Are You Ready for Hail Season in Austin?
In Central Texas, especially in places like Austin, hailstorms are as common as barbecue joints. In fact, Texas leads the nation in hail damage claims every year, with Travis County among the hardest hit. The real danger? It’s not just the hail itself—it’s what happens after the storm. Shady roofing contractors, denied insurance claims, and poor repair work can turn an already stressful situation into a financial and logistical nightmare.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Texas saw over 700 hail events in the last year alone, many resulting in significant property damage. After a storm, desperate property owners may fall prey to unqualified contractors or make decisions that jeopardize their insurance coverage.
What We’ll Cover:
- Why hail damage is often underestimated
- How to spot untrustworthy roofing contractors
- What best practices to follow when choosing a contractor
- Mistakes that can cost you thousands in repairs or claim denials
- Insights from the industry to help you stay ahead
- FAQs about working with roofing contractors after a hailstorm
Roofing Contractors & Hail Damage in Austin
In the aftermath of a hailstorm, you may feel overwhelmed by the decisions that lie ahead. Between coordinating inspections, filing insurance claims, and making repair decisions, it can be hard to know who to trust. While Texas is just starting to entertain licensing for roofers and contractors, this is not the reality we live in yet. That confusion is exactly what unreliable roofing contractors prey upon.
The most common problem is that hail damage can be deceptive. What looks like minor wear to the untrained eye could actually be:
- Cracked shingles compromising roof integrity
- Damage to flashing, leading to future leaks
- Soft spots in decking, not immediately visible
Many property owners mistakenly wait to call a professional until obvious leaks occur—which can be weeks or months later. By then, your insurance provider may argue that the damage was due to neglect rather than storm impact.
To complicate matters, some roofing contractors may:
- Inflate repair estimates without proper documentation
- Fail to obtain proper city permits or inspections
- Disappear before completing the job
Watch Out For:
- High-pressure sales tactics, especially from door-to-door salespeople
- Requests for full payment upfront
- No proof of liability insurance or local licensing
- Vague or verbal-only contracts
Working with Roofing Contractors You Can Trust
So, what should a responsible property owner or manager do after hail damage?
Start by acknowledging that this is both a construction project and an insurance negotiation. You need professionals who understand both worlds. The best people to have on your side in this case are your contractor and a storm damage lawyer from Stormlex Law Group. Here’s what to do next after experiencing a hail storm:
- Document the damage: Take detailed photos and videos of all affected areas, including the roof, gutters, siding, and any interior water damage.
- Get a third-party inspection: Don’t rely solely on your insurance adjuster’s report. A qualified roofing contractor can provide a second opinion that may be critical if you need to dispute a claim. In fact, you can request multiple roof inspections if you’d like. Keep in mind that roof inspections are not always free! Some roofers may offer them for free while others will have fees tied to the size of your roof, complexity, and location of your home.
- Contact Stormlex Law Group. Our law firm is experienced in denied insurance claims. If you suspect your claim may be undervalued or delayed, a legal team supporting you can be the difference in advocating for a fair settlement.
How to Vet Roofing Contractors:
Are they a member of RCAT to operate in Austin or Travis County? (While not all qualified roofers and contractors will go through RCAT for membership, this is a great resource and membership to refer to!) ✅
Can they provide samples of local references for roofs completed? ✅
Are they insured for both liability and worker’s compensation? ✅
Do they provide a written scope of work and timeline? Having WRITTEN confirmation is important for your claims process and your own files. ✅
Will they support the insurance claim process with photos, estimates, and documentation? While contractors cannot help you file or dispute your claim, they can speak to the damages you’ve experienced and the reasoning for their estimates. ✅
Ensuring a Smooth Claim Process:
- 🔹 DO NOT SIGN any contractor paperwork without thorough review – you DO NOT want to sign away your insurance benefits to a scam contractor. There is no recovery for this, even with your insurance company.
- 🔹 Avoid contractors who ask you to skip insurance and “handle it privately.”
- 🔹 Confirm the contractor’s estimate includes materials, labor, and permits.
- 🔹 Require written warranties for both materials and workmanship.
Remember, a reputable roofing contractor will be as interested in protecting their name as they are in completing your project.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Roofing Contractors After Hail Damage
In times of urgency, even the savviest property managers can make hasty decisions that lead to greater problems down the road. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
Top Mistakes:
- Accepting the first estimate without comparing contractors
- Allowing unauthorized work before insurance approval
- Not confirming warranty terms in writing
- Relying solely on insurance adjusters without seeking a second opinion
These missteps can lead to:
- Out-of-pocket expenses not covered by your policy
- Repairs that fail to meet local building codes
- Denied or delayed insurance claims
Three Preventative Actions You Can Take Now:
- Pre-vet 2-3 local contractors and keep their info on hand
- Read and understand your current insurance policy’s hail damage clause
- Save digital and printed records of all past storm damage and repairs
Roofing Contractors & Insurance After Storms
As hail events become more frequent and intense in Texas, the roofing and insurance industries are adapting. Here are a few forward-looking developments that property owners in Austin should pay attention to:
Industry Shifts:
- Technology-Enhanced Inspections: Drones and AI are being used to assess hail damage with greater accuracy.
- Better Materials: Impact-resistant shingles and solar-integrated roofing systems are becoming more affordable and more common in new builds and retrofits.
- Insurance Reforms: The Texas Department of Insurance is advocating for greater transparency in contractor-insurance relations, including stricter penalties for fraud.
Sustainability & Resilience:
- Metal roofs are being pushed not just for sustainability, but for added durability against storm damage.
- More builders and contractors are offering storm-preparation services, such as roof fortification systems and proactive inspections.
Being aware of these changes helps property owners stay ahead of regulations and make smarter long-term investments. In fact, proactive inspections are something we LOVE. Annual roof inspections help build your roof history
If There’s One Thing You Leave Today Knowing…
Choose your contractor as carefully as you choose your insurance policy.
A hailstorm is out of your control—but your response to it isn’t. The right roofing contractor can mean the difference between a swift recovery and months of headaches. Don’t settle for whoever knocks first. Vet, verify, and protect your property with experienced professionals who are there for the long haul, not just the storm season.
FAQs
1. How do I know if a roofing contractor in Austin is legitimate?
Check online reputation and information, look for local references, verify insurance coverage, and avoid those who pressure you to sign quickly or pay upfront.
2. Should I call my insurance company or a roofing contractor first after hail damage?
Start with a trusted roofing contractor for an independent inspection, then notify your insurer with their findings.
3. Can roofing contractors help with denied insurance claims?
Some can provide documentation and support, but you should also consider a law firm experienced in claim denials.
4. What if my insurance adjuster undervalued my hail damage?
Request a reinspection and provide evidence from your contractor. Legal support can be helpful in disputes.
5. Do I have to use the contractor my insurance recommends?
No. Texas law allows you to choose your own roofing contractor. NOTE: Your insurance policy may state you have to go with the contractor your insurance recommends, you CAN remove this endorsement in your policy. Remember, it’s important that your policy meets YOUR needs.
6. How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Texas?
Typically within one year, but deadlines can vary by policy—review yours carefully.
7. What are red flags when dealing with roofing contractors?
No written estimate, lack of credibility, no local references, and requests for full upfront payment.
8. Can a roofing contractor waive my deductible?
No. It’s illegal in Texas for contractors to waive insurance deductibles.
9. What if my roofer starts work before I get insurance approval?
This can jeopardize your claim. Always coordinate timing carefully. They can, however, assist with mitigating damage (putting a tarp over damaged areas).
10. How can I protect myself from future hail damage claims?
Schedule regular roof inspections, upgrade to impact-resistant materials, and work with contractors who document everything.
For additional support or legal guidance on your insurance claim, especially if it has been delayed or denied, reach out to the Stormlex Law Group. We specialize in standing up to insurance companies and making sure property owners across Texas get what they deserve.
