Texas Roof Insurance Claims: Filing, Documentation & Payout Guide

Texas leads the nation in severe weather insurance claims. Between hail storms pounding the I-35 corridor and hurricanes battering the Gulf Coast, Texas homeowners file more roof damage claims than any other state. Yet most homeowners have never navigated the claims process before their first major storm.

This guide walks you through the complete Texas roof insurance claims process--from deciding whether to file, to maximizing your payout through proper documentation and supplements.

When to File a Roof Insurance Claim

Not every roof issue warrants an insurance claim. Filing unnecessary claims can raise your premiums or lead to policy non-renewal. Here's how to decide:

File a Claim When:

• Visible storm damage exists -- Missing shingles, dents, cracks, or exposed underlayment after a documented weather event
• Interior water damage appears -- Ceiling stains, attic leaks, or wet insulation following a storm
• Damage exceeds your deductible significantly -- If repairs cost $8,000 and your deductible is $2,500, filing makes sense
• Your roof was in good condition before the storm -- Claims work best when damage is clearly storm-related, not pre-existing wear
• Neighbors are filing claims -- If homes around you sustained damage from the same storm, yours likely did too

Consider Paying Out-of-Pocket When:

• Damage is minor -- A few missing shingles may cost less to repair than your deductible
• Your roof was already aging -- Insurance covers sudden damage, not gradual deterioration
• You have an ACV policy -- Depreciation on an older roof may leave little payout after deductible
• You've filed multiple recent claims -- Another claim could trigger non-renewal

Texas Timing Rule: Texas law requires insurers to acknowledge claims within 15 days and make a decision within 15 business days after receiving all documentation. However, you should file promptly--most policies require claims within one year of the damage occurring, and evidence deteriorates quickly.

Documentation Needed for Your Claim

Proper documentation is the difference between a full payout and a denied or underpaid claim. Start gathering evidence immediately after discovering damage.

Essential Documentation:

• Date-stamped photos -- Capture roof damage, gutters, siding, windows, HVAC units, and any interior water damage
• Video walkthrough -- A 2-3 minute video showing the full scope of damage provides context photos cannot
• Weather reports -- Document the storm date, hail size, wind speeds, and duration using local news or weather service data
• Previous roof condition -- If you have photos from before the storm (home purchase, prior inspections), gather them
• Contractor inspection report -- A detailed report from a licensed roofer identifying all damage points

What a Professional Inspection Includes:

When you hire a reputable roofing contractor to inspect storm damage, they should provide:

• Roof measurements and slope calculations
• Damage mapping showing affected areas
• Photos of specific damage points (hail hits, lifted shingles, cracked flashing)
• Assessment of collateral damage (gutters, vents, skylights, soft metals)
• Detailed repair scope with line-item pricing

This documentation becomes critical during adjuster meetings and supplement negotiations.

How to File Your Texas Roof Insurance Claim

Follow these steps for a smooth claims process:

Step 1: Review Your Policy

Before calling your insurer, understand your coverage:

• Deductible type -- Flat dollar amount or percentage-based (common for wind/hail in Texas)
• Coverage type -- Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV)
• Exclusions -- Some policies exclude certain damage types or have cosmetic damage limitations
• Time limits -- Most Texas policies require filing within one year of damage

Step 2: File the Claim

Contact your insurance company to initiate the claim. You can typically file by phone, online portal, or mobile app. Have ready:

• Policy number
• Date of damage
• General description of damage
• Contact information

You'll receive a claim number and adjuster assignment, usually within 24-48 hours.

Step 3: Temporary Repairs

If your roof is actively leaking, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Texas policies require you to mitigate ongoing damage--but keep receipts and photos of everything. Don't make permanent repairs until the adjuster inspects.

Working with Insurance Adjusters

The adjuster's inspection largely determines your claim payout. Here's how to make it count:

Before the Inspection:

• Schedule when your contractor can attend -- Your roofer should be present to point out all damage
• Clear roof access -- Move vehicles, trim overhanging branches, ensure safe ladder placement
• Organize your documentation -- Have photos, weather reports, and contractor reports ready

During the Inspection:

• Be present -- Or have someone there who can answer questions and ensure thoroughness
• Let your contractor guide the inspection -- They know where to look and what to document
• Take your own photos -- Document what the adjuster examines and photographs
• Request copies of everything -- Ask for the adjuster's photos and measurements

After the Inspection:

You'll receive a claim estimate, typically within 1-2 weeks. Review it carefully with your contractor. Initial estimates often miss damage that requires closer inspection or becomes apparent during tear-off.

The Supplementation Process

Supplements are additional claims filed when the initial estimate doesn't cover the full repair cost. This is normal and expected--not confrontational.

When Supplements Are Needed:

• Hidden damage discovered during tear-off -- Damaged decking, compromised underlayment
• Missed damage areas -- Soft metals (vents, flashing), skylights, chimney caps
• Code upgrades required -- Texas building codes may require improvements not in the original scope
• Pricing discrepancies -- Adjuster used outdated pricing or incorrect measurements

How Supplementation Works:

1. Your contractor identifies items missing from the initial estimate
2. They prepare a detailed supplement request with documentation
3. The request is submitted to the insurance company
4. A re-inspection may occur, or the adjuster reviews documentation
5. Additional funds are approved (or negotiated) and released

Why This Matters: At Lapeyre Roofing, we've supplemented initial insurance estimates by an average of 15-20% through proper documentation. That's thousands of dollars homeowners would have left on the table without the supplement process.

Texas Roof Insurance Deductibles

Understanding your deductible is critical for budgeting. Texas uses several deductible structures:

Flat Deductibles

A fixed dollar amount (e.g., $1,000, $2,500, $5,000) you pay before insurance kicks in. Simple and predictable.

Percentage Deductibles

Common for wind and hail in Texas. Calculated as a percentage of your home's insured value:

• 1% deductible on $400,000 home = $4,000 out of pocket
• 2% deductible on $400,000 home = $8,000 out of pocket

Many Texas homeowners don't realize they have percentage deductibles until they file a claim. Check your policy now--before the next storm.

Separate Wind/Hail Deductibles

Many Texas policies have a separate (often higher) deductible specifically for wind and hail damage. You might have a $1,000 general deductible but a 2% wind/hail deductible.

Replacement Cost Value vs. Actual Cash Value

Your policy type dramatically affects your payout:

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

RCV policies pay to replace your roof with equivalent materials at current market prices, regardless of age. This is the preferred coverage type:

• Initial payment = Actual Cash Value (after depreciation)
• Final payment = Recoverable depreciation released after work is complete
• Total payout = Full replacement cost minus deductible

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

ACV policies deduct depreciation based on roof age. A 15-year-old roof may only receive 50% of replacement cost:

• Payment = Current value after depreciation, minus deductible
• No recoverable depreciation
• Often leaves significant out-of-pocket expense

Texas Roof Insurance Claim Timeline

Here's what to expect from start to finish:

After major storms (hurricanes, widespread hail): Expect significant delays. Insurers may bring in catastrophe adjusters from out of state who are less familiar with Texas construction standards. This makes having a knowledgeable local contractor even more important.

Our Experience with Texas Insurance Claims