Austin residents are no strangers to severe weather, but the May 28, 2025, hailstorm was one of the worst in the city’s history. The storm brought baseball-sized hail, flash flooding, and hurricane-force wind gusts, resulting in massive property damage, including:
- Over 72,000 homes and businesses with power outages
- Significant damage to the Texas State Capitol, UT’s Disch-Falk Field, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and surrounding neighborhoods
- Reports of baseball-sized hail in parts of the Texas Hill Country, extending into Travis and Williamson counties
- One confirmed fatality and several emergency water rescues due to flash flooding
For homeowners and business owners across Austin, this storm caused not only emotional and physical distress but also unexpected financial hardship. If you’ve filed an insurance claim—or are thinking of doing so—you need legal support from a team of insurance claim attorneys that understand how Texas insurance companies work and how to hold them accountable for full, fair payouts.
Types Of Property Damage Common In Austin Hailstorms
Austin residents impacted by the May hailstorm reported a wide range of property damage, much of which is covered under standard homeowners or commercial policies:
Residential and Commercial Structures
- Roof Damage: Hailstorms often result in significant roof damage, including cracked or broken shingles, punctures in roofing materials, and the dislodging of protective granules that can lead to long-term deterioration.
- Window & Siding Damage: Intense hail can shatter window panes, chip or dent siding, and allow water to seep into the home, potentially causing interior water damage and mold growth.
- Skylights: Skylights are especially vulnerable during hailstorms and are frequently shattered or destroyed by large, fast-falling ice chunks.
- HVAC Systems: Outdoor HVAC units, particularly air conditioning systems, are commonly dented, damaged, or rendered inoperable due to hail impacts, which can affect cooling performance and lead to costly repairs or replacements.
- Outdoor Features: Items such as patio furniture, fencing, landscaping, grills, and wooden decks are often damaged or destroyed during severe hailstorms, leading to additional property losses.
- Other Structures: Secondary home features like gutters, downspouts, solar panels, and decorative elements are also at risk, with hail often causing dents, cracks, or complete breakage that necessitates professional repair or replacement.
Vehicles
- Body Damage: Vehicles caught in the hailstorm often sustain noticeable body damage, including dents to hoods, trunks, doors, and roofs, which can affect both appearance and resale value.
- Glass Damage: Hail can crack or shatter windshields and side windows, posing safety risks and requiring immediate repair or replacement to maintain vehicle integrity.
- High-Risk Exposure: Unprotected vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, boats, and RVs left outside during the storm face a much higher risk of significant damage, particularly if they lack shelter or coverage.
Infrastructure and Public Utilities
The May 2025 hailstorms significantly impacted infrastructure and public utilities, leading to widespread power and internet outages throughout the Austin area. These disruptions left residents without essential services and caused the spoilage of refrigerated goods due to prolonged power loss.
Additionally, heavy rainfall and flooding associated with the storms resulted in water damage to garages and ground-level rooms, further straining local resources and increasing repair costs for property owners.
What To Do After A Hailstorm In Austin
If your home or vehicle was damaged in the May 2025 storm, follow these steps to protect your rights and preserve your insurance claim:
- Ensure Safety First
Watch for downed lines, broken glass, roof collapse, or weakened walls. Evacuate if needed. - Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of everything—roof, siding, windows, interior, furniture, and vehicles. Don’t rely solely on the adjuster’s inspection. Your documentation is key. - Review Your Insurance Policy
Understand your deductibles, exclusions, and whether your policy differentiates between structural and cosmetic damage. - File Your Insurance Claim Promptly
In Texas, property damage claims are subject to deadlines. Report the damage ASAP to begin the claims process and avoid delays that could jeopardize your recovery. - Seek a Professional Inspection
Contractors, roofing experts, or public adjusters can give you a second opinion before you settle. This is particularly important in cases where hidden damage (like underlayment or flashing issues) isn’t visible from the ground. - Contact an Experienced Hail Damage Attorney
If your insurance company is delaying, underpaying, or denying your claim, contact the law firm of Florin|Roebig for a free case evaluation. Our insurance law attorneys specialize in handling bad faith insurance practices and fighting for Austin homeowners and businesses.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
Many Austin homeowners mistakenly assume all hail damage is automatically covered by insurance. But policyholders must be cautious and proactive in understanding the specifics of how their plan covers natural disasters. Here’s what to know about the different types of insurance:
Homeowners Insurance
Home insurance typically covers hail and wind damage, not only to the structure of your house but also to its contents. However, it’s important to note that some policies may exclude cosmetic damage or impose higher deductibles specifically for wind and hail events. Additionally, any water damage resulting from openings created by hail, such as broken windows or damaged roofs, may also be included in the coverage.
Auto Insurance
Comprehensive auto policies are the only type that provide coverage for damage caused by hail. If your car sustains damage during a storm and you only have liability insurance, it’s important to note that your insurance will likely not cover those damages.
Commercial Property Insurance
This insurance coverage encompasses protection against physical damage to your building and assets. Additionally, it may include business interruption coverage, which becomes crucial if your operations are paused or affected following a storm. This comprehensive approach ensures that not only is your physical property safeguarded, but also that your business can stay afloat during challenging times.
Know What Your Policy Covers
Because hail damage is so common in Texas, insurers often include specific language in their policies about how hail-related claims are handled. It’s critical to:
- Review your declarations page for exclusions or special deductibles
- Understand whether your policy differentiates between functional and cosmetic damage
- Clarify how your coverage works if multiple parts of your property are affected (e.g., roof and siding)
If you’re unsure about what your policy covers or if your insurance company seems to be minimizing or denying your valid hail damage claim, it may be time to speak with an attorney who can review your case and advocate on your behalf.
Our Featured Case Results
When To Call A Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer In Austin
If your insurance provider:
- Denied your claim without a clear explanation
- Offered a lowball settlement that undervalues or doesn’t cover the actual repair costs
- Delayed communication or payment without justification
- Is not cooperating in negotiating a fair outcome
…it’s time to talk to a bad faith insurance attorney.
Florin|Roebig has decades of experience taking on large insurers and fighting for fair compensation. Whether your roof needs full replacement or you’re dealing with business losses due to storm closure, we can help ensure you’re not left footing the bill for damage that should be covered.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
FAQs About Hailstorms and Insurance Coverage
Is hail damage covered by insurance in Texas?
Yes, hail damage is typically covered by homeowners’ insurance in Texas. Most standard HO-3 homeowners insurance policies include protection against wind and hail damage as part of the dwelling coverage. This means that if hail damages your roof, siding, windows, or other parts of your home, your policy will likely help cover the repair costs, minus your deductible. However, it’s important to note that some policies in areas prone to hail may have separate wind or hail deductibles or even exclusions. Therefore, it’s essential to review the specific details of your policy or speak with your insurance provider for clarification.
Does homeowners’ insurance go up after a hail claim?
Filing a hail damage claim can lead to an increase in your homeowners insurance premium, though this isn’t always the case. Hail is classified as a “no-fault” natural event, meaning that it is not caused by negligence. However, insurance companies may still raise rates based on the number of claims in your area or your personal claims history. Some insurers apply surcharges after any claim, irrespective of fault, particularly if you have submitted multiple claims in recent years. Texas law does not prevent rate increases following a weather-related claim, so it’s a good idea to ask your insurance agent how a hail claim might impact your future premiums.
Can insurance deny a hail damage claim?
Yes, insurance companies can deny a hail damage claim under certain circumstances. Common reasons for denial include:
- The damage is considered cosmetic and doesn’t impact the function of the roof or structure.
- The claim was filed after the deadline, as most policies have a limited window (often one year) to report storm-related damage.
- The damage was pre-existing or caused by wear and tear rather than the storm.
- There is insufficient evidence to prove that the hailstorm caused the damage.
To avoid denial, it’s important to document the damage thoroughly, file your claim promptly, and, if necessary, get an independent inspection.
What is the average hail damage claim?
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average homeowners’ insurance hail claim in the United States is about $12,000 to $15,000, although this number can vary widely depending on the severity of the storm, the size of the home, and the materials involved (like roofing or siding).
In Texas, which ranks among the top states for hail-related claims, the average cost may trend higher, especially in large metro areas like Austin, where homes tend to be larger or more exposed to hailstorms.
How do you negotiate a hail damage claim?
To effectively negotiate a valid claim for hail damage, start by documenting the incident with detailed photographs and records of the storm’s date and time. Then, obtain multiple repair estimates from reputable contractors to compare with the insurance adjuster’s report. Don’t rush to accept the first offer; request a reinspection if the payout seems low.
Hiring a public adjuster can also help secure higher settlements. Remain persistent and professional during negotiations, and if needed, escalate the issue within the insurance company or file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance. For complex claims or unfair denials, consulting a hail damage insurance lawyer can improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Why Choose A Florin|Roebig Hail Damage Insurance Lawyer?
Florin|Roebig’s award-winning team has been recognized nationwide for securing results in high-stakes property damage and bad faith insurance claims. With a proven track record of over $1 billion in results for our clients and a reputation for aggressive advocacy and client-first service, our law firm is proud to serve Austin storm victims with integrity and results-driven representation.
We offer:
- Free consultations
- No upfront attorney’s fees (we only get paid if you win)
- Decades of experience with Texas hail and storm damage law
- Licensed professionals with local knowledge of Travis County and Central Texas insurers
Get Help With Your Austin Hail Damage Claim Today
Don’t go it alone. If your home, vehicle, or business was affected by the May 2025 hailstorms in Austin, now is the time to act. Insurance companies often use tactics to minimize payouts, but you don’t have to accept less than you deserve.
Contact Florin|Roebig today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and find out how we can help maximize your storm damage settlement. With offices in Texas, we are currently serving all policyholders statewide, including residents of Houston, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, McAllen, and surrounding areas.
Call our toll-free phone number above for real-time assistance, or complete our online contact form for a quick response from the Florin|Roebig team.
