“Why You Should File a Roof Insurance Claim—Even for Minor Hail Damage”

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Please consult a licensed professional regarding your specific policy or coverage.

What many homeowners don’t realize about waiting, leaking, and rising deductibles

We understand that filing an insurance claim can feel like a hassle—especially if your roof isn’t leaking and the hail damage seems minimal.

But here’s the truth:

Waiting too long could cost you thousands of dollars in lost insurance benefits.

At Good Guys Roofing, we never pressure our clients into filing a claim. In fact, we often advise against it when the damage is purely cosmetic or doesn’t meet the threshold.

But when we do recommend filing—it’s because we believe you have a legitimate opportunity to qualify for a full roof replacement before new policy changes or deadlines cut off your coverage.

🧠 Understanding “Marginal” Roof Damage

Not all hail damage looks like destruction. Some storms leave:

• Small dents in shingles

• Minor bruising in the matting

• Dislodged granules

• Hairline fractures that are hard to see

These types of damage may not cause leaks today—or even this year. But they can:

• Weaken the structural integrity of your shingles

• Lead to premature aging

• Void manufacturer warranties

• And turn into leaks 5–10 years later

The problem? By then, your claim window is closed.

🕒 Insurance Deadlines Don’t Wait for Leaks

Most insurance policies in Texas require that you file a claim within 12 to 24 months of the storm date. Some policies are even shorter.

That means:

• Even if the damage is real

• Even if it’s clearly from hail

• Even if the roof eventually leaks…

Your insurance company can deny the claim simply because you waited too long.

💸 Rising Deductibles: Another Reason to Act Now

We’re seeing a sharp increase in deductibles across Texas, with many of our clients receiving letters that their policy is going from:

• 1% to 2% deductible

• Based on the full dwelling coverage amount, not the roof alone

What that means in real numbers:

• A $450,000 home with a 1% deductible = $4,500

• The same home with a 2% deductible = $9,000

• That’s double the out-of-pocket—even if the claim is identical

If you’re sitting on storm damage now and considering waiting… you could be walking into twice the cost later.

🙋‍♂️ We’re Not Just Trying to “Sell You a Roof”

At Good Guys Roofing, we’ve built our reputation on educating our clients—not pressuring them.

We’re homeowners too. We don’t like filing claims for no reason. But we also don’t like seeing good people miss out on a legitimate roof replacement because:

• The damage wasn’t “bad enough” at first glance

• They assumed no leaks = no problem

• They didn’t know their deductible was about to increase

If we suggest filing a claim, it's because:

1. We’ve documented legitimate storm damage

2. We believe you qualify under your policy

3. We want to help you avoid future expenses you shouldn’t have to shoulder alone

✅ What You Should Do Next

If you’ve had hail in your area in the last 12–18 months:

• Schedule a free inspection

• Let us document any damage with drone and photo reports

• We’ll explain your options clearly

• And only recommend a claim if it makes sense

📩 Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection Today →(Before your deductible increases—or your claim window closes.)

Final Thought:

Small hail damage doesn’t always mean small consequences.

Even if your roof isn't leaking, the damage is real, and the opportunity to file a claim won’t last forever.

We’re here to help you make a smart, informed decision—not just today, but for the long-term health of your home.