic damage add-on. If you disagree, tell the insurer why [6].

Appraisal is for disputes about the amount of a claim. It is not for disputes about whether the policy covers a loss [7]. You can also complain to the Texas Department of Insurance. Your complaint must be in writing [8]. These sources come from Texas, so rules in your state may differ.

Your next step

Write to your insurer today. Ask for the denial reason and a copy of any cosmetic damage add-on on your policy [5]. The sources give no deadline for a complaint — act soon.

Check it yourself

Open your policy and look at the list of add-ons (endorsements) for a cosmetic or roof hail exclusion. These sources are from Texas only, so rules in your state may differ. We do not know how other states treat cosmetic hail exclusions — "Don't know yet". Ask your state insurance department or a lawyer if you are unsure.

Where this comes from (8)

[1] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · What risks does a home policy cover? · checked 2026-11-07
Windstorm, hurricane, and hail (but not if you live on the Gulf Coast)
[2] Texas Department of Insurance · Commissioner's Bulletin B-0030-98 · page text · checked 2026-11-07
The Commissioner also adopted Endorsement HO-145, Exclusion of Cosmetic Damage to Roof Coverings Caused by Hail, for attachment to Texas Homeowners Forms (HO-A, HO-B, and HO-C)
[3] Texas Department of Insurance · Commissioner's Bulletin B-0030-98 · page text · checked 2026-11-07
These optional endorsements provide for the exclusion of coverage for cosmetic damage caused by hail to roof coverings installed on risks that are eligible for and are receiving premium credits for the installation of a roof covering meeting U.L. Standard 2218 or such other standard as may be approved by the Commissioner.
[4] Texas Department of Insurance · Commissioner's Bulletin B-0030-98 · page text · checked 2026-11-07
The above endorsements and amended rules are effective on May 2, 1998.
[5] Texas Legislature · Texas Insurance Code · Sec. 542.056(c) · checked 2026-11-07
If the insurer rejects the claim, the notice required by Subsection (a) or (b) must state the reasons for the rejection.
[6] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · Resolving problems · checked 2026-11-07
If you disagree with the adjuster’s estimate or the amount the company is offering to pay you, tell the insurance company why.
[7] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · Resolving problems · checked 2026-11-07
The appraisal process is for disputes about the amount of your claim. It isn’t for disputes about whether your policy covers a loss.
[8] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · Resolving problems · checked 2026-11-07
Complain to us. Your complaint must be in writing.

How we found this

We matched your question to 8 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-07.

What we don’t know yet

Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.

Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.

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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