When a hurricane hits Galveston, most homeowners discover that one storm can mean two or three separate insurance claims. Wind, rain, storm surge and flooding are often covered by different policies with different rules. This guide explains how to file a hurricane damage claim in Galveston County step by step, so you protect every dollar your policies are meant to pay.
Every policy is different, and yours controls what is covered. Use this as a practical roadmap, then confirm the details against your own declarations pages and policy forms.
Step 1: Figure Out Which Policies Apply
On the upper Texas coast, a single hurricane often triggers several coverages:
- Windstorm policy (often TWIA): Many homeowners policies on Galveston Island and in other designated coastal areas exclude wind and hail. In that case, wind damage is typically insured by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), which is governed by Chapter 2210 of the Texas Insurance Code.
- Homeowners policy: covers other perils, such as fire, and may cover some water damage depending on its wording. Check whether it has a windstorm exclusion.
- Flood policy: flood and storm surge are generally excluded from homeowners and windstorm policies. If you carry flood insurance (through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier), it is a separate claim.
Pull out your declarations pages now, before you need them, and note each carrier, policy number and deductible. Hurricane and windstorm deductibles are frequently a percentage of the dwelling limit rather than a flat dollar amount, which can surprise people.
Step 2: Stay Safe, Then Prevent Further Damage
Only return when officials say it is safe. Once you can access the property, take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, which most policies require:
- Tarp damaged roof areas and board up broken windows and doors.
- Remove standing water and start drying the structure as soon as you can.
- Pull out wet carpet, pad and drywall if mold is a risk, but photograph everything first.
- Keep every receipt for materials, labor, fans, dehumidifiers and generators.
Step 3: Document the Hurricane Damage Claim Thoroughly
Documentation is the foundation of any hurricane damage claim. Adjusters are extremely busy after a major storm, and they pay for what is clearly shown. Record:
- Video walkthroughs of the exterior and every interior room.
- Close-ups of missing or creased shingles, lifted flashing, damaged soffits, fascia, siding and gutters.
- Interior ceiling stains, wet insulation and damaged flooring.
- The water line inside and outside the home if flooding occurred. This matters for separating wind damage from flood damage.
- Fences, detached garages, sheds and outdoor equipment.
- Damaged personal property, with brand, model and approximate age.
Wind damage to roofs is often subtle from the ground. Our shingle wind damage calculator compares the wind rating of your shingles to the storm's recorded wind speed, which helps you understand whether damage is likely even when it is not obvious.
Step 4: Report Each Claim Promptly
Report the wind claim, the flood claim and any homeowners claim separately, to the correct carrier. TWIA claims must be reported within one year of the date of loss, but there is no benefit to waiting. Early reporting gets you in the adjuster queue sooner and starts additional living expense coverage where available.
For each claim, write down the claim number, the adjuster's name and contact information, and the date of every conversation. Ask each carrier for a copy of your full policy.
Step 5: Prepare for the Adjuster Inspection
Be at the property for every inspection. Before the adjuster arrives:
- Make a written list of every damaged area, inside and out.
- Have your photos and videos organized by room or elevation.
- Have receipts for emergency repairs ready.
- Walk the adjuster to each item on your list, including the attic.
Answer questions factually. If you do not know when a specific piece of damage happened, it is fine to say so rather than guess.
Wind vs. Flood: The Most Common Galveston Dispute
The biggest source of conflict on coastal hurricane claims is the line between wind and water. The windstorm carrier may say damage was caused by flood; the flood carrier may say it was caused by wind. To protect yourself:
- Photograph damage that is clearly above the flood line, such as ceiling stains, roof openings and upper-wall damage.
- Keep evidence of wind-driven rain entering through damaged roofs or windows.
- Save local weather data. Our weather events page logs high-wind events affecting Galveston.
Our TWIA claims expert page explains how TWIA evaluates wind claims and what documentation tends to help.
Keep Track of Temporary Living Costs
If the storm leaves your home unlivable, check each policy for Loss of Use or Additional Living Expense coverage. Homeowners and windstorm policies may include it in different amounts and under different conditions, while flood policies typically handle it differently or not at all. Keep receipts for hotels, rentals, meals above your normal grocery spending, laundry, extra mileage and storage. Submit them regularly rather than all at once at the end, and keep copies of everything you send.
Also keep a simple claim diary for each policy. Write the date, who you spoke with, what was said and what was promised. After a large hurricane, adjusters change, files get reassigned and phone calls blur together. A dated log is the easiest way to keep your hurricane damage claim moving and to show what you have already provided.
Step 6: Review Every Estimate Carefully
When you receive an estimate, compare it line by line with the damage you documented. Items that are commonly missed or underpaid include roof underlayment and drip edge, code-required items when a roof is replaced, interior drying and mold remediation, insulation, and detached structures. If your home is older, rebuilding may need to meet current code, so check for ordinance or law coverage.
Texas requires insurers to handle claims within the timelines of the Prompt Payment of Claims Act, Chapter 542 of the Insurance Code. After a catastrophe, extensions are common, but you should still get written updates on the status of your hurricane damage claim.
When to Get a Public Adjuster Involved
A public adjuster, licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance, represents the policyholder rather than the insurance company. Consider professional help if:
- You have both wind and flood damage and the carriers disagree on cause.
- The estimate does not match the damage you see.
- Your claim was denied or partially denied.
- You simply do not have the time to manage multiple claims while rebuilding.
Hurricane Claim Checklist
- All policies and declarations pages located
- Property secured and receipts saved
- Photos and video of all damage, with water line recorded
- Wind, flood and homeowners claims reported separately
- Claim numbers and adjuster contacts logged
- Present for every inspection
- Each estimate reviewed line by line
- TWIA one-year reporting deadline calendared
For background on how past storms affected the island, see our Galveston storm history page.
Get Help With Your Galveston Hurricane Claim
After a hurricane, you should be focused on your family and your home, not fighting over line items. Joseph Dittman offers a free consultation to review your policies, estimates and damage, and to explain your options clearly. Call (832) 503-5866 for an expert consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricane damage in Galveston?
It depends on the policy. Many homeowners policies in Galveston exclude wind and hail, and that coverage is provided by a separate windstorm policy, often through TWIA. Flood and storm surge are usually covered only by a separate flood policy.
How long do I have to file a TWIA hurricane claim?
TWIA claims must be reported within one year of the date of loss. Reporting as soon as it is safe is still the best practice, because it gets an adjuster assigned sooner and preserves evidence.
What if TWIA says my damage was caused by flood, not wind?
Gather evidence that separates the two, such as photos of damage above the water line, roof openings and ceiling stains, and local wind data. A public adjuster can help document and present wind damage in a disputed claim.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every policy and claim is different.