The Texas Roof Insurance Claim Guide

Report damage promptly and ask your insurer about the deadlines in your own policy. Do not assume every policy allows a year. Keep photos and receipts when it is safe to obtain them.

Before you file: the deductible math

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.

The claim sequence that works

Photograph and document everything before any temporary repairs (tarp after photos, not before). File promptly — your policy’s reporting deadlines 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.

Your rights, and the fraud trap

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.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to file a roof claim in Texas?

Report damage promptly and ask your insurer about the deadlines in your own policy. Do not assume every policy allows a year. Keep photos and receipts when it is safe to obtain them.

Will filing a roof claim raise my rates?

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.

What is recoverable depreciation?

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.