If you've lived in Denton County for more than a spring or two, you've probably heard hail hammering a roof or seen a neighborhood full of roofing trucks the week after a storm. North Texas sits squarely in one of the most hail-prone regions in the country, and a single storm can damage thousands of roofs, cars and windows in an afternoon.
Most homeowners assume their policy will take care of it. Often it will, but how much it pays depends on a few details that many people never look at until they file a claim. Here's what I recommend every Texas homeowner check now, while the sky is clear.
1. Your wind and hail deductible
Many Texas homeowners policies have a separate deductible just for wind and hail. Instead of a flat amount like $1,000, it's often a percentage of your dwelling coverage, commonly 1% or 2%.
On a home insured for $400,000, a 2% wind and hail deductible means you pay the first $8,000 of a hail claim. That can be a shock if you were expecting a $1,000 deductible. A lower percentage usually raises your premium, so the right choice depends on your savings and comfort level.
2. Replacement cost or actual cash value on your roof
This is the big one. A replacement cost roof policy pays what it costs to put a new roof on your home, minus your deductible. An actual cash value (ACV) policy subtracts depreciation for the roof's age.
On a 15-year-old roof, depreciation can cut a claim payment dramatically, leaving you to cover much of a new roof yourself. Some carriers automatically switch older roofs to ACV, so it's worth asking how your policy treats your roof today.
3. Cosmetic damage exclusions
Some policies exclude "cosmetic" hail damage, such as dents in metal roofing, gutters or vents that don't affect how well the roof works. If you have a metal roof or plan to install one, ask whether cosmetic damage is covered.
4. Impact-resistant shingle discounts
If you're replacing your roof anyway, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles can hold up better to hail and may qualify you for a meaningful discount with many carriers. Keep your installation paperwork, because the insurance company may ask for proof.
5. Don't forget your cars
Hail damage to vehicles is covered by the comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance, not your homeowners policy. If you've dropped comprehensive on an older car to save money, a hailstorm could leave you paying for repairs yourself.
What to do after a hailstorm
- Take photos of any visible damage to your roof, siding, windows, gutters and vehicles.
- Be cautious with door-to-door contractors who show up right after a storm. Get more than one estimate.
- Report the claim to your insurance company promptly. Policies have deadlines for reporting damage.
- Call us. We'll help you understand your coverage and what to expect.
Get a free hail coverage check
As an independent agency in Denton, Trailmark Insurance Advisors compares homeowners insurance from multiple carriers. Send me your current declarations page and I'll review your wind and hail deductible, roof coverage and replacement cost for free, with no obligation.
Eric Glenn is the founder of Trailmark Insurance Advisors, an independent, Texas-owned agency at 3616 Duchess Dr, Ste. 120 in Denton, and a licensed Texas property and casualty agent. He has been helping North Texans save money on insurance since 2020 and compares coverage from Progressive, Travelers, Liberty Mutual, The Hartford and National General. Read Eric's story. Reach him at (214) 531-7932 or eric@texastrailmark.com.
This article is general information, not legal advice or a guarantee of coverage. Coverage depends on your specific policy, carrier and underwriting.
