Storm damage insurance claims in Dallas cover a lot of ground. The NOAA Storm Events Database lists 2,142 events in Dallas County since 1952, including 841 hail reports, 708 thunderstorm-wind reports, 305 flash floods, 109 tornadoes, and dozens of winter storm, ice, and extreme cold entries. A single spring night can bring several of those at once, and each type of damage is treated a little differently under a property policy.
This page gives an overview of storm claims in Dallas County and links to our detailed pages for each type of loss. Whether you need insurance claim help in Dallas after hail, wind, a tornado, or an ice storm, the basics are the same: report promptly, protect the property, document thoroughly, and understand your policy before you settle.
Types of Storm Damage We Help With
| Storm type | Typical damage | Coverage notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | Roofs, windows, siding, gutters, AC units | Covered peril; wind/hail deductible usually applies |
| Straight-line wind | Shingles, fences, trees, commercial roofs | Covered peril; wind/hail deductible usually applies |
| Tornado | Structural damage, total losses, contents | Treated as windstorm; ALE and code coverage often matter |
| Lightning | Fire, electrical and surge damage | Covered peril on most policies |
| Ice and freeze | Burst pipes, fallen limbs, ice weight | Often covered, with conditions about maintaining heat |
| Flash flooding | Water entering from the ground or rising creeks | Usually excluded; needs NFIP or private flood policy |
The Dallas County Storm Calendar
Hail reports in Dallas County cluster from March through June, with April and May the busiest months and a smaller second peak in October. Severe wind can arrive with any strong thunderstorm line, as it did on May 28, 2024, when the National Weather Service found winds up to 95 mph in Garland and 90 mph in Richardson. Tornadoes have struck in spring, fall, and even late December, including the EF4 that hit Garland and Rowlett on December 26, 2015. Winter brings its own risks: Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 and ice storms in February 2023, January 2025, and January 2026.
See our storm history page for a searchable record of past events.
When Storm Damage Overlaps
Multi-cause losses are where storm claims get complicated. A few examples:
- Wind and rain. Interior rain damage is often covered only if wind or hail first created an opening in the roof or walls.
- Wind and flood. If a storm damages the roof and also sends water in at ground level, the homeowners policy and a flood policy may each cover part of the loss, and some policies contain language that limits coverage when flood contributes. Careful documentation of each source matters.
- Old and new damage. A roof hit by hail in one season and wind in the next may draw a “prior damage” argument from the insurer.
- Trees. Wind or ice can bring down trees, and coverage for removal depends on whether the tree struck a covered structure and the policy’s debris removal limits.
Documenting a Storm Damage Claim
Strong storm claims share a few things: dated photos taken before cleanup, weather records that place the storm at the property, a complete inspection inside and out, and an itemized estimate. Our claim documentation checklist lists what to gather. Keep receipts for tarping, board-up, water extraction, tree removal, and any hotel stays. Save damaged materials when practical until the insurer inspects. If the insurer’s adjuster visits, walk the property with them and point out every area of damage, including the attic, fence lines, and outbuildings.
Deductibles and Payment Basics
Many Texas policies carry a separate wind/hail deductible, often 1% or 2% of the dwelling limit. Replacement cost policies typically pay actual cash value first, then release recoverable depreciation after repairs. Dallas County is not in the TWIA coastal area, so wind and hail coverage usually comes from your regular insurer. Under the Texas Prompt Payment of Claims law, insurers have set deadlines to respond, which are extended by 15 days after a weather catastrophe declared by the insurance commissioner.
Homes and Commercial Properties
Storm claims look different depending on the building. On a brick-veneer house with a composition shingle roof, the focus is often the roof, gutters, windows, fence, and any interior leaks. On apartments, offices, and warehouses with flat TPO or modified-bitumen roofs, hail and wind can damage the membrane, insulation, rooftop HVAC units, and skylights, and a leak can spread through several tenant spaces. Commercial policies may also include business income coverage and different deductibles. See residential property claims and commercial property claims for details on each.
How Dallas Public Adjuster Can Help
Dallas Public Adjuster is a service of Rise Public Adjusting LLC, licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance. As a public adjuster in Dallas, we work for the policyholder on storm claims of every size, from a damaged fence to a commercial roof. We can inspect, document, prepare an Xactimate estimate, gather weather data, and communicate with your insurer. If you already have an offer, our estimate review can show what may be missing. We cannot guarantee a result. Fees are disclosed in a written contract before any work begins; Texas law caps public adjuster compensation at 10% of the insurance settlement.
After the Storm: A Short Checklist
- Check for hazards: downed lines (report to Oncor), gas odors (report to Atmos Energy), and structural damage.
- Photograph and video all damage before cleanup.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage and keep receipts.
- Report the claim promptly and keep a log of every conversation.
- Be cautious with door-to-door contractors and read everything before signing.
Texas has specific pre-suit notice rules for weather-related claim lawsuits. For legal questions, consult a Texas attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does homeowners insurance cover after a storm?
Most homeowners and commercial property policies cover sudden damage from hail, windstorm, lightning, and the weight of ice and snow, subject to deductibles and exclusions. Rising floodwater is usually excluded and needs separate flood insurance. Your policy language controls.
One storm caused hail, wind, and water damage. Is that one claim?
Often damage from a single storm event is handled as one claim with one deductible, though different coverages and sub-limits may apply to different parts. Flood damage is handled separately under a flood policy if you have one.
How do I find the exact date of the storm?
NOAA Storm Events records and National Weather Service reports list hail size, wind speeds, and tornado tracks by date and location. Our storm lookup tool and weather events page can help you match damage to a date.
Should I wait to see if more storms come before filing?
Generally no. Policies require prompt notice, and waiting through several more storms can make it harder to show which event caused which damage. Report the claim, protect the property, and document everything.
Is lightning damage covered?
Lightning is a covered peril on most property policies. That can include fire from a lightning strike and, depending on the policy, damage to electrical systems and electronics from a power surge. Check the policy for any limits.
Can a public adjuster help with a storm claim after the insurer has paid?
Often, yes. If damage was missed or underpriced, a supplement may be possible, and disagreements over the amount of loss may go to appraisal under many policies. Results depend on the policy and the facts.