How to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Texas

Prioritize Safety: First, ensure your family is safe. Watch for downed power lines or other hazards. If your home is severely damaged, evacuate immediately.

Document Everything (Before Touching Anything): This is the most critical step. Use your phone to take numerous photos and videos of the roof damage, damaged gutters, window screens, and any hail on the ground (use a coin or ruler for scale). This evidence is vital for your claim.

Prevent Further Damage: Make temporary, reasonable repairs to prevent more water from getting in. This could mean putting a tarp on the roof or covering a broken window. Keep all receipts for materials you buy for these temporary fixes, as they are often reimbursable.

Review Your Policy: Find your homeowner's policy documents. You need to know two key things: your deductible (the amount you pay) and whether you have Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage. Most policies are RCV, which pays for a full replacement, but it's crucial to check.

Call a Reputable Local Roofer: Before calling your insurance, have a trusted, local roofing contractor like Blue Square Roofing perform an inspection. We can verify the extent of the damage and provide a free, no-obligation assessment to confirm if filing a claim is worthwhile. An experienced roofer acts as your advocate.

Contact Your Insurance Company: With your roofer's assessment in hand, call your insurance company's claims department. Provide them with the date of the storm and your policy number. You will be assigned a claim number – keep it safe.

Schedule the Adjuster Meeting: The insurance company will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage. Schedule their visit and, most importantly, ensure your roofing contractor is present for this meeting. A professional from Blue Square Roofing can point out all the damage and ensure a fair assessment, using the same terminology as the adjuster.

Review the Adjuster's Report: You will receive a summary of damages and a settlement offer. Review this document carefully with your contractor to make sure nothing was missed.

The Two-Check Process (RCV):

• First Check (ACV): You'll typically receive an initial check for the Actual Cash Value (the value of the roof minus depreciation), less your deductible. You use this to start the repairs.
• Second Check (Depreciation): After your roofer completes the work and sends a final invoice to the insurance company, the insurer will release the remaining funds (the "recoverable depreciation").

Don't Panic: A denial is not the end of the road. Common reasons for denial include lack of maintenance, wear & tear, or improper installation.

Request an Explanation: Ask the insurer for a written explanation of the denial.

File an Appeal: You can ask for a re-inspection with a different adjuster. Provide any new evidence you have gathered.

Contact the TDI: If you cannot resolve the dispute, you can file a formal complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). If you feel overwhelmed, Blue Square Roofing can help review your documents and recommend next steps.