Should I get on the roof myself to look for hail damage?

No. Everything on this checklist can be done from the ground, and a wet or hail-damaged roof is a bad place to be. Photograph what you can see from the yard and from inside the attic if it's safe, then let a roofer or your insurance adjuster inspect the roof itself.

Can hail damage a roof even if it isn't leaking?

Yes. Hail can knock granules off shingles or crack them without causing a leak right away. That's why the checklist has you look at gutters, downspouts and soft metal for dents and granules, which are easier to see than damage on the roof.

How long does the insurance company have to respond to a hail claim in Texas?

TDI says the company has 15 business days to acknowledge your claim, then 15 business days to decide once it has all the information it asked for, and five business days to pay after approving it. These are the usual deadlines; your insurer can tell you where your claim stands.

Will my insurance pay to tarp the roof after a storm?

It may. TDI says your policy may pay for temporary repairs that prevent more damage, like covering holes or broken windows. Save every receipt and take photos before and after. Your policy decides what's covered, so ask your insurer.

A roofer knocked on my door right after the storm. Is that a red flag?

Not always, but be careful. TDI warns that out-of-town scam artists are often first to arrive after a disaster. Get at least three written bids, check references, don't sign anything called an "estimate" or a "release" just to let someone on your roof, and walk away from any offer to waive your deductible.

How do I check my roof for hail damage after a storm?

You can do a useful hail check without a ladder. Walk the house in daylight, photograph everything with the date, look for the signs below, and cover any openings so rain can’t get in. Then report the damage to your insurer and let a roofer or the adjuster go up on the roof. Hail damage often isn’t obvious from the driveway, and a roof can be damaged without leaking yet.

What the claim process usually looks like in Texas

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) describes the usual steps:

You file the claim with photos, video and a list of the damage. Under Texas rules, the company has 15 business days to acknowledge it.
The company asks questions and sends an adjuster. Once it has everything it needs, it has 15 business days to decide whether it will pay.
You pick a contractor. Get more than one written bid and don’t sign a contract with blank spaces.
You get paid. Once the company approves the claim, it has five business days to pay. You pay your deductible to the contractor. If your policy has replacement cost coverage, the payment often comes in two checks: a first partial payment, and the rest after repairs have started.

This is how the process usually runs, not advice about your claim. Your policy and your insurer decide what’s covered. TDI answers questions at 800-252-3439.