Hail and Your Home Insurance in Lubbock: Deductibles, Roofs and Claims

Hail is a fact of life on the South Plains, and it is one of the main reasons West Texas homeowners file claims. Two parts of your policy decide how much you pay out of pocket after a storm: your wind and hail deductible and how your roof is covered.

Percentage deductibles: know your number before the storm

Many Texas policies use a separate wind and hail deductible set as a percentage of your home's insured value, commonly 1% to 5%, instead of a flat dollar amount.

Example: if your home is insured for $300,000 and your wind and hail deductible is 2%, you pay the first $6,000 of storm damage. The deductible is based on your home's insured value, not on the size of the repair bill.

Check your declarations page now so a big deductible does not surprise you after a storm.

Replacement cost vs. actual cash value on your roof

• Replacement cost pays to replace a damaged roof with comparable materials at today's prices, minus your deductible.

• Actual cash value (ACV) subtracts depreciation for the roof's age and condition, so an older roof can pay out much less.

Some companies limit older roofs to actual cash value. If your roof is getting up in years, ask how it is covered and what a new or impact-resistant roof could do for your coverage and price.

What to do after a hailstorm

• Take photos and video of damage to your roof, siding, windows and vehicles

• Prevent further damage, such as covering broken windows, and keep receipts

• Report the claim to your insurance company promptly

• Be cautious with door-to-door contractors and get a written estimate

• If you disagree with the company's estimate, ask about your policy's appraisal provision

What a standard policy may not cover

Flood damage requires a separate flood policy, and water backup from sewers or drains usually needs an add-on endorsement. Ask your agent which of these makes sense for your home.

Let a local agent review your coverage

Thunderhead Insurance is a local, independent agency in Lubbock. We'll explain your deductible and roof coverage in plain English and help you find a policy that fits. Request a free home or home and auto bundle quote on our website or call (512) 983-8361.

This article is for general information only. Coverage, deductibles and exclusions vary by policy and carrier.