HURRICANE, WIND & HAIL DAMAGE CLAIMS IN HOUSTONA homeowner's guide.
What to document after a storm, which policy pays for what, and the Texas deadlines that apply to weather-related claims.
- Wind and hail are usually covered by your homeowners policy; rising water and storm surge are not.
- Many Texas policies have a separate wind and hail deductible, often a percentage of your dwelling coverage.
- Document everything and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, keeping every receipt.
- Weather claims require written notice at least 61 days before filing suit.
THE FIRST 48 HOURS AFTER A STORM
- Stay safe. Avoid downed lines and don't climb onto a damaged roof.
- Photograph and video everything, outside and in, before cleanup. Include close-ups and wide shots.
- Prevent further damage. Tarp openings and dry out water. Your policy likely requires it, and reasonable costs are usually reimbursable.
- Keep damaged items until they've been documented or inspected.
- Report the claim promptly and write down your claim number and adjuster's name.
WHICH POLICY PAYS FOR WHAT?
| Type of damage | Usually covered by |
|---|---|
| Wind & hail to roof, siding, windows | Homeowners policy, or TWIA in designated coastal areas |
| Rain entering through storm-created openings | Typically the homeowners policy |
| Fallen tree damaging the house | Typically the homeowners policy |
| Rising water, flooding, storm surge | Flood policy (NFIP or private); excluded from homeowners |
Your specific policy controls. Check the declarations page and endorsements.
YOUR WIND & HAIL DEDUCTIBLE
Many Texas homeowners policies use a separate deductible for wind and hail, often 1% or 2% of your dwelling coverage rather than a flat dollar amount. On a home insured for $300,000, a 2% deductible is $6,000. Knowing this number up front helps you judge whether an estimate that comes in "below deductible" is really complete.
OLDER HOMES & "WEAR AND TEAR"
Older roofs are the most common target for "wear and tear" or "pre-existing damage" denials. Under Texas law, when covered damage (like wind) and excluded causes (like age) combine, the homeowner generally has to show which damage the covered storm caused. That makes evidence decisive: dated photos, maintenance and repair records, roof age, and an independent inspection.
Separating storm damage from age is where many claims are decided. The homeowner who documents it first usually frames the dispute.
WATCH OUT FOR STORM-CHASING CONTRACTORS
After big storms, out-of-town contractors go door to door. In Texas it's illegal for a contractor to offer to pay or waive your insurance deductible. Read any contract carefully before signing, especially one that lets a contractor deal with your insurer for you.
DEADLINES FOR WEATHER-RELATED CLAIMS
- 61-day presuit notice. Texas Insurance Code Chapter 542A requires written notice to the insurer, including the amount claimed, at least 61 days before a lawsuit over a weather claim.
- Catastrophe extensions. After a declared weather catastrophe, an insurer's prompt-payment deadlines can be extended by 15 days.
- TWIA claims generally must be filed within one year of the date of loss, with their own dispute process.
- Flood claims under an NFIP policy usually require a signed proof of loss within 60 days.
See also: what to do if your claim is denied and your rights under the Texas Prompt Payment Act.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane flooding?
Generally no. Rising water and storm surge are excluded from standard homeowners policies and covered only by a separate flood policy. Wind and wind-driven rain damage from the same hurricane may still be covered.
How long after a hailstorm can I file a claim?
Report as soon as you can. Policies require prompt notice, and some Texas policies set a specific window for wind and hail claims. Check your policy and don't wait for leaks to appear.
My insurer says the hail damage is only cosmetic. Is that the end?
Not always. Some policies exclude purely cosmetic damage, but whether damage affects how a roof functions or how long it will last is often disputed and worth an independent inspection.