How Much Does Insurance Pay for Hail Damage?

Springtime hail storms can come on suddenly in Texas, producing hailstones from the size of a dime to a golf ball and wreaking havoc on your car and house's roof. Your insurance policy can often cover the hail damage, allowing you to quickly make repairs before your roof starts leaking.

Most Texas insurance carriers require prompt notice of any damage. However, even with a timely claim, you may encounter bad-faith insurance practices. A hail damage attorney can ensure you get the hail damage coverage you're entitled to.

Average Insurance Payout for Hail Damage

According to State Farm, the average insurance payout for hail damage was $12,000 in 2021, while the average auto insurance hail damage claim was $5,000. Texas topped the list at $710 million, the highest amount of claims filed. The next-highest state, Minnesota, was a distant second — $253 million.

State Farm paid out over $3.5 billion in hail claims in 2022, a $1 billion increase from the previous year. This rise is due to both the increased number and severity of hailstorms and higher repair costs caused by inflation.

The insurance claim numbers are even more staggering as an aggregate. These numbers show:

• $2.9 billion for homeowners insurance hail damage claims.
• $600 million for auto insurance hail claims.

Does Home Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

Yes, your homeowner's insurance policy should cover hail damage to the roof, as well as the structure of your house and any other structures on your property. Your policy should also cover hail damage to siding, windows, gutters, and outdoor hardscaping. And some policies may have separate hail damage coverage for “other structures”.

There’s a difference between policies that offer replacement costs and those that offer “actual cash value” of the damaged property. For example, suppose that replacing a 10-year-old roof costs $30,000, and your policy has a $3,000 deductible. If replacing a 10-year-old roof costs $30,000 and your deductible is $3,000:

• Replacement cost: Your insurance company would pay $27,000.
• Actual cash value: If the roof has depreciated by 50%, your insurance company would pay $15,000 (50% of $30,000 minus your $3,000 deductible).

Important Note: If you have a replacement cost policy, you may receive two payments: one for the depreciated value and another after the replacement is completed.

Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

Yes, but only if you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy. Liability coverage only protects others in the event of an accident you cause, not your own car. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle against damage caused by events like hail, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. Certain property or car insurance policies have a special deductible or limits on hail damage coverage, so read your policy carefully to determine your limits.

How Does Hail Damage Insurance Work? Texas Hail Damage Deductibles

The Insurance Information Institute recommends that policyholders file a claim with their insurance carrier as soon as possible after hail damage. When you file a claim, take photos or a video of the hail damage, or ideally both. Although an insurance adjuster assesses the damage and makes estimates, it's best to have proof of the hail damage for your records.

There are a few good reasons to file a claim fast:

• Long wait times: After a hail storm, thousands of homeowners will likely be filing claims. If you wait, you could be at the back of the line, risking a roof leak before repairs are made.
• Deadlines: There's often a deadline (usually within one year) to file a claim for hail damage. This deadline may also affect your car insurance's coverage for hail damage repairs.

Once you file the claim, you'll first pay your deductible. This is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.

Homeowner insurance deductibles work differently than health insurance deductibles. You pay the deductible for each claim, not the total amount for the year.

You may need to ask your insurance provider how your car insurance handles hail damage repairs.

Filing a Claim for Hail Damage: 5 Main Steps

To file a claim, you will likely need to:

1. Document all damage, take photos, and measure the size of the hail.
2. Submit your claim according to the policy directions; you may be able to do this online, but you will need your policy number.
3. Speak with an insurance adjuster about your current coverage and the next steps you need to take.
4. Get an estimate for repairs from a trusted roofing contractor — three or four if possible, so you get a better idea of what the final cost will be.
5. Do not hire anyone or sign a contract to repair the damage until your insurance company sends an adjuster to inspect the damage.

Some roofing contractors will meet with your insurance adjuster on your behalf. You'll usually get a fairer assessment, and the contractor will ensure that no damage is overlooked. After the adjuster values your claim, your insurance company releases the funds, so you can have your roof repaired.

What to Do If Your Hail Damage Claim Was Denied

Has your car or home been damaged in a recent McAllen hail storm? A property and car insurance claim attorney can help you file a claim with your insurance company, appeal a denied or undervalued comprehensive coverage claim, or litigate on your behalf in cases of bad-faith insurance practices.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our McAllen hail damage lawyers today!