TDI: Wind/Hail Deductibles Can Wipe Out a Smaller Roof Claim

Know the deductible math before hail season hits East Texas

The Texas Department of Insurance’s tip What to know about deductibles shows how a percentage deductible can erase a smaller roof claim. TDI’s examples for homes insured for $150,000:

• Policy A has a $500 deductible. Hail destroys the roof; repairs cost $6,500. The company pays $6,000.
• Policy B has a 5 percent deductible—$7,500. The same $6,500 repair would pay nothing, because the deductible exceeds the repair amount.

TDI also notes that home (and auto) deductibles usually apply per claim, not once per year like many health policies. A higher deductible can lower premiums—TDI says switching from $500 to $1,000 can save as much as 20%—but you need cash ready if damage hits.

Ask specifically about wind and hail

On Insurance and your roof, TDI tells Texans to ask whether the deductible for wind and hail damage is different from other types of damage. If it is, you might pay more out-of-pocket after a storm. That question matters in East Texas even when you are not in a coastal TWIA zone: many standard homeowners policies still carve out a separate wind/hail deductible.

This is consumer education from TDI—not a claim estimate, coverage guarantee, or advice to file (or not file) a claim. Always read your declarations page and talk to your agent or company (TDI Help Line: 800-252-3439).

Takeaway: Convert any percentage deductible to dollars before a storm. If the number is larger than a typical roof repair, plan how you would fund that gap—or shop coverage options at renewal.

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