Yes, hail damage is typically covered by commercial property insurance in Dallas—but coverage often depends on the exact language of your policy and how the insurer interprets it.
For businesses and property owners facing roof damage, broken windows, or water intrusion after a storm, contacting a Dallas hail damage lawyer early in the process can help avoid costly claim denials or delays.
Texas sees some of the most severe hailstorms in the country, and Dallas is frequently hit with large, damaging hail. Commercial properties—especially those with flat or metal roofs—are particularly vulnerable. Yet insurers often use vague policy exclusions or narrow interpretations of “cosmetic damage” to reduce or deny valid claims.
How a Dallas Insurance Claims Lawyer Helps Navigate Coverage Disputes
At Barcus Arenas, PLLC, our role as your Dallas insurance claims lawyer is to cut through confusing policy language and push back when insurers try to underpay. We regularly represent clients with high-value commercial properties in Dallas and across Texas, including:
- Retail centers and strip malls
- Multi-family apartment complexes
- Churches, schools, and nonprofit properties
- Office buildings and industrial facilities
Even when hail damage is clearly visible, insurers may dispute the severity or argue that the damage is superficial. We help clients gather expert inspections, document all losses, and push for full coverage under their policies.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 941-1041
What Types of Hail Damage Are Covered?
Most commercial property insurance policies include hail as a named peril, meaning damage caused by hail should be covered. Covered losses typically include:
- Roof damage: Punctures, dents, or cracks to metal, TPO, or shingle roofing
- HVAC system damage: Broken fins or coils on rooftop units
- Skylight breakage: Shattered or cracked skylights and glass systems
- Water intrusion: Interior water damage from roof penetrations
- Exterior damage: Dents, breaks, or coating loss on metal siding or wall panels
However, policy exclusions and limitations can reduce or eliminate coverage in some cases. For example:
- Cosmetic damage exclusions may deny coverage for dents without leaks
- Age-of-roof clauses may reduce payout based on depreciation
- Named storm deductibles could result in higher out-of-pocket costs
- Surplus lines policies may contain arbitration clauses or vague language
Our attorneys thoroughly review these provisions to determine what’s covered—and what the insurer may be wrongfully withholding.
Common Tactics Insurers Use to Deny or Delay Hail Claims
We frequently see insurers rely on the following tactics after a Dallas hailstorm:
- Claiming the damage is only cosmetic and doesn’t affect function
- Arguing that the damage is old or unrelated to the recent storm
- Requesting multiple inspections to stall the process
- Offering partial payments that don’t account for code upgrades or full roof replacement
- Using biased or unqualified inspectors to minimize damages
We work with independent roofing consultants, engineers, and weather experts to counter these arguments and present a clear, evidence-backed demand for full payment.
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What to Do After Hail Damage in Dallas
If your commercial property has suffered hail damage, take the following steps to protect your claim:
- Document everything: Take detailed photos and videos of all visible damage, both exterior and interior.
- Secure temporary repairs: Prevent further damage by covering broken windows or roof openings.
- Request a full copy of your policy: You’ll need it to understand your rights and obligations.
- Request an inspection from your insurer: But don’t rely solely on their report.
- Get an independent inspection: Use your own roofing or building expert to assess damage.
- Consult an insurance claims attorney: Early legal guidance helps avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
The sooner you act, the better positioned you’ll be to recover the full cost of repairs or replacement.
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Texas Law on Hail Damage and Insurance Claims
Texas law does not require policies to include hail coverage—but most commercial policies do. Importantly, under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 542, insurers are required to:
- Acknowledge claims promptly
- Conduct a reasonable investigation
- Approve or deny the claim within 15 business days of receiving the necessary information
- Pay approved claims within 5 business days
If your insurer drags their feet, offers a lowball settlement, or wrongfully denies the claim, they may be in violation of this law—and we’re prepared to take action when that happens.
Why Barcus Arenas, PLLC, Is the Right Choice
At Barcus Arenas, PLLC, we help commercial property owners in Dallas stand up to insurers and recover the compensation they’re owed. What makes us different:
- We’re a client-focused boutique firm, meaning your case gets personal attention from start to finish.
- Our team includes former insurance adjusters and roofing experts, giving us insight into how insurers operate—and how to beat them at their own game.
- We are trial-ready, and insurers know we won’t hesitate to litigate when they delay or deny in bad faith.
- We offer consultations via Zoom and work on contingency—so you pay nothing unless we win.
Talk to Our Team Today
If your Dallas commercial property was damaged by hail and your insurer isn’t cooperating, we’re ready to help. At Barcus Arenas, PLLC, our attorneys bring nearly two decades of combined experience to every case and have a proven track record of fighting for full, fair payouts.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your property and your future.
Call or text (800) 941-1041 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
