Hail damage insurance claim process

What is a wind/hail deductible?

A wind/hail deductible is a separate deductible that applies specifically to wind and hail damage — distinct from your standard all-perils deductible. Unlike a flat-dollar deductible ($1,000, $2,500), most wind/hail deductibles in high-risk states are expressed as a percentage of your dwelling coverage — typically 1%, 2%, or 5%.

On a home insured for $350,000 with a 2% wind/hail deductible, your out-of-pocket cost is $7,000 regardless of total damage. Percentage deductibles are now standard in most Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska policies. Check your declarations page — not the main deductible section — for the wind/hail line item.

If you are unsure of your deductible in dollar terms, calculate it before filing. If your contractor's estimate is close to or below your deductible, weigh the cost of filing (claim history can affect future premiums) against the benefit.

How do I file a hail damage claim?

File through your insurer's claims line or online portal with:

• Your policy number
• The date and approximate time of the storm
• Your location and contact information
• A brief description of visible damage (you do not need a full assessment to open a claim)

The insurer will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster inspection — typically within 5–10 business days in normal conditions, longer after a widespread event that affects thousands of homes simultaneously. In Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs, major storm events can delay adjuster scheduling by 2–3 weeks.

Use that window to schedule an independent inspection from a licensed local roofer. Their documented estimate gives you a comparison point before the adjuster sets the initial number — which is much harder to change than supplement.

What do insurance adjusters commonly miss on hail claims?

Adjusters work quickly and use estimating software (Xactimate is the most common platform) that defaults to regional price tables. The most frequently missed or underpriced line items:

An experienced roofing contractor will flag these gaps and submit a supplement — a formal request to add missing line items to the insurer's estimate.

What is a claim supplement and how does it work?

A supplement is a revised scope of work submitted by your contractor to the insurer after the initial adjuster estimate is issued. It adds line items that were missed or corrects unit prices that were undervalued. Supplementing is standard practice — experienced roofers in Dallas, Lubbock, and Denver submit supplements on the majority of hail claims.

The supplement process:

• 1Contractor submits revised estimate with supporting documentation (photos, code citations)
• 2Insurer's desk adjuster or re-inspection team reviews the supplement
• 3Insurer approves, partially approves, or denies each line item
• 4If disputed, contractor and insurer negotiate; most legitimate items are eventually approved

Do not authorize work before the supplement is resolved. Most contractors will not start until the approved scope is finalized — locking in the full approved amount protects both you and the contractor.

What is the difference between ACV and RCV payment?

ACV (Actual Cash Value) pays the replacement cost of the roof minus depreciation. Depreciation is calculated based on the roof's age and material. On a 20-year-old asphalt roof nearing end of life, ACV may be a fraction of the full replacement cost — leaving the homeowner with a significant gap.

RCV (Replacement Cost Value) policies pay in two stages:

• First payment: ACV amount (replacement cost minus depreciation holdback) — issued after claim approval
• Second payment: depreciation holdback — released after the work is completed and documented

If you have an RCV policy, you must request the depreciation release after the work is complete. This requires submitting the final invoice and, in most cases, a certificate of completion from your contractor. Some homeowners miss this step and leave money uncollected. Your contractor should walk you through the release process.

What can I do if my hail damage claim is denied?

A denial is not necessarily final. Your options, roughly in order of escalation:

How long does a hail damage insurance claim take?

A straightforward claim — clear damage, no supplement disputes, RCV policy — typically takes 30–60 days from filing to receiving the first payment. The full process including completed work and depreciation release is usually 60–120 days.

Factors that extend the timeline:

• Widespread storm events that overwhelm adjuster capacity in the region
• Supplement negotiations that require multiple rounds of review
• Contractor backlogs — after major hail in markets like Amarillo or Wichita, qualified local crews book out 4–8 weeks
• Delayed depreciation release request (yours to initiate after completion)

Texas law requires insurers to accept or deny a claim within 15 business days of receiving all documentation and to pay within 5 business days of acceptance. Colorado's prompt payment requirements are similar. Delays beyond these windows are worth flagging to your state's Department of Insurance.

See storm history, replacement cost estimates, and local claim guidance for your city: