Filing a roof claim doesn't have to be confusing
North Texas homeowners file storm-damage claims more often than almost anyone in the country — we're in Hail Alley, after all. But most people only do it once every several years, so the process feels unfamiliar each time. Here's the whole thing, start to finish, in plain language.
Step 1: Document the storm and the damage
Before you call anyone, build your file:
- Record the date of the storm and save local weather or hail reports for your area.
- Photograph everything — roof (from a safe vantage), gutters, screens, fences, AC unit, and any interior water stains.
- Note related damage to corroborate that damaging hail or wind hit your property.
Good documentation tied to a specific storm date is the single biggest factor in a smooth claim.
Step 2: Get a professional roof inspection
A homeowner can't always tell storm damage from normal wear — and insurers will. A qualified roofer will safely inspect the roof, identify hail bruising, wind damage, granule loss, and decking issues, and produce a written report with photos. This gives you an independent assessment before you commit to a claim, and it tells you whether the damage even exceeds your deductible (sometimes it doesn't, and filing wouldn't help).
Learn what to look for in our guide on signs of hail damage on a roof.
Step 3: Review your policy before you file
Pull your declarations page and check:
- Your wind/hail deductible — often a percentage of insured value, not a flat fee.
- RCV vs ACV — whether the policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value (depreciated).
- Your notice-of-loss deadline — how long you have to report the damage.
If your estimated damage is less than your deductible, filing won't get you a payout. If it's well above, a claim makes sense. See whether insurance covers hail damage in Texas for more on deductibles and coverage.
Step 4: File the claim with your insurer
Contact your carrier by phone or app and open the claim. Provide the date of loss and your documentation. Get everything in writing — claim number, the adjuster's name, and dates of every contact. Under Texas law, insurers generally must acknowledge a claim promptly (commonly within about 15 days of receiving it).
Step 5: Meet the adjuster — with your contractor present
The insurer sends an adjuster to inspect. This is a pivotal moment. Having your roofing contractor meet the adjuster on the roof helps ensure all the damage is identified and documented consistently. Reputable contractors do this routinely; it's not adversarial, it's thorough.
Step 6: Review the settlement and scope
The insurer issues a scope of work and estimate. Review it carefully with your contractor:
- Does it include everything — decking, flashing, underlayment, disposal, permits?
- Does it match the damage that was documented?
- If something legitimate was missed, your contractor can file a supplement with supporting documentation.
For RCV policies, you typically receive an initial ACV payment, then the recoverable depreciation after the work is completed and invoiced.
Common mistakes that cost homeowners money
- Waiting too long and blowing past the policy deadline.
- Signing a contract before the claim is settled with a contractor who pressures you.
- Accepting the first estimate without checking it against the documented damage.
- Hiring a storm-chaser who disappears mid-job or skips permits and decking.
- Not reading RCV vs ACV and being surprised by depreciation.
A note on deadlines and your rights
Texas Insurance Code Chapter 542A governs weather-related claims. Among other things, it requires you to give the insurer written notice at least 61 days before filing a lawsuit. The general statute of limitations for suing on a property-damage claim in Texas is two years from the date of loss — but again, your policy's reporting deadline can be far shorter, so prompt action protects you.
Key Takeaways
- Document first, then inspect, then file — in that order.
- Check your deductible, RCV/ACV, and deadline before filing.
- Have your contractor meet the adjuster to make sure nothing is missed.
- Review the scope of work; a supplement can recover legitimately missed items.
- Deadlines are real — report promptly even though Texas allows two years to sue.
This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Review your own policy and consult a licensed professional about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your policy's notice deadline controls the filing window — often within a year, sometimes sooner. The legal statute of limitations to file a lawsuit is generally two years from the date of loss. Report damage promptly to stay safe.
Before. An independent inspection tells you whether the damage exceeds your deductible and gives you documentation, so you file an informed claim rather than a blind one.
Yes, and it's common. Having your contractor present during the adjuster's inspection helps ensure all damage is identified and the scope is accurate. Your roofer cannot negotiate the claim on your behalf as a public adjuster unless licensed to do so.
A supplement is a request to the insurer to add legitimately missed items (like additional decking or code-required upgrades) to the approved scope, backed by documentation. It's a normal part of many claims.
Replacement Cost Value pays to replace your roof with new materials. Actual Cash Value subtracts depreciation based on the roof's age, which can leave a significant out-of-pocket gap on older roofs.
Get a Straight Answer on Your Roof
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