Filing a roof insurance claim in Texas can feel overwhelming — especially after a storm when you're already stressed. But if you follow the right steps, you can maximize your settlement and get your roof repaired or replaced with minimal out-of-pocket cost. This guide walks you through the entire process, from the moment the storm passes to the day your new roof is complete.
Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately
As soon as it's safe to do so after a storm, document every piece of damage you can see — from the ground. Do not climb on your roof. Take photos and videos of:
- Missing, cracked, or dented shingles
- Damaged gutters, fascia, and soffit
- Dents on AC units, vents, and skylights
- Any interior water damage (ceiling stains, wet insulation)
- Damage to fences, vehicles, and other property (establishes the storm event)
Note the date and time of the storm. Check the National Weather Service for official hail size and wind speed records for your area — this data is critical for your claim.
Step 2: Call a Licensed Roofing Contractor Before Your Insurance Company
This is the step most Texas homeowners skip — and it costs them thousands. Before you call your insurance company, have a licensed roofing contractor inspect your roof and document the damage professionally.
Here's why this matters: insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to minimize the payout. A contractor who inspects first can identify all the damage — including hidden damage the adjuster might miss — and provide documentation that supports the full value of your claim.
Texas Prime Homes provides free certified roof inspections for Rio Grande Valley homeowners. We document everything with photos, measurements, and a professional damage report — at no cost to you.
Step 3: File Your Claim Promptly
Texas homeowners have one year from the date of the storm to file a claim under Texas Insurance Code Section 542A.006. Don't wait. File as soon as you have your contractor's damage documentation in hand.
When you call your insurance company, have ready:
- Your policy number
- The date of the storm
- A description of the damage
- Your contractor's inspection report and photos
Your insurer will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster inspection. Write down the claim number and the name of every person you speak with.
Step 4: Be Present for the Adjuster Inspection
When the insurance adjuster comes to inspect your property, have your roofing contractor present. This is critical. Your contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss, challenge any items the adjuster tries to exclude, and ensure the scope of work reflects the full extent of the damage.
Texas Prime Homes attends adjuster inspections with our clients at no extra charge. We know what adjusters look for — and what they sometimes overlook.
Step 5: Review the Adjuster's Estimate Carefully
After the inspection, your insurance company will send you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and an adjuster's estimate. Review it carefully against your contractor's estimate. Common issues include:
- Missing line items — damage that was documented but not included
- Depreciation disputes — excessive depreciation that reduces your actual cash value payout
- Code upgrade exclusions — failure to include code-required upgrades (Texas requires this coverage)
- Incorrect measurements — wrong square footage that reduces the payout
If the adjuster's estimate is lower than your contractor's, don't accept it without a fight. You have the right to dispute it.
Step 6: Dispute a Low Settlement (If Necessary)
If your insurance company's settlement offer doesn't cover the full cost of repairs, you have several options:
- Request a re-inspection — ask for a second adjuster to review the claim
- Submit a supplemental claim — provide additional documentation of missed damage
- Invoke the appraisal clause — most Texas homeowner policies include an appraisal process where both sides hire independent appraisers and a neutral umpire decides the settlement
Texas Prime Homes has helped hundreds of RGV homeowners successfully dispute low settlements and denied claims. We know the process and we fight for you.
Step 7: Get Your Roof Repaired or Replaced
Once your claim is approved, you'll receive your Actual Cash Value (ACV) payment immediately. After the work is complete, you submit the final invoice and receive the Recoverable Depreciation — bringing your total payout to the full Replacement Cost Value (RCV).
Most Texas homeowners pay only their deductible out of pocket when working with an experienced contractor who handles the insurance process correctly.
What If My Claim Was Denied?
A denied claim is not the end of the road. Texas homeowners have the right to dispute denied claims through the appraisal process, file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance, or pursue legal remedies under the Texas Insurance Code.
Texas Prime Homes specializes in denied and underpaid claims. Learn more about denied claim help here.
Ready to File Your Claim? Start With a Free Inspection.
The best first step is a free certified roof inspection from Texas Prime Homes. We'll document your damage, give you an honest assessment, and walk you through the entire claims process — at no cost to you.
Call us at +1 956-250-4094 or contact us online to schedule your free inspection today.