What to Do Immediately After a Hail Storm in Texas

When a hail storm rolls through DFW or San Antonio, the clock starts ticking the moment it stops. What you do in the first 48 hours after a storm can be the difference between a fully covered insurance claim and a denied one. Here is the exact step-by-step process Shadow Stone recommends to every Texas homeowner.

Step 1 — Stay Safe and Document the Storm

Before you go outside, make sure the storm has fully passed. Once it is safe, take photos and videos of the hailstones on the ground next to a ruler or coin so you have a size reference. Note the date and time. This documentation establishes the storm event and helps connect any roof damage to a specific date.

Step 2 — Do a Quick Visual Check From the Ground

Walk around your home and look for obvious damage you can see from the ground — dented gutters, dented AC units, cracked window screens, or damaged siding. Do not get on your roof yourself. Wet roofs after a storm are extremely dangerous, and an untrained eye may miss the most critical damage indicators.

Step 3 — Call Shadow Stone for a Free Inspection

Call us within 24 to 48 hours of the storm. Shadow Stone provides free post-storm roof inspections for DFW and San Antonio homeowners with no obligation. Our inspectors know exactly what adjusters look for and will document everything — impact marks on shingles, granule loss, damaged flashing, bruising on vents and ridge caps — in a written report you can use to support your claim. Learn more about how to document hail damage properly before your adjuster arrives.

Step 4 — Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you have your inspection report, call your homeowner’s insurance company to open a claim. Have the storm date, your policy number, and our inspection report ready. The sooner you file, the better. Texas law gives you one year from the storm date to file, but evidence of damage degrades and memory fades — file as soon as possible. Read our full guide on how long you have to file a roof insurance claim in Texas.

Step 5 — Do Not Sign Anything From a Door-to-Door Contractor

After major storms in Texas, out-of-state storm chasers flood neighborhoods offering quick repairs. Many use high-pressure tactics, collect your deductible upfront, and disappear before the work is done. Texas law prohibits contractors from paying your deductible for you — any contractor who offers this is violating state law and could jeopardize your claim.

Step 6 — Schedule the Adjuster Meeting

Your insurance company will schedule an adjuster to inspect your roof. Shadow Stone can be present at this meeting to make sure the adjuster does not overlook damage. Adjusters are not always roofing experts — having our team there ensures nothing is missed and that the documented damage is properly recorded in the estimate.

Step 7 — Review the Estimate Before You Accept

Do not automatically accept the first estimate your insurance company provides. Initial estimates often miss line items, undervalue materials, or exclude code-required upgrades. Shadow Stone can review your estimate and file a supplement if we find items that were missed or undervalued.

The Bottom Line

Acting quickly and working with a licensed, local roofing contractor is the best way to protect your home and your claim after a Texas hail storm. Shadow Stone has helped hundreds of DFW and San Antonio homeowners navigate this process from start to finish.

Schedule your free post-storm inspection today — we respond the same day.

Call DFW: (682) 224-0041 | Call San Antonio: (210) 236-8919