SR-22 in Texas, Explained
What an SR-22 is, who needs one in Texas, how long you need it, and how to keep your premium down.
Read article →Published October 1, 2026 by the Yeti Insurance Agency team
Texas sees more hail damage than almost anywhere in the country, and spring storm season can bring baseball-sized hail to Dallas–Fort Worth, Central Texas and the Panhandle with little warning. Before the next storm, it's worth spending ten minutes understanding what your homeowners policy will and won't pay for.
1. Your wind and hail deductible may be a percentage
Many Texas policies have a separate deductible for wind and hail claims. Instead of a flat amount like $1,000, it's often a percentage of your dwelling coverage, commonly 1% or 2%.
Example: If your home is insured for $400,000 and your wind/hail deductible is 2%, you pay the first $8,000 of a hail claim. If the roof replacement costs $14,000, the policy pays $6,000.
Find the deductible on your declarations page. If it's higher than you could comfortably pay after a storm, ask your agent to compare options.
2. Roof age matters more than you think
Some carriers pay for roof damage on an actual cash value basis, or use a payment schedule that reduces what they pay as your roof gets older. Replacement cost coverage pays what it costs to replace the roof today, while actual cash value subtracts depreciation. On a 15-year-old roof, that difference can be thousands of dollars.
3. Cosmetic damage may be excluded
Some policies exclude "cosmetic" hail damage, such as dents on metal roofing or gutters that don't affect function. If you have a metal roof, check whether your policy includes this exclusion.
4. Before the storm
- Photograph or video your roof, siding, windows and belongings so you have a "before" record.
- Keep your policy number and your carrier's claims phone number in your phone.
- Ask about discounts for impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles if you're replacing your roof.
- Move vehicles into a garage or under cover when hail is forecast. Vehicle hail damage is covered by comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, if you carry it, not by your home policy.
5. After the storm
- Make sure everyone is safe and prevent further damage (tarp a leaking roof, for example). Keep receipts.
- Document the damage with photos and video before repairs.
- Report the claim promptly. Many policies set a deadline for storm claims, so don't wait.
- Be cautious with contractors who knock on your door after a storm. Get written estimates and check licenses and reviews.
- Let your agent know. We can help you understand the process and follow up with the carrier.
Is it time to review your policy?
If you're not sure what your wind/hail deductible is, or how your roof would be paid, we're happy to review your current policy and compare options from multiple carriers. .
This article is general information, not legal advice or a guarantee of coverage. Coverage depends on the terms of your policy.