Hailstorms are a major concern for homeowners in Houston, Austin, and across Texas, as they can cause significant damage to roofs without immediately noticeable leaks. Many homeowners wonder whether they should file a hail damage insurance claim or wait until their roof starts leaking to take action.
The truth is, hail damage to an asphalt shingle roof can be hidden and progressive, leading to expensive repairs down the road if not addressed quickly. Even if there’s no visible leak today, your roof could still be compromised, making it essential to schedule a professional roof inspection after a storm.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about hail damage and insurance claims in Texas, including:
How hail impacts asphalt shingles, even when leaks aren’t present yet.
How to identify hail damage on your roof and around your home.
How Texas insurance laws protect you when filing a hail damage claim.
What an insurance payout might look like and how to understand terms like RCV, ACV, and deductible.
What to do if your insurance claim is denied and how to request a re-inspection.
Flexible financing options for roof replacement in Houston and Austin.
Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision about whether to file a hail damage insurance claim and ensure your home remains protected.
How Hail Damages an Asphalt Shingle Roof (Even Without Leaks)
Many homeowners assume that if their roof isn’t leaking after a hailstorm, everything must be fine. However, hail can cause structural damage to your roof that weakens it over time, potentially leading to major issues in the future.
1. Granule Loss & Shingle Deterioration
Asphalt shingles have a protective layer of granules that shield them from UV rays, rain, and general wear and tear. When hail strikes, these granules can be knocked loose, exposing the asphalt underneath.
Without this protective layer, your shingles age faster, becoming brittle and more susceptible to cracking. Over time, this can lead to roof leaks and water damage, even if you don’t notice immediate problems.
2. Bruising & Soft Spots
Even if a hailstone doesn’t fully break a shingle, it can leave behind a soft, bruised area where the roofing material has been weakened. These bruises may not be visible to the naked eye but can cause the shingle to fail prematurely, leading to roof leaks and structural issues months or years later.
3. Cracking & Fractures in Shingles
Larger hailstones (or smaller ones striking at high velocity) can cause shingles to crack or fracture, creating an entry point for moisture, mold, and long-term water damage. These cracks often grow over time, eventually leading to leaks inside your home.
4. Loosening of Sealant & Fasteners
Shingles are designed to overlap and seal together to provide a watertight barrier. Hail impact can weaken these seals, causing shingles to loosen, curl, or become more vulnerable to wind damage in the next storm.
Because these problems aren’t always obvious, many homeowners delay action—only to find out later that their insurance claim deadline has passed. That’s why it’s crucial to schedule a roof inspection after any significant hailstorm to assess potential damage before it becomes a costly problem.
What Does Hail Damage Actually Look Like On A Roof?
Hail doesn’t just affect your roof—it can impact multiple areas around your home. Here’s what to look for when inspecting for hail damage:
Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof:
Dents and impact marks on shingles – Small craters or dark spots where granules have been knocked away.
Soft metal damage – Look for dents on roof vents, flashing, and chimney caps, as these softer materials often show hail damage before shingles do.
Granule loss – If you notice excessive granules in your gutters or around your downspouts, your shingles have likely been damaged.
Cracked or missing shingles – Hail impact can cause splits, fractures, or broken edges.
Signs of Hail Damage Around Your Home From The Ground Level:
Dented gutters and downspouts – Small dimples in metal gutters indicate hail impact.
Granules washed out of downspouts – Piles of granules near your downspouts after a storm means your shingles are deteriorating from hail damage.
Broken window screens and window seal damage – Tears or small holes in screens suggest hail impact.
Holes in green leaves on trees and plants – Look for perforated leaves in your yard.
Dings or dents on vehicles – If your car was parked outside and sustained hail damage, your roof likely did too.
🚨 If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule a professional roof inspection ASAP.
Does Filing a Hail Damage Insurance Claim Raise My Rates in Texas?
Texas homeowners often worry that filing a hail damage claim will increase their insurance premiums. However, Texas law protects you from personal rate hikes due to hail damage claims.
✅ Hailstorms are considered "Acts of God" in Texas, meaning your insurance company cannot raise your individual rate for filing a claim.
📌 See the Texas Department of Insurance guidelines here.
However, insurance companies can increase rates for an entire region if many claims are filed. This means that even if you don’t file a claim, your rates may go up anyway.
Understanding the Roofing Insurance Claim Process
Filing a roofing insurance claim after hail or storm damage can feel overwhelming, but the process is straightforward when handled correctly. First, schedule a professional roof inspection to assess the damage. If significant damage is found, you’ll need to schedule your insurance provider to come take a look, they will then send an adjuster to inspect the roof and determine coverage. Once approved, your insurance will provide a scope of work detailing the payout/estimate, including the Replacement Cost Value (RCV), Actual Cash Value (ACV), and deductible. After you choose Martin Roofing and Solar, work can begin, and upon completion, your insurance will release any remaining funds. Working with an experienced roofing company ensures you get the full benefits of your policy while staying compliant with Texas law. See the full process in more detail here!
What Does a Roofing Insurance Payout Look Like?
If your roof sustains hail damage, your homeowner’s insurance can help cover the cost of a full replacement, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. Here’s an example of how a typical insurance payout might work:
Let’s say the total cost to replace your roof is $20,000 (determined by your insurance). Your insurance company assesses the damage and accounts for depreciation. If they determine your roof has $5,000 in depreciation, the actual cash value (ACV)—the amount they initially pay out—would be $15,000. However, you must also cover your insurance deductible, which in this case is $3,000.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): $20,000
Depreciation: -$5,000
Actual Cash Value (ACV) Payout: $15,000
Deductible (Your Responsibility): -$3,000
Initial Insurance Payout: $12,000
Depreciation: +$5,000 (after work is completed if you have an RCV insurance policy)
If your policy includes recoverable depreciation, once the new roof is installed and you submit proof of completion, your insurer will release the remaining $5,000—bringing the total insurance payout to $17,000.
Instead of paying $20,000 out of pocket, you’d only be responsible for the $3,000 deductible, effectively saving $17,000 on a brand-new roof. Plus, a new roof could qualify you for home insurance discounts, potentially lowering your future premiums.
Understanding your insurance scope of work is crucial when filing a claim. It outlines your RCV, ACV, deductible, and depreciation, helping you see exactly how much coverage you’re getting. Also, keep in mind that contractors cannot legally waive your deductible—this is considered insurance fraud in Texas (Texas Insurance Code Section 707.002). Having your insurance deductible waived isn’t just against the law for the contractor—it puts homeowners at serious risk of both legal and financial consequences, including potential legal fraud charges. Chose a contractor that does things the right way like Martin Roofing and Solar!
If you suspect your insurance claim was unfairly denied, we can help by inspecting your roof and assisting with a re-inspection request. Our team at Martin Roofing and Solar has extensive experience navigating insurance claims and ensuring homeowners in Houston and Austin understand the process. Contact us today for a free inspection!
What If My Roof Insurance Claim is Denied?
If your roofing insurance claim is unjustly denied, we can help by:
Conducting a re-inspection to document additional damage that may have been missed by your insurance.
Assisting with filing for a re-inspection with your insurance if there is damage to justify it!
Schedule your free inspection today to find out how we can help!
Need Flexible Roof Financing in Houston or Austin?
If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of your roof replacement, Martin Roofing and Solar offers flexible financing options for homeowners in Houston, Austin, and surrounding Texas areas.
✅ Low-interest payment plans – Get a new roof now and pay over time with roof financing in Houston.
✅ Fast approval process – No long waits or complicated paperwork.
✅ Affordable roof monthly payments – Custom financing options that fit your budget.
A new roof is a significant investment, but financing makes it easier to protect your home without a major upfront cost. Whether you're in Houston, Austin, or the surrounding areas, we can help you find a financing plan that works for you.
Trust Martin Roofing and Solar – Houston & Austin’s Roofing Experts
With years of experience handling hail damage roof repairs, roof insurance claims, and full roof replacements, Martin Roofing and Solar is the best roofing company in Houston, Austin, and beyond.
🏡 Protect your home today! Contact us for a free roof inspection and expert guidance on your roofing hail damage claim.
Houston:
832.617.4037
Austin:
512.298.2944
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