Our office is in Belton, so Bell County is where we live and work. For property in Belton, Killeen, Temple, Harker Heights, Nolanville, Salado or Copperas Cove, we can usually inspect quickly after a storm, attend the carrier's inspection in person, and come back for re-inspections without scheduling around a long drive. Joseph Dittman is our licensed public adjuster (Texas license #3356839).
Hail and wind are the main claims here
Central Texas gets severe spring storms with large hail and strong straight-line winds. Most Bell County claims we handle are roof claims on composition shingle homes, along with damaged siding, gutters, window screens, AC units, fences and the occasional tree on a roof. The carrier's usual arguments are familiar: the damage is wear and tear, the hail was too small, the dents are cosmetic, or you reported too late.
Being nearby helps in a specific way. We can get on your roof soon after the storm, before more weather muddies the evidence, and mark and photograph test squares on every slope. We write the estimate in Xactimate, so it can be compared with the carrier's estimate line by line. For more on how hail claims are judged, see our hail damage insurance claim guide and roof and hail damage claims.
Fences, trees and outbuildings
Straight-line wind in Bell County often takes down wood fences, drops limbs on roofs and damages sheds and carports. Fences and detached buildings usually fall under "other structures" coverage, which has its own limit. Many policies also limit what they pay to remove a fallen tree, and some pay only when the tree hit a covered structure or blocks a driveway. Photograph the tree where it landed before it's cut up, and keep the tree service invoice.
For Fort Cavazos families: handling a claim from somewhere else
Military households near Fort Cavazos often PCS to a new duty station or deploy while still owning a home in Killeen, Harker Heights or Copperas Cove. If that home is damaged while you're away, you still have to report the claim, give the carrier access, document the damage and review the estimate. We can do most of the on-site work for you.
If you've moved on PCS orders
We inspect the property, photograph and measure the damage, and send you the documentation and our estimate. We meet the carrier's adjuster at the house, so you don't need to fly back for the inspection. You stay in the loop by phone, text or email, and you approve decisions on the claim.
If you're deployed
Communication may be limited. Tell us how and when you can be reached, and whether a spouse or family member will be your point of contact. If someone else will act on your behalf, check with the insurer about what authorization it requires from them.
If the house is now a rental
Your tenants' belongings are on their own renters policy, not yours. Your landlord policy covers the building and, if you bought it, lost rent. Ask your tenants to send photos of damage the day it happens, and read your policy's vacancy terms if the house sits empty between tenants.
What we handle remotely, and what stays with you
What we do
- Inspect, photograph and drone-document the property
- Take moisture readings for water damage
- Write the Xactimate estimate
- Meet the carrier's adjuster and attend re-inspections
- Communicate with the carrier and send you every update
- Coordinate access for mitigation companies and your chosen contractor
What stays with you
- Signing our TDI-approved contract (you can rescind within 72 hours)
- Choosing your own contractor; we don't do repairs
- Endorsing claim checks, which are payable to you
- Final decisions on settlement and appraisal
Texas law: You must be a payee on every claim check, and a public adjuster may never sign or endorse a check for you (Tex. Ins. Code §4102.104). A public adjuster also may not take part in repairing the property on a claim they adjust (§4102.158).
After a storm in Bell County
- Check from the ground first. Look for dented gutters and downspouts, torn screens, damaged AC fins, and granules collected at downspout outlets.
- Photograph hail and damage the same day. If you're away, ask a neighbor or tenant to send photos with dates.
- Stop leaks. Tarp the roof and dry wet areas. Keep every invoice.
- Read your deductible. Many policies here use a percentage wind and hail deductible; check the declarations page.
- Report the claim. Note the claim number, the adjuster's name and the date you reported. Insurers must acknowledge the claim and begin investigating within 15 days.
- Call before you sign anything with a roofer. Texas law bars a contractor from acting as your public adjuster on property they're repairing.
The documentation checklist lists what to collect for hail, wind, water and fire losses, and it's printable for a tenant or family member to use.
Free toolClaim documentation checklistAn interactive, printable checklist for hail, water, fire and wind claims. Progress saves in your browser.How we're paid
Our fee is a percentage of the claim payment, set in a TDI-approved contract and capped at 10% by Texas law. There's no upfront charge, and the first claim review is free. If you're not sure whether you need help, see should I use a public adjuster? or read more about our firm.
Communities covered from this page
Don't see your town? We serve every Texas county. Ask us about your property.
Frequently asked questions
Where is your office?
Our office is in Belton, in Bell County. We inspect property throughout Killeen, Temple, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, Nolanville and Salado, and travel statewide.
I PCS'd out of Fort Cavazos and my house in Killeen was damaged. Can you handle the claim without me there?
Yes. We inspect and document the damage, meet the carrier's adjuster, and keep you updated by phone, text or email. You sign the contract, approve decisions, and endorse the checks, which by law must be payable to you.
Can a public adjuster sign my insurance check while I'm deployed?
No. Texas law prohibits a public adjuster from signing or endorsing a claim check for the insured. Ask your insurer what it requires if a spouse or family member will act for you.
How quickly can you inspect in Bell County?
Because we are based in Belton, we can usually inspect in Bell County sooner than in other parts of Texas. Call or text +1 (832) 503-5866 to set a time.
My tenant's things were damaged too. Is that on my policy?
Usually not. Your landlord policy covers the building; your tenant's belongings need their own renters policy.
