Step-by-step through a Texas hail or wind roof claim: deductibles, the one-year window, adjuster meetings, your legal rights, and the deductible-fraud law.
Quick answer: a Texas roof claim runs: document damage → check your wind/hail deductible → file within your policy window (typically one year from the storm date) → attend the adjuster inspection with your own documentation → get the scope of loss in writing → then choose your contractor. Two laws to know: contractors cannot legally pay or waive your deductible, and insurers cannot penalize you for asking questions before filing.
Most Texas policies carry a separate wind/hail deductible of 1–2% of your dwelling coverage — on a $400,000 dwelling, that's $4,000–$8,000 out of pocket. Get a documented inspection first: if damage repairs for less than the deductible, filing gains you nothing and adds a claim to your record. If the roof needs replacement, the claim is obviously worth it. This single calculation is why the inspection comes before the phone call.
Photograph and document everything before any temporary repairs (tarp after photos, not before). File promptly — the one-year window from the storm date is a hard limit under most policies, and carriers match your claimed date against weather records. At the adjuster meeting, have your inspection report in hand and, ideally, your chosen contractor on the roof with the adjuster — scope disagreements get resolved on the spot instead of by mail. Get the full scope of loss in writing and understand recoverable depreciation: many policies pay actual cash value first and release the depreciation after work is completed.
You have the right to a re-inspection if documented damage was missed, the right to choose your own contractor (never the carrier's choice, never door-knocker pressure), and the right to appraisal if you and the carrier deadlock. The trap: since Texas HB 2102 (2019), any contractor offering to "eat," waive, or rebate your deductible is committing a crime — and the fraudulent claim carries your signature. Walk away from anyone who proposes it.
Most policies require claims within one year of the date of loss - and carriers verify storm dates against weather records. Document early even if you file later.
Texas carriers rate on regional catastrophe risk more than individual claims, and cannot non-renew you solely for a single act-of-God claim. Unrepaired damage costs more than a legitimate claim.
Many policies pay actual cash value upfront and hold back depreciation until you prove the work was completed - then release it. Always complete the paperwork loop or you leave money on the table.
Request a free roof inspection and an independent local roofing professional serving your city will follow up.