How do I know if my roof damage is wind versus hail for insurance purposes?
Answered by Allen Markel, REALTOR®, Texas Premier Realty ·
Short answer
Your insurance adjuster determines whether damage is from wind or hail by examining the pattern and type of damage to your roof and other surfaces. Hail typically leaves round or irregular dents; wind damage often shows tears, missing shingles, or directional patterns. Document photos and let your adjuster assess the damage. Your policy covers one or both depending on your coverage type.
How adjusters tell wind from hail damage
An insurance adjuster inspects your roof and other damaged areas to determine the cause. Hail damage usually appears as round or irregular dents in shingles, gutters, siding, and metal surfaces. Wind damage often shows as torn or missing shingles, lifted edges, or damage aligned with wind direction. The adjuster looks at the pattern across your roof and compares it to weather records and reports from the date of the damage.
Take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles and distances before the adjuster visits. Include close-ups of individual shingles and wider shots showing the overall pattern. This documentation helps the adjuster assess what happened and supports your claim.
What your policy covers
Your homeowners insurance policy specifies which events are covered. Most policies cover both wind and hail damage, but some exclude or limit one or the other. Review your policy documents or call your insurance agent to confirm what your coverage includes before filing a claim.
If your policy covers the damage type the adjuster identifies, your claim will proceed. If the adjuster determines the damage is from a cause your policy does not cover, the claim may be denied. This is why the adjuster's determination matters: it decides whether you have coverage and what you can recover.
What to do if you disagree with the adjuster
If you believe the adjuster's determination is wrong, you can request a second opinion or hire a public adjuster or engineer to review the damage independently. Some policies allow you to dispute the adjuster's findings through your insurance company's appeal process. Document your disagreement in writing and keep copies of all correspondence.
For questions about your specific policy, coverage disputes, or how to file a complaint with your insurance company, contact the Texas Department of Insurance consumer hotline or visit their website at tdi.texas.gov. They can explain your rights and next steps if you disagree with your adjuster's assessment. If you need guidance on the claim process or how to present your case, talk to us to find the right option for your circumstances.
Common follow-up questions
Can I file a claim for both wind and hail if my roof has both types of damage?
Yes, if your policy covers both. The adjuster will assess all damage and determine what caused each part. Your claim covers all damage from covered events.
Do I need to hire my own inspector to dispute the adjuster's finding?
Not required, but you can. A public adjuster or engineer can provide an independent assessment if you believe the insurance adjuster's determination is incorrect.
What if my insurance company denies my claim because they say it was wind, not hail?
Review your policy to confirm wind is covered. If it is and you disagree with the denial, contact the Texas Department of Insurance to file a complaint or learn about your appeal options.
Should I get repair estimates before the adjuster visits?
You can, but the adjuster's assessment of the damage cause comes first. Once the adjuster determines coverage, repair estimates help establish the cost of repairs.
Sources
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