The Full Timeline at a Glance
Every claim is different, but the sequence below applies to most Texas homeowner roof insurance claims. Use this as a reference point — print it or bookmark it.
| Timeframe | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Hours 1–72 | Ensure safety, photograph all damage, make temporary repairs to prevent further loss |
| Days 1–7 | Review your policy (ACV vs. RCV, deductible type), open a claim with your insurer |
| Week 1–3 | Insurance adjuster inspection; have your documentation and a contractor available |
| Week 2–4 | Receive insurer's scope of loss; compare to your photos and get independent estimates |
| Week 3–6 | Dispute any discrepancies in writing; negotiate scope if needed with documentation |
| Month 1–3 | Select a licensed contractor, pull permits, complete repairs |
| After completion | Submit proof of repairs to insurer; request release of RCV depreciation holdback (if applicable) |
| Ongoing | Keep all records — invoices, photos, correspondence — for at least three years |
Phase 1: Emergency Actions (Hours 1–72)
The actions you take immediately after a storm are as important as any paperwork you file later. Your insurer will ask when you discovered the damage, what you did to prevent further loss, and whether you documented the condition before making changes.
1. Prioritize safety before inspecting damage
Do not climb onto your roof immediately after a storm. Wet or damaged surfaces are dangerous. Look for structural damage, downed power lines, gas odors, or water near electrical panels from the ground. Call 911 if there is immediate danger. Contact your utility provider if you suspect a gas issue and evacuate the property.
2. Photograph everything before touching anything
This is the most important step of the entire process. Use your smartphone to document all visible damage — from the ground looking up at the roof, gutters, downspouts, siding, window screens, and the outdoor HVAC unit. Then go inside and photograph ceiling stains, wall damage, and wet insulation in the attic if safely accessible. The date and time embedded in photo metadata matters; do not edit or repost photos before submitting them.
3. Make temporary repairs to prevent further loss
Your policy typically requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. Cover exposed roof areas with a waterproof tarp, board broken windows, and place buckets under active leaks. Keep every receipt for materials and any hired emergency labor — most policies reimburse these costs. Photograph the temporary repairs as well.
Emergency documentation checklist
- ☑Storm date, time, and any official weather records or news coverage
- ☑All exterior damage visible from the ground (roof, gutters, siding, AC unit, windows, screens)
- ☑Interior water damage (ceiling stains, wet drywall, attic insulation)
- ☑Damage to personal property (furniture, electronics, stored items)
- ☑Photos of temporary repairs made, plus receipts for all materials
Phase 2: Understanding Your Policy Before You File
Before calling your insurer, spend 30 minutes reviewing your policy. This prevents surprises and helps you ask the right questions. Locate your declarations page — the one-to-two page summary listing your coverage amounts, deductibles, and policy type.
What to look for on your declarations page
- →Total dwelling coverage (Coverage A) — the maximum the policy pays to rebuild your home
- →Your deductible amount and type (see the deductible table below)
- →Whether your policy pays ACV or RCV — this determines how much you receive
- →The policy period — confirm it was in force on the date of the storm
- →Any exclusions relevant to your damage type (e.g., flood, wear-and-tear, improper maintenance)
ACV vs. RCV: The Payment Difference That Matters Most
Definitions
ACV (Actual Cash Value) — the depreciated market value of your damaged property at the time of loss; what it was worth just before the storm, accounting for age and wear.
RCV (Replacement Cost Value)— the full current cost to repair or replace damaged property with like materials at today's prices, regardless of the age of what was damaged.
| Feature | ACV — Actual Cash Value | RCV — Replacement Cost Value |
|---|---|---|
| What it pays | Depreciated value — what your property was worth before the loss | Full cost to repair or replace with like materials at current market prices |
| Depreciation | Subtracted from payout; older roofs receive less | Not deducted; you receive the current replacement cost |
| Example (roof costs $18,000 to replace) | $18,000 − $7,200 depreciation = $10,800 gross, minus deductible | $18,000 minus deductible; depreciation holdback released after repairs complete |
| Number of payments | Single payment after approval | Initial ACV advance, then holdback released after you submit proof of completion |
| Premium impact | Lower annual premium | Higher annual premium |
The RCV two-payment process
If you have RCV coverage, your insurer typically issues two payments. The first is the ACV amount — the depreciated value. After you complete repairs and submit documentation (invoices, contractor receipts, photos), the insurer releases the held-back depreciation. This second payment brings you to the full RCV amount. Most policies require you to complete repairs within 180 days to one year to claim recoverable depreciation — check your specific policy.
Understanding Your Deductible
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage begins. In Texas, many homeowner policies carry a separate and higher wind/hail deductible than the standard deductible — and many homeowners do not realize this until they file a claim.
| Deductible Type | How It Works | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard deductible | Fixed dollar amount (e.g., $1,000–$5,000) | Most covered losses not involving wind or hail |
| Wind/hail deductible | Percentage of insured dwelling value (e.g., 1–2%); on a $300k home this can be $3,000–$6,000+ | Damage specifically caused by wind or hail — very common in Texas |
| Named storm deductible | Higher percentage (e.g., 2–5%), triggered only by declared named storms | Named tropical storms or hurricanes that affect your policy area |
Source: Texas Department of Insurance — tdi.texas.gov
Phase 3: Filing Your Claim (Days 3–10)
Contact your insurer to open a claim by phone, online, or through their app. Have your policy number, photos, and a written description of damage ready. Texas law (Insurance Code §542) requires insurers to acknowledge receipt of your claim within 15 calendar days, accept or reject within 15 business days of receiving complete documentation, and pay within 5 business days of acceptance.
What to record when you call
- ☑Claim number
- ☑Name of the person you spoke with, and the date and time of the call
- ☑Name and direct contact information for your assigned adjuster
- ☑Any instructions given and their deadlines
- ☑Confirmation of the scheduled adjuster inspection date
From the moment you open the claim, document every communication in writing. Follow up phone calls with a brief email summarizing what was discussed and keep a copy.
Phase 4: The Adjuster Inspection (Weeks 1–3)
An insurance adjuster will inspect your property to assess the damage. This inspection is the insurer's primary basis for determining payment. The adjuster works for your insurer — not for you. How you prepare for this inspection directly affects your outcome.
Your rights during the inspection
- →You have the right to have a licensed contractor or independent inspector present to point out damage
- →You are not required to have the adjuster inspect alone
- →You have the right to take your own photos and notes throughout the inspection
- →You are not required to agree to the adjuster's findings on the spot
Consider scheduling an independent roofing contractor inspection before or around the same time as the adjuster visit. Having a professional assessment from your own contractor gives you documentation to compare against the insurer's scope of loss. See the Roofing Help page and the Roof Insurance Claim Checklist for more on adjuster preparation.
What the adjuster looks for
Hail strikes leave circular impact marks or granule loss in defined patterns. Wind damage tends to produce lifted, creased, or missing shingles. The adjuster will also examine gutters, flashing, the HVAC condenser unit, skylights, and other exterior components. Walk them through every area of documented damage — do not assume they will find everything.
Phase 5: Reviewing the Insurance Estimate
After the inspection, your insurer produces a written estimate called the scope of loss. This document lists every item of damage they identified, the quantities, the unit prices, and the total payout. Review it line by line.
What to check in the scope of loss
- →Are all documented areas of damage included? Compare to your photos.
- →Are quantities correct — roof square footage, linear feet of gutters, etc.?
- →Are Texas building code upgrade costs (e.g., new underlayment requirements) included?
- →Is overhead and profit (O&P) included? Insurers sometimes omit this, but contractors factor it in.
- →Are unit prices consistent with current market rates in your area?
- →Is the depreciation calculation and holdback amount clearly explained?
You are not required to accept the first estimate. If damage was missed or undervalued, you may request a re-inspection or file a supplemental claim with supporting documentation. Visit the Insurance Claims page for a full overview of the claims process.
Phase 6: Contractor Estimates and Selection
Get at least two to three written estimates from licensed roofing contractors before selecting one. This helps you understand what the work should cost and provides documentation to support a supplemental claim if the insurer's estimate is insufficient.
What a contractor estimate must include
- ☑Contractor name, license number, and contact information
- ☑Detailed scope of work — materials, quantities, and installation method
- ☑Brand and grade of materials (should match or exceed insurer's specification)
- ☑Labor and material costs itemized separately
- ☑Who is responsible for pulling the required permit
- ☑Project timeline and payment schedule
- ☑Both manufacturer warranty (materials) and workmanship warranty terms
Verify every contractor's license before signing anything. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) license lookup is free and takes under a minute.
⚠️ Contractor Fraud Warning — Read Before Signing Anything
After major Texas storms, fraudulent contractor activity increases significantly. These are the most common tactics homeowners encounter:
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Offering to waive or cover your deductible | Illegal under Texas Insurance Code §1811.155 — this is insurance fraud regardless of how it's framed |
| Asking you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) | Transfers your legal claim rights to the contractor; limits your control over the process |
| Requesting large upfront payment before work starts | Legitimate Texas contractors typically collect 10–15% maximum upfront; full payment before work is a red flag |
| Pressuring you to sign before reviewing your insurance estimate | You need the insurer's scope of loss before committing to a contractor's scope |
| 'Storm chasers' from out of state | May complete work quickly then become unreachable for warranty claims or defect corrections |
| Claiming they'll 'handle everything with your insurance' | Contractors can assist with documentation; only a licensed public adjuster can legally negotiate your claim |
Report contractor fraud to the Texas Department of Insurance: tdi.texas.gov or call 1-800-252-3439.
What Not to Say to Your Insurance Company
Your words in claim communications become part of the record. The goal is accuracy — not strategy. These are common statements that inadvertently damage claims:
| Statement to avoid | Why it can hurt your claim |
|---|---|
| "I think the damage might be from..." | Speculating about cause can give the insurer grounds to apply an exclusion or different coverage rule — state what you observed, not what you think caused it |
| "The roof was old anyway..." | Volunteering information about pre-existing condition justifies additional depreciation beyond what the insurer might have applied |
| "I'm not sure if this is covered..." | Coverage determination is the insurer's job — your job is to report what happened accurately |
| "Just send me whatever you think is fair..." | You have the right to a full evaluation; an off-hand remark can be interpreted as acceptance of whatever is offered |
| "I had this repaired before by..." | Prior repairs without permits or by unlicensed contractors can introduce coverage complications — answer direct questions honestly but don't over-volunteer |
Phase 7: Repairs, Completion, and Final Payment
6. Begin repairs with permits in place
Once you have selected a licensed contractor and agreed to written terms, confirm that all required permits are pulled before any work begins. Do not allow work to start without a permit — unpermitted roof work can affect your insurance coverage and create complications when selling the home.
7. Document completed repairs
Take thorough before-and-after photos of the completed work. Collect the final invoice, warranty documentation, and any permit inspection records from your contractor. You will need these to claim recoverable depreciation from your insurer if you have RCV coverage.
8. Request RCV holdback release
Submit your final invoice and proof of completed repairs to your insurer to request the release of held-back depreciation. This is done through the claims portal or by mailing documentation to your adjuster. Allow 5–15 business days for processing. Follow up in writing if you do not receive a response within the timeframe stated in your policy.
When Your Claim Goes Wrong
If damage was missed or underpaid
Request a re-inspection in writing and submit a supplemental claim with your contractor's estimate and supporting photos. Be specific about what was missed and cite the storm as the cause. Your insurer must respond to supplemental claims within the same statutory timeframes as the original claim.
If your claim is denied
Request the denial in writing with the specific policy basis cited. Review the exact policy language. Options: request a formal reconsideration with additional documentation; invoke the appraisal clause in your policy (both parties hire appraisers and an umpire resolves the dispute); file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance; or consult a licensed public adjuster or Texas attorney.
If the insurer misses statutory response deadlines
Document the delay in writing. Under Texas Insurance Code §542, insurers that fail to meet response deadlines may owe statutory interest on the claim amount. Contact the Texas Department of Insurance and consider consulting an attorney who handles insurance disputes.
When to Ask for Professional Help
Most homeowners handle straightforward claims without outside assistance. Consider consulting a professional in these situations:
- →Claim involves damage over $25,000 and you are uncertain whether the estimate is fair
- →Your claim was partially or fully denied and you believe the denial is incorrect
- →Your insurer is not responding within the statutory timeframes
- →There is a significant gap between the insurer's estimate and your contractor's estimate
- →You are being pressured to accept a settlement quickly
- →Your property suffered damage in a declared federal or state disaster area
A licensed Texas public adjuster can represent your interests in the claim process — this is a distinct licensed profession separate from a contractor. If you believe your legal rights are being violated, consult a licensed Texas attorney who handles insurance disputes. Texas Property Help provides information and referrals only — see the disclaimer below.
Related Resources on Texas Property Help
- →Storm Damage Help — Immediate steps for any type of storm damage
- →Roofing Help — Inspections, repairs, replacements, and what to ask contractors
- →Insurance Claims Overview — The general claims process and your rights as a Texas homeowner
- →Roof Insurance Claim Checklist — A printable checklist covering every stage of the claim
- →Request Help — Submit your situation — we'll connect you with appropriate resources
Disclaimer: Texas Property Help is a homeowner information and referral platform. We are not an insurance company, insurance agent, public adjuster, contractor, law firm, or lender. Nothing in this guide constitutes legal, insurance, or financial advice. All insurance coverage decisions are made solely by your insurance company. For formal claims representation, consult a licensed Texas public adjuster. For legal questions about your policy or a dispute, consult a licensed Texas attorney. Verify all contractor licenses at tdlr.texas.gov.
Need help navigating your specific situation?
Every claim is different. Submit a request through Texas Property Help and we will connect you with the resources that fit your situation.