Hail happens. Be ready.
Your roof. Your car. Your patio furniture. Here's how to prepare for Texas hailstorms, limit potential damage and understand your insurance before the ice starts falling.
Sometimes, it rains ice.
Texas thunderstorms have a habit of making an entrance. Sometimes that entrance includes hail large enough to damage roofs, shatter windows and leave your car looking like a golf ball.
The good news? A little preparation can help protect your property and make the aftermath easier to manage.
First, know what you're dealing with.
Hail forms inside thunderstorms when powerful updrafts carry water droplets into freezing air. Those droplets grow into hailstones before eventually falling to the ground.
Hail can range from tiny pellets to stones larger than golf balls. Even smaller hail can cause damage when combined with strong winds.
Be prepared.
Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms. Monitor forecasts and be ready to move indoors.
Get inside.
Severe weather is occurring or imminent. Take shelter in a sturdy building and stay away from windows.
Give your home a fighting chance.
You can't hail-proof everything. But these steps can help reduce preventable damage.
Have a qualified professional check for damaged shingles, flashing and other issues. Address problems before storm season.
If you have time and conditions are safe, park in a garage or covered structure. Don't risk going outside once severe weather arrives.
Bring in patio cushions, lightweight furniture, decorations and other loose objects before strong winds arrive.
Clear leaves and debris so heavy rainfall can drain away from your home.
If you're replacing your roof, ask about materials designed to resist hail. Some insurers may offer discounts for qualifying roofing materials.
One more thing: take pictures.
Photograph your roof, exterior and vehicles before storm season. Having a record of their condition can be helpful if you need to file a claim.
Forget the car.
Protect yourself.
When large hail starts falling, your safety matters more than anything parked in the driveway.
If you're at home
Stay inside a sturdy building, away from windows and skylights. Move to an interior room if damaging hail or severe winds are approaching.
If you're outside
Get inside a sturdy building immediately. Don't shelter beneath trees or temporary outdoor structures.
If you're driving
If there's enough time, get to a safe, sturdy shelter. Avoid driving through severe thunderstorms. Don't stop beneath highway overpasses.
Remember that hailstorms can also produce damaging winds, lightning and tornadoes. Continue monitoring official weather alerts.
Well, that was something.
Once the storm has passed and it's safe to go outside, check your property for signs of damage.
Look from the ground.
Watch for missing shingles, damaged gutters, loose flashing and fallen debris. Have a professional inspect suspected damage.
Check the exterior.
Look for dents, cracked glass and damage to mirrors, lights and body panels.
Check for cracks.
Inspect windows and skylights for damage. Arrange safe temporary protection if needed.
Watch your step.
Look for broken branches, shattered glass, debris and downed power lines. Stay clear of electrical hazards.
Document before you repair.
Take photos and videos of damage when safe. Contact your insurer promptly and keep receipts for necessary temporary repairs.
Don't climb onto a damaged roof to inspect it yourself.
Does insurance cover hail damage?
Often, yes. But the answer depends on your policy, where you live and what was damaged.
Check your wind and hail coverage.
Many Texas homeowners policies include hail damage, but some coastal properties require separate windstorm coverage.
Comprehensive matters.
Comprehensive auto coverage generally covers hail damage to your vehicle, subject to your policy and deductible.
Know how claims are valued.
Replacement cost and actual cash value coverage can result in very different claim payments.
Check the actual dollar amount.
Your wind and hail deductible may be higher than your standard deductible.
Here's some deductible math.
Imagine your home is insured for $400,000 and your wind and hail deductible is 2%.
That's an $8,000 deductible.
You would generally be responsible for the first $8,000 of a covered claim, subject to your policy's terms and coverage limits.
One important Texas rule: contractors cannot legally offer to waive or absorb your property insurance deductible.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS ↗Oh yeah.
Insurance.
Texas hailstorms can turn an ordinary afternoon into a very expensive one. Understanding your coverage before a storm can help you avoid surprises.
Hey Charley is independent, which means we can help you explore options from multiple insurance carriers.
We'll help you review your wind and hail coverage, roof coverage and deductibles so you can make an informed decision about protecting your Texas home.
Don't wait for
the next hailstorm.
Not sure what your policy covers? Let Charley help you explore your insurance options before severe weather arrives.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →