By SPJ Adjusting Services | Insurance Appraisals
How State Farm Processes Hail Damage Claims in Texas – What Every Homeowner Should
The truth in Texas is that damage from a hail storm is not unusual; it is expected. Strike after strike of intense storms roll in from Amarillo to Dallas-Fort Worth and then into the Rio Valley with damaged roofs, damaged shingles, dented siding, and sometimes damaged interior work. Damage from a hail storm is a way of life in Texas.
Although such occurrences are common in Texas, Texans are surprised when they file a claim, especially if they have a national carrier such as State Farm.
At SPJ Adjusting, we have dealt with Hail Damage Claim all over the state of Texas. Although each claim will have circumstances unique to itself, two elements will always impact a claim for damage from a hail storm in Texas:
the individual adjuster assigned to the claim, and
“The level of training and authority which adjuster actually has.”
Numerous authors highlight this point: they
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know before, and after making a claim with State Farm for a hail storm damage assessment, and how you can protect yourself if your claim estimate does not accurately represent your damage.
Typical Indicators of Hail Damage to Houses in Texas
Damage from hail can be difficult to spot from the ground. Some of the most serious damage we see is not detected until a professional inspection is conducted. Some common signs include:
Roof Damage
- Loss of Granulates in Asphalt Shingles
- Circular Bruising or Impact Marks
- Cracks or fractures in shingles
- Damaged ridge caps
- Dented Vents and Flashing
- Exterior & Structural Damage
- Dented metal siding or trim
- Broken Window Beading
- Damaged or pierced window screens
- Damage to Fencing, Gutters, and Downspouts
- Dents or Fin Damage to HVAC Systems
In a Texas climate where humidity is a factor, it is not necessary to have serious problems with hail damage because, in reality, small damage can cause serious consequences. Small dents or “bruisiness” can allow water to seep in, which can cause leaks and, in time, a roof failure. A professional inspection is one of the most critical steps after a hail storm.
Common Method State Farm Uses in Assessing Texas Hail Damage Cases
As a leading insurance
While no two claims are exactly alike, common themes exist in claims State Farm assesses in Texas homeowners.
- Focus on ‘Functional Damage’
State Farm adjusters in many cases have differentiated between cosmetic damage and function damage, which they think impacts the roof’s water-shedding capability. The claim can be denied or reduced in case the carrier finds that:
Loss of granule
Is not storm related
Shingles are worn or aged
Damage occurred before the reported storm
In case the adjuster fails to establish a direct causal connection with the most recent hail storm, the claim may be denied or reduced.
- Field Adjuster Authority Is Often Limited
Often in hail claims in Texas, the adjuster inspecting the damage does not have the authority to make a complete replacement of the roof. The final authority on this matter can be a desk adjuster or a reviewer who never inspected the damage site.
- Differences in Adjuster Training
Not all claims adjusters are equally skilled in assessing damage from hail. Such a factor takes on added significance when considering Texas, where hail differs greatly in different regions. While hail in North Texas is different from West Texas or South Texas, an inexperienced adjuster can affect damage payment categorization.
Protecting Your Texas Hail Damage Claim
To protect your claim for a damaged roof
To improve your State Farm hail damage claim in Texas, follow these proactive steps:
Document Everything
Photograph and record video footage of damage immediately after a storm. Record date and time of a hail occurrence.
Request a Reinspection
If you sense a problem with either the inspection or estimate, you can request a re-inspection.
Use the Texas Appraisal Process
In case of a disagreement over the level of loss, appraisal can be an effective option.
SPJ Adjusting offers insurance appraisal and umpiring in a state-wide manner in order to assist with a fair assessment of a disputed value.
Consulting a Licensed Professional
A licensed public adjuster can make sure all damage is documented and your benefits are calculated. The Bottom Line for Texas Homeowners Hail damage claims in Texas tend not to be as cut and dried as they appear. A great deal can be attributed to adjuster training, in-house analysis, and claim handling. Professional analysis with thorough record-keeping can be all the difference in successfully resolving a claim or another result occurring.
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