Claiming Roof on Insurance: Your Complete Guide from a Texas Roofing Contractor with 15+ Years Experience

My name is Michael, and I've been installing and repairing roofs across Texas for over fifteen years. I've personally supervised more than 2,800 roofing projects, from minor repairs after a hailstorm to complete tear-offs and replacements. I hold certifications from major manufacturers like GAF and Owens Corning, and I'm a licensed contractor in the state of Texas. This article exists because I've seen too many homeowners struggle with the insurance claim process after storm damage. They feel confused, overwhelmed, and sometimes taken advantage of. My goal is to give you the clear, honest information you need to navigate claiming your roof on insurance successfully. I want to answer the real questions you have, based on the hundreds of conversations I've had with homeowners just like you in Kingwood, The Woodlands, and across our region.

The information here comes directly from my experience working with homeowners and their insurance companies. It's built on real project files, manufacturer installation specifications, Texas building codes, and data from the Insurance Information Institute. I'll explain not just what to do, but why certain steps matter, based on what actually works in the field. This guide is designed to save you time, reduce your stress, and help you get a quality roof replacement that protects your home for years to come. You'll learn the contractor's perspective on what makes a claim go smoothly versus what causes delays and denials.

Understanding Your Roof Insurance Policy: The Foundation of Your Claim

Before any storm hits, you need to know what your policy actually covers. This is the most important step. Many homeowners only look at their policy after damage occurs, which is a big mistake. I recommend reviewing your homeowner's insurance policy at least once a year. Look for the declarations page, which summarizes your coverage. The two most common types of coverage are Replacement Cost Value (RCV) and Actual Cash Value (ACV).

Replacement Cost Value (RCV) vs. Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Replacement Cost Value is the better coverage for you as a homeowner. An RCV policy will pay to replace your damaged roof with a new one of similar kind and quality, minus your deductible. They do not subtract for the age of your old roof. Actual Cash Value is different. An ACV policy pays you the replacement cost, minus depreciation for the age and wear of your old roof. This often results in a much lower payout, leaving you to cover a significant portion of the new roof cost out of pocket. Knowing which one you have is critical.

Key Policy Terms and Deductibles

You must understand your deductible. This is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. In many storm-prone areas like Texas, policies may have a separate, higher deductible for wind and hail damage. This is often a percentage of your home's insured value (like 1% or 2%), not a flat dollar amount. A 2% deductible on a $400,000 home is $8,000. That's a major financial factor. Also, look for exclusions. Some policies exclude certain types of damage, like cosmetic hail damage that doesn't affect the roof's function. The Insurance Information Institute is a great resource for understanding basic policy language.

The Step-by-Step Process for Filing a Roof Insurance Claim

When you suspect roof damage, don't panic. Follow a clear, documented process. This protects you and creates a strong record for your insurance company. Rushing or skipping steps can hurt your claim. I've guided hundreds of homeowners through this exact sequence, and it works.

Step 1: Initial Safety and Documentation

First, ensure everyone is safe. Do not go on the roof yourself, especially after a storm. It can be slippery and structurally unsafe. From the ground, use binoculars to look for obvious damage like missing shingles or dented vents. Take wide-angle photos of your entire property from all sides. Take close-up photos of any visible damage you can see from the ground, like debris or damaged gutters. This creates a timestamped record. Next, make temporary repairs only if necessary to prevent further interior damage, like placing a tarp over a leak. Keep all receipts for these materials, as they may be reimbursable.

Step 2: Contact a Reputable Roofing Contractor for a Professional Inspection

This is a crucial step many get wrong. Before you call your insurance company, call a trusted, local roofing contractor for a thorough inspection. A good contractor will provide a free, detailed inspection. They should use drone technology or safely walk the roof to document all damage. They will create a comprehensive report with photos, diagrams, and measurements. This professional assessment gives you knowledge. You will know the extent of the damage before you ever talk to the insurance adjuster. This prevents you from being told the damage is "minor" when it is actually significant. Choose a contractor with strong credentials, like being a GAF Master Elite Contractor or an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor.

Step 3: Filing the Claim with Your Insurance Company

Now, contact your insurance company to file the claim. Have your policy number ready. Be factual and calm. State that you had a professional inspection after the storm event on [specific date] and that significant damage was found. Do not guess at the cause or extent. Simply say, "My roofer found widespread hail damage," or "My roofer found multiple wind-damaged shingles." Provide the date of the storm. The insurance company will assign a claim number and schedule a time for their adjuster to inspect your property. Write down your claim number and the adjuster's name and contact information.

Step 4: The Insurance Adjuster's Inspection and Meeting

The insurance adjuster's visit is the most important meeting in the process. You must be present, and your roofing contractor should be there too. Do not let the adjuster inspect the roof alone. Your contractor can point out the specific damage, explain how it compromises the roof system, and reference current local building codes. For example, in Texas, many municipalities have adopted strict wind mitigation codes that require specific fastening patterns. Your contractor can explain why the damage requires a full replacement to meet code, not just a patch job. This collaborative meeting leads to more accurate and fair claim assessments. Take notes during the meeting.

Step 5: Reviewing and Understanding the Insurance Estimate

After the inspection, your insurance company will send you a claim packet. This includes a detailed estimate, often written in Xactimate software, which is the industry standard. This estimate will list line items for removal, disposal, materials, and labor. Do not assume this estimate is the final word. It is an initial assessment. Your roofing contractor should review this estimate line-by-line against their own detailed estimate. Often, the insurance estimate may miss necessary items like proper ice and water shield in valleys, upgraded synthetic underlayment, or code-required ventilation. Your contractor will prepare a detailed supplement request to address any missing items or underestimated costs.

Working with Your Roofing Contractor: A Partnership for Success

Your choice of roofing contractor will make or break your experience. This is not just a transaction; it's a partnership to restore your home. You need a guide, not just a installer.

Choosing the Right Contractor for an Insurance Job

Avoid storm chasers who appear after major weather events. They often have out-of-state licenses and phone numbers. Choose a local, established company with a physical office in your community. Verify their license and insurance. Ask for references from recent insurance claim jobs. A true professional will be experienced in the entire insurance process and will communicate clearly. They should be willing to meet with the adjuster and handle the supplement process on your behalf. They are your advocate.

The Role of Your Contractor in the Claim Process

A good contractor does much more than just install shingles. They manage the claim workflow. They will provide the detailed inspection report for your claim. They will meet the adjuster. They will review the insurance estimate and prepare any necessary supplements. They will help you understand your options for materials and upgrades. They will handle the permitting process with your local city or county building department, which is a legal requirement. They will provide you with a detailed contract that aligns with the insurance scope of work and clearly states your financial responsibility (typically just your deductible).

Common Roof Damage Types and How Insurance Views Them

Not all damage is treated equally by insurance companies. Understanding the specifics helps you know what to look for and what to argue for.

Hail Damage: The Most Common Claim

Hail damage is very common in Texas. It appears as circular bruises or fractures on asphalt shingles where the granules have been knocked off, exposing the black mat underneath. Insurance companies typically cover functional hail damage that reduces the lifespan of the roof. Some policies have exclusions for purely cosmetic damage. A professional roofer can demonstrate how hail fractures compromise the shingle's integrity, making it a functional issue. Manufacturers like CertainTeed have specific criteria for what constitutes hail damage requiring replacement.

Wind Damage and Uplift

High winds can lift and tear shingles, breaking the sealant strips. You may see creased or missing shingles. Wind can also damage flashing around chimneys, vents, and walls. Most policies cover wind damage. The key is proving it was a sudden, catastrophic event (a storm) and not gradual deterioration from lack of maintenance. Proper installation per the manufacturer's instructions and local building codes, like those in the International Residential Code (IRC), is critical for wind resistance.

Water Damage and Leaks from Storm Events

Insurance covers water damage that is the direct result of a covered peril. If a windstorm tears shingles and then rain enters, that interior water damage is typically covered. However, if a leak develops slowly over years from worn-out flashing, that is considered a maintenance issue and is not covered. This distinction is why immediate inspection and documentation after a storm is so vital. It establishes the direct link between the storm event and the damage.

Navigating Claim Denials, Underpayments, and Supplements

It is common for the first insurance estimate to be insufficient. Do not view a denial or low estimate as the final answer. This is a negotiation process.

Why Claims Get Denied or Underpaid

Claims are often denied for reasons like "wear and tear" or "lack of maintenance." The insurance company may argue the roof was at the end of its life anyway. This is where your contractor's pre-inspection report is powerful. It documents the specific, sudden damage from the storm event. Underpayments happen when the insurance estimate uses lower-quality material prices or omits necessary work items like full decking replacement if plywood is soft or code-required upgrades.

The Supplement Process: Getting What You Deserve

A supplement is a formal request for additional funds from the insurance company. Your contractor prepares this. It includes photos, diagrams, and written explanations justifying extra costs. Common supplements include: additional plywood sheathing replacement discovered during tear-off, upgraded underlayment to meet code, proper ventilation calculations, and complex flashing details for hips and valleys. The contractor submits this to the adjuster. Most reputable insurers have a process for reviewing and approving supplements. It is a normal part of the process, not a fight.

When to Involve a Public Adjuster or Attorney

If your claim is wrongfully denied and negotiations with your insurer stall, you may consider a public adjuster. A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company, to assess the damage and negotiate the claim. They typically charge a percentage of the final settlement (e.g., 10%). This is an option for very large, complex claims. Legal action is a last resort. Always try to resolve issues through your contractor and the insurance company's own appeal process first.

Real Project Case Studies: Lessons from the Field

Here are two real examples from my work with homeowners, with details changed for privacy.

Case Study 1: Hail Damage in Kingwood

A homeowner in Kingwood called after a severe spring hailstorm. They had minor ceiling stains. Our inspection found classic hail bruising on 80% of their 25-square roof. The granules were lost, exposing the mat. We documented it with close-up photos and a drone map. The homeowner filed a claim. At the adjuster meeting, we showed how each bruise was a future leak point. The initial insurance estimate was for a repair. We supplemented with manufacturer documentation on hail damage and a full roof measurement. The supplement was approved. Outcome: The homeowner received a full roof replacement with GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, synthetic underlayment, and new leak barrier. They paid only their deductible.

Case Study 2: Wind Damage and a Low Initial Estimate

A homeowner in The Woodlands had shingles torn off in a straight-line wind event. The insurance adjuster estimated for a partial repair of only the visibly missing shingles. Our inspection revealed that the wind had broken the sealant tabs on hundreds of surrounding shingles, making them vulnerable. We also found the decking fastener schedule did not meet current wind code requirements. We submitted a supplement for a full roof replacement and for upgrading the decking attachment to meet the 2018 International Residential Code for high-wind regions. After review, the insurance company approved the full replacement. The new roof was installed to modern wind-resistant standards, giving the homeowner better protection and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will filing a roof claim raise my insurance rates?

It might, but not always. Insurance companies consider many factors. A single claim for a major, unpreventable weather event may not cause a spike. However, multiple claims in a short period can label you as high-risk. It's always best to discuss potential impacts with your insurance agent before filing, if you have time. For legitimate storm damage, you should not hesitate to use the coverage you pay for.

How long do I have to file a claim after a storm?

This is defined by your policy, often 12 to 24 months from the date of loss. However, do not wait. File as soon as possible. Memories fade, damage can worsen, and evidence becomes harder to link directly to a specific storm event. Immediate action strengthens your claim.

Can I choose any roofing contractor, or do I have to use the insurance company's preferred one?

You have the right to choose your own contractor. You are not required to use the insurance company's "preferred vendor." It is your home and your investment. Choose a contractor you trust, who is local, licensed, and has a strong reputation. A preferred vendor may prioritize the insurance company's relationship over your best interest.

What if my roof is old? Will insurance still pay to replace it?

If the storm caused sudden, accidental damage, age alone is not a reason for denial. However, if the roof is very old and in poor condition, the insurer may try to apply depreciation (if you have an ACV policy) or argue that the damage was due to wear and tear. A professional inspection that clearly identifies the new, storm-caused damage is your best defense against this argument.

What is "code upgrade" coverage, and do I have it?

Building codes change over time. Your roof, built 20 years ago, may not meet today's codes. Code upgrade coverage (or Ordinance or Law coverage) pays the extra cost to bring the damaged part of your home up to current code during repairs. Check your policy. If you have it, it is crucial. For example, if current code requires more roof deck fasteners or different ventilation, this coverage pays for those upgrades. Without it, you pay the difference.

Should I get multiple bids from roofing contractors?

For an insurance job, getting multiple bids on the price is less important than vetting the contractor's expertise and process. The price is largely set by the insurance company's estimate and supplements. Focus on getting multiple opinions on the damage and the scope of work. Choose the contractor who provides the most thorough inspection, clearest communication, and demonstrates the most knowledge about the insurance process and local building codes.

What happens if the insurance money is more than the contractor's final bill?

This is called an "overage." It can happen if the insurance estimate is generous or if you choose simpler materials than what was estimated. The insurance settlement check is made out to you and your mortgage company. You are entitled to any overage after the contractor is paid in full and the work is completed. It is your money. A reputable contractor will only charge you for the work outlined in the agreed-upon contract.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Home and Your Investment

Navigating a roof insurance claim can feel daunting, but with the right knowledge and the right partner, it is a manageable process. Remember, you have a contract with your insurance company. You pay premiums for coverage against events like hailstorms and high winds. When such an event damages your roof, you have the right to a fair settlement to restore your home. The key steps are: know your policy, get a professional inspection first, be present at the adjuster meeting, and hire a reputable, local contractor who will advocate for you. Do not accept the first estimate as final if it seems low. Use the supplement process. Your home is your most valuable asset. A properly installed, code-compliant roof is its first line of defense. Taking the time to manage this process correctly ensures you get a quality roof that will protect your family and your investment for the next 20 to 30 years. If you're in the Texas area and have questions after a storm, don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted local professional for a no-obligation inspection and honest advice.