After Hail or Wind: TDI’s Temporary Roof Repair Checklist
TDI’s after-hail and claim-filing tips: document first, tarp to stop further damage, keep receipts, and wait on permanent repairs until the insurer directs you.
The short answer
After hail or strong wind hits an East Texas roof, the Texas Department of Insurance’s consumer tip Hail damage to your home or car? What to do next (last updated December 9, 2025) starts with a simple order: document, stop further damage, file the claim, then avoid repair scams. TDI’s related PDF How do I file a homeowners insurance claim? adds that you should make only repairs necessary to protect the home, not permanent repairs until the insurer instructs you, and save all repair receipts. Temporary tarping is usually that protective step—not a full reroof on day one.
What TDI says to do after hail or wind (opened sources)
From TDI’s after-hail/wind tip page:
File a claim as soon as you can if hail or strong winds damaged your home (or car).
If you have wind and hail coverage on the home policy (or comprehensive on auto), the company should pay for covered hail damage subject to your policy.
Claim tips: photograph and video the damage; list damage inside and outside; do not throw damaged items away until the company says so; remove standing water; cover broken windows and holes to keep rain out; save receipts—the policy may pay for temporary repairs; be available for the adjuster; keep a contact log; ask about additional living expenses if you cannot stay in the house.
Avoid fraud: get more than one bid; check references; do not pay in full up front; do not make final payment until work is done; avoid contractors who offer to waive your deductible—TDI states it is illegal to waive a homeowners deductible under state law; never sign a contract with blank spaces.
From TDI’s filing-a-claim PDF:
Contact the agent or company right away.
Photograph or video damage; do not discard damaged items before the adjuster sees them.
Minimize further damage; only make repairs necessary to protect the property; don’t make permanent repairs until instructed; save receipts.
Walk the property with the adjuster; you may bring your contractor to discuss estimates.
Company timing notes in the PDF include acknowledgment within 15 days of receiving the claim, accept/reject within 15 business days after receiving needed information, and payment within five business days after agreeing to pay (read the PDF for the full sequence).
Many companies pay in two checks (first often actual cash value net of depreciation and deductible; second after proof of completed repairs within 365 days of the date of loss, as the PDF describes).
TDI’s homeowners disaster claims FAQ confirms the same temporary-vs-permanent split: temporary repairs are generally OK; take pictures before work; do not make permanent repairs until you have talked to the company.
How this helps an East Texas roof conversation
East Texas Roof Quotes passes each quote request to one local roofer. We do not invent claim outcomes, warranties, prices, or “we handle insurance” guarantees. Bring photos, your declarations page if you have it, and any adjuster notes. If your policy includes cosmetic-hail language, see our recent HO-145 cosmetic hail exclusion post. For dispute tools after an estimate gap, see TDI’s appraisal discussion in our appraisal clause article.
A same-weekend checklist
Photograph roof, attic stains, rooms with water, and any tarp you install—before and after temporary work.
Call the insurer/agent and start the claim number.
Tarp or board openings only as needed to stop rain; keep receipts.
Collect at least two repair bids; reject deductible-waiver pitches (illegal per TDI).
Wait on permanent tear-off until the company directs next steps.
If you disagree with the scope later, use the channels TDI lists (company discussion, appraisal, public adjuster, complaint)—not a blank contract on the curb.
What this post is not promising
Temporary repairs are not a guarantee of full replacement-cost payment.
We do not promise claim approval, cycle times, or deductible amounts.
Policy language controls coverage; TDI’s tips are consumer education, not your declarations page.
East Texas Roof Quotes does not act as a public adjuster and does not invent refund policies.
Bottom line
TDI’s after-storm order is document, protect, claim, then hire carefully—temporary repairs with receipts, no permanent work until instructed, and no illegal deductible waivers. Use that sequence before you commit to a full East Texas reroof.