How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Texas (Step-by-Step)

Texas insurance law has changed significantly in recent years. The deadline to file a storm damage claim is now 1 year from the date of loss — reduced from the previous 2-year window. Miss that deadline and you're paying out of pocket for what should have been a covered replacement. Here's the complete process.

Before You File: Documentation First

Before calling your insurance company, complete a thorough documentation pass. Photograph every damaged area — shingles, gutters, vents, flashing, AC condenser unit, fences, and any vehicles. Take video as well. Timestamped documentation establishes the cause and date of damage, which becomes critical if the claim is disputed.

More importantly: get a professional roofing inspection before the adjuster visits. A contractor-generated damage report carries significantly more weight than homeowner photos alone, and it gives you an independent baseline against which to evaluate the adjuster's scope.

Step 1: File Notice of Claim

Call your insurance company and file notice of loss. You don't need a contractor estimate yet — just establish the claim and get your claim number. This date starts the clock on insurer response deadlines under Texas insurance law. Texas law requires insurers to acknowledge receipt of your claim within 15 days.

Step 2: Get a Contractor Estimate

You have the right to get your own contractor estimate before the insurance adjuster visits. Do this — it creates your baseline and allows you to advocate for items the adjuster might undervalue or miss.

• Ask the contractor to document all storm-related damage, not just visible shingle areas
• Verify they're noting hail spatter patterns on soft metals (gutters, vents, AC fins)
• Confirm the estimate includes O&E (overhead and expense) — typically 10–20% of total
• Ask about code upgrade items Texas law may require be included in the scope
• Make sure flashing, ridge cap, starter course, and ice-and-water shield are included if needed

Step 3: Meet the Adjuster — With Your Contractor Present

The single most impactful thing you can do for your claim outcome is have your roofing contractor present during the adjuster's site visit. They speak the same technical language, know exactly what to point out, and can dispute scope items on the spot rather than through a supplementing process weeks later.

Do not accept the adjuster's initial scope as final. Under Texas insurance law, you have the right to invoke the appraisal process if you disagree with the settlement amount. Many homeowners don't know this.

Step 4: Review the Adjuster's Estimate Carefully

• Is the scope complete — all damaged areas included, not just the most obvious sections?
• Are labor rates realistic for current Houston market conditions?
• Is there an ACV vs. RCV difference — and does your policy cover replacement cost value?
• Are code upgrade items included if required by current local building codes?
• Is the deductible amount correct per your policy?
• Are all associated items included (gutters, skylights, pipe boots, flashing)?

Step 5: Choose Your Contractor Wisely

Never sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreement. This transfers your insurance rights to the contractor, removing your control over the claim and the repair process. Texas heavily regulates this practice because of widespread abuse — if a contractor pushes you to sign AOB as a condition of work, walk away.

Choose a local contractor with verifiable Google reviews, a physical address in the Houston area, and documented insurance coverage. Get everything in writing before work begins — scope, materials, timeline, and warranty terms.

Mistakes That Cost Houston Homeowners Money

• Waiting beyond the 1-year Texas filing deadline for storm damage
• Not documenting before any cleanup or temporary repairs
• Accepting the adjuster's first estimate as non-negotiable
• Signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreement
• Using storm-chaser contractors who leave before warranty issues arise
• Failing to file a timely Proof of Loss form as required by your policy
• Not having your contractor present when the adjuster visits