What we help you with — and what we don't
We help Dallas homeowners document storm damage so they can file an accurate, well-supported insurance claim. This means: understanding what to photograph, what records to gather, and what to expect from the claims process.
We do not file claims on your behalf, negotiate with insurers, or act as a public adjuster. That is licensed activity. We help with the documentation step — before the claim begins.
What to document before you file
The documentation stack that supports a storm damage claim:
- Storm records: Date, time, and severity from weather.gov or a local station
- Exterior photos: Roof (from ground), gutters, siding, windows, AC unit — all damage visible
- Interior photos: Any ceiling stains, attic moisture, or visible water intrusion
- Professional inspection report: The strongest form of documentation
- Pre-storm photos: If you have them, extremely valuable for comparison
- Inventory of damaged personal property: Serial numbers, purchase dates, values
- Emergency mitigation receipts: Tarping, water extraction, boarding up
The documentation timeline that matters
- Day 0–1: Document everything in its storm-damaged state before anything is touched
- Day 1–3: Get a professional inspection and written report
- Day 1–7: Notify your insurer of the claim (check your policy for the window)
- Before adjuster visit: Have your documentation package ready
- After adjuster visit: Compare their report to your documentation; flag any gaps
Common documentation mistakes
- Waiting weeks to document — insurer may argue damage is pre-existing
- Making repairs before documenting — removes evidence
- Only photographing the obvious damage — missing secondary damage points
- Not getting a professional inspection before the adjuster visit
- Discarding damaged materials before the adjuster sees them
- Not noting the storm date and time formally
Insurance deductibles: what you need to know
Texas homeowner policies often have a separate wind/hail deductible, usually expressed as a percentage of your dwelling coverage (e.g., 1% or 2%) rather than a flat dollar amount. On a $300,000 home, a 2% hail deductible is $6,000. This is your out-of-pocket threshold before insurance pays. Knowing your deductible before deciding to file is important — it affects whether filing makes financial sense for smaller claims. This is not financial advice; consult your agent for specifics.