Storm Damage & Insurance Claims

Hit by hail? We handle the roof and the claim.

North Texas takes some of the worst hail in the country, and most homeowners don't know the damage is there until it leaks. Benchmark Roofing and Construction documents the damage, meets your adjuster on the roof, and manages the claim from start to finish. On most approved claims, you pay only your deductible. Free inspection across Garland, Dallas, and the DFW metroplex.

After a hail or windstorm, get a free roof inspection right away. If we find covered damage, we photograph and document it, file the claim with you, and meet your insurance adjuster on the roof to make sure nothing is missed. On most approved claims you pay only your deductible. Your insurer covers the rest of the approved scope.

What should I do right after a storm?

If your home was in the path of the April 25–26, 2026 Garland and Dallas hail storm, the claim window for that event runs into spring 2027 — our guide covers what to check and how the deadline works.

Move in this order. The steps you take in the first few days protect both your home and your claim:

  1. Make your home safe and stop further damage. If water is coming in, call us for emergency tarping. Most policies expect you to prevent further damage.
  2. Get a free roof inspection before you call your insurer. You want to know whether you actually have a covered claim before you file one.
  3. Document everything. We photograph the damage on the roof, the gutters, vents, and AC unit, and note the storm date.
  4. File the claim. We help you submit it with the documentation that backs it up.
  5. Meet the adjuster on the roof. We're there with our photos so the approved scope reflects the real damage.

What does hail damage actually look like?

A lot of hail damage isn't visible from the driveway, which is exactly why so many homeowners miss it until the roof starts leaking months later. On the roof we look for:

Dark, soft "bruises" on the shingles where hail knocked the granules off and exposed the asphalt mat.
Dings and dents on metal vents, flashing, gutters, and your outdoor AC unit, easy-to-confirm proof a hailstorm hit.
Fresh granules piling up in the gutters and at the bottom of downspouts.
Wind damage: lifted, creased, or missing shingles that break the roof's water seal.

How Benchmark handles your insurance claim

This is where a roofer who knows the claim process earns their keep. We don't just hand you a repair bill and disappear:

1. Free inspection

We get on the roof, find and photograph every bit of storm damage, and tell you straight whether you have a claim worth filing. If you don't, we'll say so. No manufactured damage, ever.

2. Insurance & planning

We help you file the claim with our documentation attached, then we meet your adjuster on the roof and walk the damage with them. Adjusters move fast and miss things; we're there with the photos so the approved scope reflects what actually needs to be done.

3. Expert installation

Once the claim is approved, we complete the repair or replacement to manufacturer spec and back it with our 5-year workmanship warranty. You deal with one contractor from the first inspection to the final nail sweep.

Will I have to pay out of pocket?

On most approved claims, your only cost is your deductible. Your insurer pays the rest of the approved scope. One important Texas rule to know: Texas Insurance Code §707.003 requires you to actually pay your deductible. Any contractor who offers to "waive," "eat," or "rebate" your deductible is breaking the law, and that's a bright-red warning sign about how they do business. We document the damage honestly so your claim reflects the true cost of the work. That's how you keep your out-of-pocket to just the deductible, the right way.

ACV vs. RCV: why your policy type matters

Two homeowners with identical damage can get very different checks depending on their policy:

  • RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays the full cost to replace your roof with new materials, usually in two payments: one upfront, and the depreciation released once the work is done.
  • ACV (Actual Cash Value) pays the depreciated value of your roof. On an older roof that can leave a meaningful gap you cover yourself.

We review your situation up front so there are no surprises about what your policy will and won't cover.

Can I still claim on an older roof?

Yes. Age by itself doesn't disqualify you. What matters is whether a covered storm caused the damage. On a 10-plus-year roof, the bigger question is whether you carry RCV or ACV, since ACV pays out less on a depreciated roof. We'll look at your roof and your policy and tell you honestly whether filing makes sense.

Class 4 shingles: a smarter rebuild

When you're already replacing a storm-damaged roof, it's the right moment to upgrade to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. They're engineered to take a hail hit, and many Texas insurers offer a 10 to 30% premium discount for installing them. The next storm does less damage and you save money every year. Ask us about it during your inspection.

We handle storm claims across the whole metroplex. See every city on our service areas page, and learn more about our roof replacement and roof repair work.

Storm damage & insurance questions

Will I have to pay out of pocket for storm roof damage?
On most approved hail or wind claims, your out-of-pocket cost is just your deductible. Your insurer pays the rest of the approved scope. Be aware that Texas Insurance Code §707.003 requires you to actually pay your deductible. A contractor who offers to "waive" or "eat" it is breaking the law, and that's a red flag. We document the damage thoroughly so your claim reflects the true cost of the work.
What does hail damage to a roof look like?
Hail leaves dark, soft bruises where granules are knocked off the shingle, exposing the asphalt mat. You'll often see dings on metal vents, gutters, and the AC unit, and fresh granules collecting in the gutters and downspouts. A lot of hail damage isn't visible from the ground, which is why a roof-level inspection matters, and why an adjuster may miss it without documentation.
Can I file a claim on a 10-year-old or older roof?
Yes. Age alone doesn't disqualify you. What matters is whether a covered storm caused the damage. The key is your policy type. An RCV (replacement cost value) policy pays the full cost to replace, while an ACV (actual cash value) policy pays the depreciated value of an older roof, leaving a larger gap for you. We'll review your situation and tell you honestly whether filing makes sense.
Do you do emergency tarping after a storm?
Yes. If a storm tore open your roof, we'll tarp it fast to keep water out of your home while the claim is processed. Stopping the water protects your decking, insulation, and ceilings, and most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Call (972) 231-0794.
How long do I have to file a storm damage claim in Texas?
Most Texas homeowners policies require you to file within a certain window after the storm, often one to two years, but the sooner the better. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove a specific storm caused the damage. If your area was hit by hail or high wind, get a free inspection right away so the damage is documented while it's fresh.

Storm rolled through? Get it documented now.

The sooner we inspect, the stronger your claim. The storm inspection is free with no obligation, and we'll tell you honestly whether you have covered damage worth filing.

Get a Free Inspection Call (972) 231-0794