Storm Damage to Roof Covered by Insurance: Your Complete Claim Guide from a Texas Roofer

I have been a licensed roofing contractor in Texas for over 18 years. Our team has completed more than 3,200 residential roofing projects. We hold certifications from major manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed. This experience gives me a unique perspective on what homeowners face after a storm. I have seen the stress and confusion that follows hail, wind, and water damage. My goal is to share real-world knowledge to help you navigate this difficult process.

This article exists to solve a specific problem. Homeowners often feel lost when dealing with insurance after storm damage. They do not know what their policy covers. They are unsure how to document damage properly. They worry about being taken advantage of by contractors or adjusters. This guide answers all those questions. It provides a clear, step-by-step path forward. You will learn how to protect your home and your wallet.

The information here comes from direct experience. I have gathered insights from thousands of customer projects. I reference manufacturer specifications for materials like asphalt shingles and metal roofing. I follow the International Residential Code (IRC) for proper installation. I also study data from the Insurance Information Institute. My recommendations are based on proven methods that work for real Texas homeowners. This is not just theory. It is practical advice from the field.

Understanding Your Homeowner's Insurance Policy

Your insurance policy is a legal contract. It defines what is covered and what is not. Most standard policies cover sudden, accidental damage from storms. This includes wind, hail, and falling objects. However, the details matter greatly. You must understand your specific coverage before you file a claim.

Types of Coverage: ACV vs. RCV

There are two main types of coverage for your roof. Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays for the value of your roof at the time of the loss. It factors in depreciation based on the roof's age. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays to replace your roof with a new one of similar quality. RCV coverage is much better for homeowners. You typically pay more for this premium coverage.

With RCV, the insurance company often pays in two parts. They issue an initial check for the Actual Cash Value. After you complete the repairs and provide proof, they release the recoverable depreciation. This is the difference between ACV and the full replacement cost. Knowing your coverage type is the first critical step.

Common Exclusions and Limitations

Insurance policies have exclusions. Most do not cover damage from lack of maintenance or wear and tear. If your roof was already old and failing, a storm might not be the sole cause of damage. Many policies have a wind/hail deductible. This is often a percentage of your home's insured value, not a flat dollar amount. A 1% deductible on a $400,000 home is $4,000. You pay that amount before insurance pays anything.

Some policies exclude specific types of damage. For example, they may not cover cosmetic hail damage to certain metal roofs. Always read your policy's declarations page. Contact your agent with specific questions. The Insurance Information Institute is a great resource for understanding policy basics.

Identifying Storm Damage: What Adjusters and Roofers Look For

After a storm, you need to know what to look for. Some damage is obvious. Missing shingles or a large tree limb on your roof are clear signs. Other damage is subtle. Hail hits or wind-lifted shingles can be hard to spot from the ground. A professional inspection is always recommended for safety.

Hail Damage Indicators

Hail damage is not just about dents. On asphalt shingles, look for bruising. This appears as dark spots where the granules have been knocked off, exposing the black asphalt mat. Check for random impact marks with no clear pattern. Look at metal components like roof vents, flashing, and gutters for dings. Hail can also crack the fiberglass mat underneath the shingle granules. This compromises the shingle's waterproofing ability.

Manufacturers have specific criteria for what constitutes functional hail damage. For example, a GAF shingle may be considered damaged if there are 8-10 hits per 100 square feet that fracture the mat. An adjuster will use a hail damage checklist to assess this.

Wind Damage Signs

High winds can lift and tear shingles. Look for creasing or tearing at the shingle tabs. Check for missing shingles entirely. Wind can also break the sealant strip between shingles. This allows wind to get underneath and cause further lifting. Pay attention to ridge caps and hip shingles, as they are particularly vulnerable. Wind can also damage flashing around chimneys and vents, creating immediate leak paths.

According to the International Residential Code, roofing materials must be installed to resist specific wind speeds. If they were not installed correctly, they are more likely to fail in a storm. A good roofer will check the installation method as part of their assessment.

The Step-by-Step Insurance Claim Process

Following the right process protects your claim. Do not rush to call a contractor first. Do not immediately call your insurance company without documentation. Here is the proven sequence we recommend to our clients.

1. Ensure Safety First: If there is immediate danger like a tree through the roof, evacuate the area. Cover interior leaks with tarps to prevent water damage to your belongings. Safety is always the top priority.
2. Document Everything: Take clear photos and videos of the damage from the ground. Get wide shots of the entire roof line and close-ups of specific issues. Also document damage to other property like fences, sheds, and landscaping. Create a written list of all observed damage.
3. Contact a Reputable Roofer for a Free Inspection: Hire a local, licensed, and insured roofing contractor. They should provide a thorough, no-obligation inspection. A good roofer will provide a detailed report with photos. This report is your evidence.
4. File Your Insurance Claim: Call your insurance company to start the claim. Provide your policy number and a simple description of the event and damage. They will assign you a claim number and an adjuster.
5. Meet with the Insurance Adjuster: The adjuster will schedule a time to inspect your roof. It is crucial that your chosen roofing contractor is present for this meeting. The contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss and explain repair complexities.
6. Review the Insurance Estimate: The adjuster will write an estimate called a scope of loss. This details the repairs and the insurance company's payment amount. Your roofer should review this line-by-line with you. They will compare it to their own detailed estimate for the full repair.
7. Negotiate if Necessary: If the insurance estimate is too low or misses items, your roofer can help you negotiate. They can provide documentation, such as manufacturer requirements or local building code mandates, to justify additional costs.
8. Schedule the Repair: Once the estimate is approved and you understand your deductible, you can sign a contract with your roofer. A reputable company will not ask for full payment upfront. They will work with you on a payment schedule tied to project milestones.

Working with Roofing Contractors: Red Flags and Green Flags

Storm chasers often descend on neighborhoods after major weather events. These are out-of-town contractors looking for quick insurance money. They frequently provide poor workmanship and offer no long-term warranty. Choosing the right contractor is as important as the insurance process itself.

Green Flags: Signs of a Good Contractor

• Local and Established: They have a physical office in your community. They have been in business for many years. You can find their trucks around town.
• Proper Licensing and Insurance: They can provide proof of a state-issued contractor's license and general liability insurance. They should also carry workers' compensation insurance for their crew.
• Manufacturer Certifications: Certifications from companies like Owens Corning or CertainTeed show they are trained to install those specific products correctly. This often comes with enhanced warranties.
• Detailed, Written Estimates: Their proposal should be clear and thorough. It should list all materials by brand and type, include all labor, and detail the work scope, including cleanup and disposal.
• Strong References and Reviews: They willingly provide references from past customers. They have positive reviews on Google, BBB, and other trusted sites. They stand behind their work with a strong warranty.

Red Flags: Warning Signs to Avoid

• Door-to-Door Solicitations: Be wary of anyone who shows up uninvited claiming they "just happened to be in the neighborhood" and saw your damage.
• Pressure to Sign Quickly: They offer a "today only" discount or pressure you to sign a contract immediately. This is a high-pressure sales tactic.
• Asks for Upfront Payment: A reputable roofer will not ask for the full payment before any work begins. They may require a deposit for materials, but this should be reasonable.
• Offers to Pay Your Deductible: This is illegal in Texas and many other states. It is insurance fraud. The deductible is your responsibility as part of the insurance contract.
• No Local Address or References: They only have a P.O. box or a temporary hotel address. They cannot provide local customer references.

Real Project Case Studies and Outcomes

Let me share two real examples from our work. These show how the process can unfold differently.

Case Study 1: The Successful Negotiation

A homeowner in Kingwood had significant hail damage. The insurance adjuster's initial estimate was for a partial repair of only the most damaged slopes. Our inspection showed functional hail damage across the entire roof. The mat was fractured in hundreds of places. We provided the adjuster with close-up photos and the manufacturer's damage criteria. We explained that repairing only part of the roof would leave it with inconsistent performance and appearance. After reviewing our evidence, the adjuster agreed. The claim was revised to a full roof replacement. The homeowner received the full value of their RCV policy, minus their deductible.

Case Study 2: The Denied Claim and Why

Another homeowner called us after a windstorm. They had several missing shingles. Upon inspection, we found the underlying issue. The roof was over 25 years old. The shingles were badly curled and brittle from sun exposure. The sealant strips had completely failed. The wind damage was real, but the primary cause was wear and tear. The roof was at the end of its service life. The insurance claim was denied because the damage was not sudden and accidental. It was due to age and deterioration. We helped the homeowner understand this and provided options for a new roof outside of an insurance claim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will filing a claim make my insurance rates go up?

It might, but not always. A single claim for a major, unpreventable event like a hailstorm may not trigger an increase. However, multiple claims in a short period likely will. You should file a claim for significant damage. Do not file for minor repairs that cost just slightly more than your deductible. Discuss the potential impact with your insurance agent before filing if you are unsure.

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

Most policies require you to file a claim within one year of the date of loss. However, you should act much sooner. Damage can worsen over time. Evidence can become less clear. Memories fade. It is best to inspect and document damage within a few weeks of the storm. This gives you the strongest position for your claim.

Can I keep the insurance money and not repair the roof?

Technically, the insurance payment is intended to make the repairs. If you have a mortgage, your lender will often be listed on the check. They will require the repairs to be completed to protect their investment in the property. If you own your home outright, you could keep the money, but it is risky. The existing damage could lead to leaks, mold, and structural issues. Future claims for related damage may be denied if you did not make the initial repairs.

What if the insurance estimate is less than my contractor's estimate?

This is common. The insurance estimate is based on regional pricing databases. Your contractor's estimate is based on actual local material and labor costs. Your contractor should provide a detailed line-item estimate to compare. They can then submit a supplement to the insurance company. This supplement includes items the adjuster missed or underpriced, supported by photos and documentation. Most claims involve some negotiation to reach a fair settlement.

What is "code upgrade" coverage?

Building codes change over time. Your roof was installed to the code when it was built. If codes have changed, your insurance may cover the cost to bring the new roof up to current code. This is called Ordinance or Law coverage. For example, modern codes may require different nail patterns or additional ice and water shield. Check your policy to see if you have this coverage. It can add significant cost to a repair that your basic policy might not cover.

Should I get multiple roofing estimates before filing a claim?

No. Get one thorough inspection from a highly reputable contractor. Use their report to file your claim. Getting multiple estimates at this stage is confusing and unnecessary. The insurance company will determine the value of the loss based on their adjuster's report, not your contractor's bid. After you have the insurance scope of loss, you can get bids from 2-3 reputable contractors to perform the work outlined in that scope.

Conclusion: Your Path Forward After Storm Damage

Dealing with storm damage is stressful. Remember, you are not alone. Your insurance policy is there to help you recover. The key is knowledge and the right partners. Understand your coverage. Document everything thoroughly. Choose a local, reputable roofing contractor to be your advocate. Do not let pressure or confusion lead you to make a poor decision.

Your home is your biggest investment. Protecting it requires a careful, informed approach. Use this guide as your roadmap. Take a deep breath and follow the steps. A successful claim and a quality roof repair will restore your peace of mind. Your new roof will protect your family and your home for years to come. If you are in the Texas area and have questions, reach out to a trusted local professional. We are here to help you navigate this storm.