After a Hail Storm in Austin: What to Do, Step by Step
On the evening of May 28, 2025, a fast storm hit Austin. The City of Austin said high winds and large hail damaged homes, cars and trees. At the peak, 72,500 Austin Energy customers lost power. Crews answered hundreds of calls in a few hours.
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📞 Call Now: (512) 548-9448The next morning, many homeowners asked the same thing. What to do after a hail storm, and in what order? The roof looked fine from the driveway. The gutters had dents. A few shingles looked darker than before. Nobody wanted to file a claim for nothing, or miss real damage.
This guide gives you a clear order of steps. It uses Texas Department of Insurance and City of Austin sources, not guesses. You can print the checklist near the end and keep it on the fridge. If water is already coming inside, call (512) 548-9448 now and read the rest later.
What Will You Learn From This Guide?
You will learn what to do after a hail storm, in a safe order. You will see how to check for damage from the ground. You will learn which photos help a claim and how Texas claim deadlines work. You will also learn how to avoid storm chasers and when Austin needs a roof permit.
Here is what this guide covers:
- Safety steps for the first hours after the storm.
- A ground level check of the roof, gutters, vents and windows.
- Photos and notes that make an insurance claim easier.
- Texas claim deadlines and your rights if the claim is denied.
- How to hire a roofer and spot common scams.
- Repair or replace, plus Austin permit rules.
- A printable hail damage checklist.
This guide does not cover car damage in detail, flood insurance, or commercial roofs. It is not legal or insurance advice. Your policy and your agent have the final word on coverage. For roof repair details, see our hail damage roof repair in Austin guide.
On this page
- What to Do After a Hail Storm in the First Few Hours
- How Can You Check for Hail Damage From the Ground?
- How Do You Photograph Hail Damage for Insurance?
- What Temporary Repairs Can You Make?
- Hail Damage Checklist: What Should You Do in Order?
- When Should You Get a Roof Inspection After Hail?
- How Do Hail Insurance Claims Work in Texas?
- How Do You Hire a Roofer and Avoid Storm Scams?
- Should You Repair or Replace a Hail Damaged Roof?
- Do You Need a Permit to Replace a Roof in Austin?
- What Hail Damage Can Show Up Later?
- How Can You Prepare Before the Next Hail Season in Texas?
- What Mistakes Should You Avoid After Hail?
What to Do After a Hail Storm in the First Few Hours
Stay inside until the storm has fully passed. Check for injuries, gas smells and downed power lines first. Stay at least 35 feet from any downed line. Then walk around the house from the ground, take photos, and cover any opening in the roof or windows. Do not climb onto the roof.
The City of Austin gives clear safety steps after severe storms. Report a downed line that is sparking to 911. Report power outages by texting OUT to 287846 or calling Austin Energy at 512-322-9100. Call 311 or 512-974-2000 for debris in the road or limbs on wires.
Once it is safe, walk the outside of your home. Look for broken windows, holes in the roof, and water inside. If rain is coming through, place buckets and move valuables away. A ceiling water damage guide can help you limit harm indoors.
Who Should You Call First?
| Order | Who to call | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 911 | Anyone hurt, a gas smell, fire, or a sparking line |
| 2 | Austin Energy, 512-322-9100 | Power is out or lines are down |
| 3 | Your insurance company or agent | As soon as everyone is safe |
| 4 | A roofer | To tarp openings and inspect the roof |
| 5 | City of Austin, 311 | Debris in the road or storm drains |
Should You Climb the Roof to Look?
No. Wet shingles are slippery, and hail can loosen granules and edges. A fall from a roof can be far worse than any hail damage. Look from the ground, from a window, or with binoculars. Leave the roof walk to a trained roofer with safety gear.
How Can You Check for Hail Damage From the Ground?
Start with soft metal. Dents in gutters, downspouts, roof vents, AC fins and mailboxes show how hard the hail hit. Then look for shingle granules at downspout exits, cracked siding, broken screens and dark spots on shingles. If soft metal is dented, the roof may be damaged too. Write down what you find.
Hail damage is not always easy to see. Shingles can lose granules or crack without any hole. Knowing what to do after a hail storm starts with a careful look from the ground. A roof inspection comes next.
Walk around the house in the same order each time. Start at the front door and go clockwise. Take photos as you go.
| What to check | What hail damage looks like | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Gutters and downspouts | Round dents, dings, bent seams | Shows hail size and force |
| Downspout exits | Piles of dark granules | Shingles may be losing their coating |
| Roof vents and caps | Dents or cracks | Can let water in near the deck |
| Shingles from the ground | Dark spots, missing pieces, lifted edges | May need repair or a closer look |
| Windows and screens | Cracks, holes, torn mesh | Part of the same claim |
| Siding and trim | Chips, cracks, dents | Often missed in first photos |
| AC unit | Bent fins | Can be part of the claim |
| Attic, after rain | Damp spots, drips, light through the deck | Points to a leak to fix soon |
Damage at vents or flashing deserves extra care. Our roof vent repair and roof flashing repair pages explain those parts.
How Do You Photograph Hail Damage for Insurance?
Take photos and video before you make any repairs. The Texas Department of Insurance says to photograph the damage first and list all damaged property. Take wide shots of each side of the house, then close shots of each dent or crack. Keep every photo with its date and time.
Photos are the next step in what to do after a hail storm. Good photos can make a claim faster and clearer. Use these tips:
- Take one wide photo of each side of the house.
- Take close photos of dents on gutters, vents and the AC unit.
- Put a coin or ruler next to a hailstone for size, if you still have one.
- Photograph granules at the downspouts.
- Shoot any water stains inside, plus the room around them.
- Record a short video while you walk around the house.
- Save photos in two places, such as your phone and a cloud folder.
The City of Austin also asks residents to report storm damage with photos. You can send a report through the state iSTAT tool at damage.tdem.texas.gov. The City says this data helps decide if state or federal aid thresholds are met. This report does not replace your insurance claim.
What Temporary Repairs Can You Make?
Make only temporary repairs that stop more damage, like tarping a roof or boarding up a broken window. The Texas Department of Insurance says to wait on permanent repairs until the adjuster sees the damage. Keep every receipt for materials and labor, because your insurer may pay those costs later.
TDI warns that your company might deny the claim if you make permanent repairs first. That is why the order matters so much in what to do after a hail storm.
A tarp is the most common temporary roof fix. It keeps rain out until the real repair is done. A tarp should be installed and secured by a pro, not by a homeowner on a wet roof. If water is already inside, our emergency roof repair page explains next steps.
Keep a simple folder for the claim. Put in receipts, photos, notes from calls, and the names of people you spoke to.
Hail Damage Checklist: What Should You Do in Order?
Use this hail damage checklist in order. Stay safe, check from the ground, take photos, make temporary repairs, call your insurer, and get a roof inspection. Then compare estimates, read the contract, and keep every paper. Doing these steps in order protects both your home and your insurance claim from start to finish.
This hail damage checklist sums up what to do after a hail storm in one place. It works for most Austin homes with shingle roofs. Print it and check off each step.
| Step | What to do | Done |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check for injuries, gas smells and downed lines | ☐ |
| 2 | Walk around the house from the ground | ☐ |
| 3 | Photograph each side, then each dent and crack | ☐ |
| 4 | Check the attic and ceilings for damp spots | ☐ |
| 5 | Tarp roof openings and cover broken windows | ☐ |
| 6 | Save receipts for temporary repairs | ☐ |
| 7 | Report the claim to your insurer | ☐ |
| 8 | Get a roof inspection | ☐ |
| 9 | Be home when the adjuster inspects | ☐ |
| 10 | Compare written estimates | ☐ |
| 11 | Read the contract before you sign | ☐ |
| 12 | Keep all claim papers in one folder | ☐ |
If you want a printed copy, use your browser’s print button on this page.
When Should You Get a Roof Inspection After Hail?
Get a roof inspection soon after the storm, even if you see no leaks. Hail can bruise shingles and knock off granules without making a hole. Those weak spots can leak months later. An inspection also gives you notes and photos to compare with the adjuster’s report on your roof.
A roof inspection is the step most people skip in what to do after a hail storm. A roofer checks shingles, flashing, vents, valleys and the deck. They look for bruises, cracks and missing granules. They also check how many slopes are hit. That count often decides repair or replacement.
Our roof inspection in Austin page explains what an inspection covers. If you also had strong winds, the wind damage roof repair guide shows what lifted or creased shingles look like.
How Do Hail Insurance Claims Work in Texas?
Report the claim as soon as you can. TDI says many policies set a one year deadline to file, unless you show good cause for delay. Your insurer then sends an adjuster to inspect and estimate the damage. Be home for that visit and point out every damaged spot you found.
Texas law sets deadlines for insurers. The Texas Department of Insurance lists them on its claim tips page.
| Step | Texas deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Insurer says it got your claim | 15 business days | TDI |
| Insurer accepts or denies the claim | 15 business days after it gets what it needs | TDI |
| Extra time, with a stated reason | Up to 45 more days | TDI |
| Payment after approval | 5 business days | TDI |
| Weather catastrophe | TDI can add 15 more days | TDI |
A denial must come in writing with the reasons. Ask questions if any part of the decision is unclear.
Should You File a Claim for Small Hail Damage?
Compare the likely repair cost with your deductible first. If the repair costs less than your deductible, a claim may not pay anything. Your agent can explain your deductible and how a claim may affect you. Our roof leak repair cost guide gives a sense of repair prices in Austin.
What If Your Claim Is Denied or Too Low?
Start by asking the insurer to explain the decision in writing. If you disagree about the amount, TDI says many policies allow appraisal. Each side hires an appraiser, and the two pick an umpire. You pay your appraiser and half of the umpire’s cost.
You can also file a complaint with TDI online or call the TDI Help Line at 800-252-3439. You may hire a public adjuster to work for you. TDI says public adjusters must hold a TDI license and charge fees.
How Do You Hire a Roofer and Avoid Storm Scams?
Hire a local roofer with a real address, good references and a written estimate. Never let a roofer waive or pay your deductible, because Texas law forbids it. Do not sign anything that hands your claim to the roofer. Your roofer also cannot act as your public adjuster under Texas rules. Take your time.
After a big hail storm in Austin, some roofers knock on doors. Some are honest. TDI warns that others do shoddy work or take your money and run. Hiring with care is a key part of what to do after a hail storm. Slow down and check before you sign.
What Does Texas Law Say About Roofers and Deductibles?
The Texas Department of Insurance says this clearly. It is illegal for a contractor to offer to waive, rebate or absorb your deductible. Contracts of $1,000 or more that involve an insurance claim must include a notice that you must pay the deductible. Your insurer may ask you to prove you paid it.
TDI also says a roofer cannot act as your public adjuster on a claim for work they are doing. You can report violations to the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508.
How Do You Spot a Storm Chaser?
| Warning sign | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Offers to cover your deductible | Say no. It is illegal in Texas |
| Wants a large cash deposit today | Ask for a written estimate and time to compare |
| Says they will handle your claim | Talk to your insurer yourself |
| No local address or references | Check the address and call past customers |
| Pressure to sign on the spot | Take the contract home and read it |
| Out of state plates and no paperwork | Ask for insurance proof and a written contract |
Should You Repair or Replace a Hail Damaged Roof?
It depends on how much of the roof is damaged, the roof’s age, and your policy. A few damaged shingles on a young roof can often be repaired. Damage across several slopes, or an older roof, may point to replacement. Your roofer’s report and the adjuster’s estimate help you decide.
| Situation | Usually points to |
|---|---|
| A few damaged shingles, young roof | Repair of that section |
| Dents only on gutters and vents | Metal parts repair or replace |
| Damage on several slopes | Larger repair or replacement |
| Older roof with widespread granule loss | Replacement worth pricing |
| Leaks through the deck | Deck repair first, then surface |
If replacement makes sense, our roof replacement in Austin page explains the process. For loose or missing pieces, see missing shingles repair.
Do You Need a Permit to Replace a Roof in Austin?
Often no, but it depends on location. The City of Austin exempts replacing asphalt shingles with asphalt shingles from a building permit. There is one limit. The exemption ends in the Wildland Urban Interface area when 50 percent or more of the roof is replaced. Other coverings follow similar rules.
The City’s list of work exempt from building permits covers several roofing jobs for homes. It also exempts roof decking up to 128 square feet. Exempt work must still meet city codes.
Not sure if your home is in the Wildland Urban Interface area? Contact City of Austin Development Services before work starts. A good roofer should check this for you.
What Hail Damage Can Show Up Later?
Some hail damage takes weeks or months to show. Bruised shingles can crack over time, and lost granules let the sun wear down the asphalt. Small leaks can stain ceilings or soak attic insulation slowly. Check the attic and ceilings after the next few rains, and photograph anything new you find.
Part of what to do after a hail storm is watching for slow damage. Look for these signs in the months after the storm:
- New stains on ceilings or walls.
- Damp insulation or a musty smell in the attic.
- More granules in gutters after each rain.
- Shingles that curl, lift or go missing.
If you see any of these, ask for a roof leak detection visit. Finding the source early keeps the repair smaller.
How Can You Prepare Before the Next Hail Season in Texas?
Before hail season in Texas, take dated photos of your roof, gutters and siding. Save your policy and know your deductible. Keep a roofer’s number and a tarp plan ready. These simple steps help you prove new damage. They also help you act fast after the next big storm in your area.
Knowing what to do after a hail storm is easier when you prepare before it. A few steps help before storms return:
- Photograph each side of the house on a clear day.
- Write down your policy number and your agent’s phone number.
- Clean gutters so water can drain after the storm.
- Trim limbs that hang over the roof. Our tree damage roof repair page shows why.
- Ask about impact resistant shingles when you next replace the roof.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid After Hail?
Do not climb the roof, make permanent repairs before the adjuster visits, or sign a contract on the spot. Do not let a roofer cover your deductible. Do not throw away damaged parts or receipts. Each of these mistakes can slow your claim or cost you both money and time later.
What not to do matters as much as what to do after a hail storm.
| Mistake | Why it hurts |
|---|---|
| Climbing a wet or damaged roof | Risk of a serious fall |
| Permanent repairs before the adjuster visits | TDI says the claim could be denied |
| No photos before cleanup | Hard to prove what happened |
| Waiting months to report | Many policies have filing deadlines |
| Letting a roofer pay the deductible | Illegal in Texas |
| Signing a contract at the door | No time to compare or check |
Hail Damage Questions
What to do after a hail storm if the roof looks fine?
Check the gutters, vents and downspouts for dents and granules. Take photos anyway. Then get a roof inspection, because hail damage on shingles is often hard to see from the ground.
What to do if hail damages your roof and water comes in?
Move people and valuables away from the water. Place buckets and photograph the stain. Then call a roofer to tarp the opening and call your insurer.
How soon should I file a hail claim in Texas?
Report it as soon as you can. TDI says many policies set a one year deadline unless you show good cause for a delay.
How long does the insurer have to respond?
TDI says the insurer has 15 business days to say it got your claim. It then has 15 business days after getting what it needs to decide.
Can a roofer pay my deductible?
No. Texas law makes it illegal for a contractor to waive, rebate or absorb your deductible.
Can my roofer talk to the insurer for me?
A roofer can share repair details and photos. But TDI says a roofer cannot act as your public adjuster on a claim for their own work.
What to do after a hail storm if you rent your home?
Photograph the damage and tell your landlord in writing right away. The roof is usually the owner’s responsibility. Your renters policy may cover your own belongings.
Does homeowners insurance cover hail in Austin?
TDI lists hail among the risks most Texas homeowners policies cover. Coverage and deductibles vary, so check your own policy or ask your agent.
What is the difference between a public adjuster and an insurance adjuster?
The insurance adjuster works for the insurer. A public adjuster works for you, holds a TDI license, and charges a fee.
Do I need a permit to replace a hail damaged roof in Austin?
Often not, if asphalt shingles replace asphalt shingles. The exemption ends in the Wildland Urban Interface area when half or more of the roof is replaced.
Should I report storm damage to the state?
The City of Austin asks residents to report damage with photos through the iSTAT tool. This helps decide on aid. It does not replace your insurance claim.
What to do after a hail storm if you have no photos?
Take photos now, before any repairs. Note the storm date and time. Your insurer may also use weather data and the adjuster’s inspection.
What if hail dented only my gutters?
Gutter dents still show hail force, so photograph them. Ask a roofer to check the shingles too. Gutters and vents may be part of the same claim.
What to do after hail damage shows up months later?
Call a roofer to find the leak source and photograph the new damage. Tell your insurer too, and ask how the late damage affects your claim.
Can hail damage cause leaks months later?
Yes. Bruised or cracked shingles can start leaking after later rains. Check the attic and ceilings after the next few storms.
Who can help with a hail damaged roof near Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, Kyle, San Marcos or Pflugerville?
See our Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, Kyle, San Marcos, Lakeway and Pflugerville pages, or call (512) 548-9448.
Ready for the Next Step?
Think back to that May 2025 storm. Many Austin roofs looked fine from the street, yet hid damage. The safest plan is simple. Stay safe, take photos, make only temporary repairs, and report the claim soon.
Now you know what to do after a hail storm, from the first hour to the final repair. Use the hail damage checklist above and keep every receipt. Do not let a roofer cover your deductible or rush you into a contract. Get a roof inspection so hidden damage does not turn into a leak.
You can see real roof problems in our roof problems gallery and more guides on the blog. For local help with a hail damaged roof, call Austin Roof Response.
Sources: City of Austin, Ready Central Texas: flash flooding and hail impact (May 29, 2025) · Texas Department of Insurance: homeowners insurance guide · Texas Department of Insurance: getting your insurance claim paid · Texas Department of Insurance: roofing and insurance, know the law · City of Austin Development Services: work exempt from building permits
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